Every year, the Office of Undergraduate Research sponsors up to five Excellence in Undergraduate Research Awards to undergraduate students involved in research/creative work at the University of Iowa. The OUR looks for second or third-year students at the University of Iowa who demonstrate a rigorous discipline of study in their respected area. 

For 2024, the OUR has chosen five undergraduate researchers who represent different research areas on campus. Their contributions have built up the University of Iowa's research community and embody student research in action. 

The Office of Undergraduate Research proudly presents the 2024 EURA Winners!

Max Halbach

Max Halbach currently studies History and Education as a junior at the University of Iowa. In addition, he is working toward an Anthropology Minor and a certificate in Native American Indigenous Studies. Director of Graduate Studies and History Department Associate Professor Tom Arne Midtrød, facilitates Halbach's research endeavors. 

Learn more about Max here. 

Jasmyn Hoeger

Jasmyn Hoeger currently studies Biology as a sophomore at the University of Iowa. In addition, she is on the Cellular and Developmental Track and is busy collaborating with her mentor. Her mentor, Associate Professor Ryan Boudreau, specializes in Internal Medicine while facilitating Hoeger's research endeavors. 

Learn more about Jasmyn here.

Grayson Talaski

Grayson Talaski currently studies Biomedical Engineering as a junior at the University of Iowa. In addition, he is working toward a Chemistry Minor and specializes in Pre-Medicine. His mentor, Professor Don Anderson, specializes in Orthopedics and Rehabilitation while facilitating Talaski's research endeavors. 

Learn more about Grayson here. 

Sam Thompson

Samantha Thompson currently studies Biochemistry and Molecular Biology as a junior at the University of Iowa. In addition, she is working toward a Spanish Minor and is busy collaborating with her mentor. Her mentor, Professor Christopher Ahern, specializes in Molecular Physiology and Biophysics while facilitating Thompson's research endeavors. 

Learn more about Sam here.

Sabrina Vlk

Sabrina Vlk currently studies Mechanical Engineering as a junior at the University of Iowa. In addition, she is working toward a minor in Mathematics and earning an AIMS certificate. Her mentor, Assistant Professor Venanzio Cichella, specializes in Mechanical Engineering while facilitating Vlk's research endeavors. 

Learn more about Sabrina here. 

Thank you to our five award winners and to all those who applied! If you're interested in learning more about the Excellence in Undergraduate Research Award, check out our Awards page for more information.