"I am immensely grateful to the Office of Undergraduate Research for providing the funding and enabling me to make this trip."

Every year, the Office of Undergraduate Research supports student development by granting travel awards packages to undergraduate researchers. These grants support the travel costs for attending a professional conference or professional development event. Students can apply for up to $500 dollars in support. 

For many students, these opportunities serve as networking events, professional development opportunities, and a unique way to engage with research! 

To Joy Curry, the travel award was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to talk with people in her field. 

Joy Curry

From Cedar Rapids, IA, Curry is an undergraduate working toward a BA in History with certificates in Museum Studies and Museum Studies. 

Joy's research centers around historical garments sewing--particularly stays. Her studies revolve around access to clothing, what clothing said about gender, how the clothing was created, etc. 

She was invited to be a part of the Dare To campaign, a program highlighting student researchers throughout downtown Iowa City using banners and website promotions. Click here to learn more. 

For Curry's travel opportunity, Museum Studies professors Dr. Trusty and Dr. Hartmann invited her to attend the Iowa Museum Association's Annual Meeting. 

"It was a wonderful experience! I was able to see panels by experienced people in the field, see a variety of museums in Council Bluffs, and meet museum people from all across Iowa! I had tons of fun going on a tour of American Midwest Ballet's costume archive in particular; it was interesting to see how the costumes were stored and how they were designed to last through reuse!"

Joy Curry was one of 63 recipients of the travel award. We are thrilled to see her thrive! 

For more information about travel award eligibility and relevant deadlines, visit the Travel Award information page here.

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