About Us
The Office for Undergraduate Research promotes creative inquiry as a defining part of the UB experience. We connect students and faculty mentors with the resources and opportunities that help ask bold questions, explore new ideas, build knowledge and advance new understanding across every field of study.
Meet the Team
Claire S. Schen, PhD
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship
Claire S. Schen is the associate dean for undergraduate research and scholarship in Undergraduate Education. She leads the university’s vision and support for undergraduate research at UB, working with faculty, staff and students from across the university to foster learning through research, creative activity and scholarship for all undergraduates. Schen joined UB in 2002 as an assistant professor and has held other administrative roles, including associate dean for undergraduate education in the College of Arts and Sciences (2016-19), where she was involved in numerous initiatives in support of curricular innovation, including committees that developed the UB Curriculum and UB Seminar. Schen is also an associate professor in UB’s Department of History. A social historian, Schen focuses on the history of Britain prior to 1800. She has published on the history of London, Reformation in England, women and religious change, poverty, charity, and old age, and more recently on piracy and captivity in the Mediterranean Sea and eastern Atlantic Ocean in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Her research on captivity has led her to digital scholarship involving mapping and social network visualizations. Exploring new research and platforms informs her approach to teaching and mentoring undergraduates through innovative research activities and projects. Schen is a graduate of Brown University (AB History) and earned her PhD in Comparative History from Brandeis University.
OFFICE HOURS WITH DR. SCHEN
Stop by 401 Capen Hall to learn more about engaging in undergraduate research at UB. Share your interests and ideas, and gain advice on pursuing your goals.
Spring 2026 office hours:
- Tuesdays 2-3 p.m.
- Fridays 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Christina Heath
Director
Since 2013, Christina Heath has served in various roles at the University at Buffalo, helping students find meaningful, real-world learning opportunities. As co-designer of the Project Portal and digital badge series for the former Experiential Learning Network, she continues to focus on cultivating projects for undergraduate students through building and strengthening strategic partnerships both on and off campus. Heath oversees the digital badge series that guides students through all phases of their project experience from start to finish while ensuring they take the time to reflect on and leverage what they accomplish. She manages the planning and facilitation of the annual Celebration of Student Academic Excellence Student Showcase. Additionally, Heath works closely with faculty and programs across campus to help them design career-relevant projects for their students, utilizing our digital badge while also supporting their pursuit and implementation of grants.
Carissa Iacuzzo
Program Coordinator
Since 2022, Carissa Iacuzzo has served the University at Buffalo as a graduate intern, assisting students with mentorship and academic support. She has had the opportunity to provide academic coaching to students through Tutoring and Academic Support Services. Iacuzzo has experience in the Office of Micro-Credentials, awarding students digital badges and collaborating with faculty to propose new micro-credentials. As the program coordinator, she serves as the main point of contact for students, working to establish their awareness of and engagement with our offerings. She oversees and monitors student progress through the digital badge requirements and provides outreach to ensure student success. Lastly, Iacuzzo coordinates the annual Celebration of Student Academic Excellence, to showcase student research and projects.
Connect with us.
112 Capen Hall, Buffalo, NY 14260
undergrad-research@buffalo.edu
716-645-8177