The Center for Undergraduate Research Experiences (CURE), based in the Office of Research, leads, supports and facilitates student-faculty research collaborations throughout the Schools and Colleges of Pace University. The Center’s work is building upon forty years of undergraduate research in Dyson College as a high-impact educational practice that advances student success.
Recognizing that dedicated faculty mentoring leads to transformative student learning, the Center sponsors programs and seeks to develop new initiatives that broaden student participation in undergraduate research. Growing numbers of student researchers will further diversity, equity and inclusion in academic achievement, and enrich and expand the University’s research culture.
Undergraduate research is a faculty-mentored inquiry or investigation conducted by an undergraduate student that makes a scholarly or creative contribution to a field of knowledge.
Center for Undergraduate Research Experiences
Dr. Maria Iacullo-Bird, Keynote Address, “The Transformative Power of Experiential Learning; Some American Perspectives on Student Research,” Second German Conference on Student Research, September 21, 2017, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany.
Reasons to engage in Undergraduate Research
- Enhance student learning through mentoring relationships with faculty
- Increase retention and graduation in academic programs
- Increase enrollment in graduate education and provide effective career preparation
- Develop critical thinking, creativity, problem solving, and intellectual independence
- Develop an understanding of research methodology
- Promote an innovation-oriented culture
Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR)
Meet the Staff
Maria T. Iacullo-Bird, Ph.D.
Assistant Provost for Research
Office: (212) 346-1112
Fax: (212) 346-1078
41 Park Row
New York, NY 10038
Email: miacullobird@pace.edu
Maria T. Iacullo-Bird, Ph.D, Assistant Provost for Research and Clinical Associate Professor of History. Dr. Iacullo-Bird has an extensive background in supporting student research and creative inquiry through her oversight for the Society of Fellows of Dyson College and her leadership in the nationally based Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR). First elected in 2013 as a CUR Councilor, Dr. Iacullo-Bird served as the CUR Arts and Humanities Chair from 2016-2019 and currently is a member of the CUR Executive Board. She also is active in the international undergraduate research community as a member of the Alliance for Global Undergraduate Research (AGUR).
Norma I. Quiridumbay
Director of Operations, CURE
Office: (212) 346-1816
Fax: (212) 346-1078
41 Park Row
New York, NY 10038
Email: nquiridumbay@pace.edu
Norma I. Quiridumbay has worked for Pace University since 2004. Ms. Quiridumbay earned her BBA degree in Public Accounting in 2013 from the Lubin School of Business. As the Director of Operations, she manages the daily financial and administrative activities of the Center for Undergraduate Research Experiences. Her years of experience at Pace enable her to provide extensive support to programs and initiatives. As a first-generation college student, she is passionate about her work with student support initiatives that include undergraduate research, Jumpstart for Young Children, and the federal TRIO grants.