Murf 2024-2025 Survey Report
Recipients of the Mines Undergraduate Research Fellowship (MURF) and their mentors are asked to complete a final survey near the end of the fellowship. This report highlights results of the final surveys from the Academic Year 2024-25 MURF program.
overall impact
100%
said their MURF experience contributed to their professional development
98%
said their MURF experience contributed to their personal development
81%
said their MURF experience refined their goals and career path
92%
said their MURF experience increased their self-confidence
91%
said their MURF experience made good use of their time
self efficacy
After completing MURF, participants were confident or very confident in their ability to:
89%
manage their time
compared with 71% of students before MURF.
90%
handle unforseen circumstances
compared with 64% of students before MURF.
89%
communicate effectively
compared with 57% of students before MURF.
90%
work independently
compared with 59% of students before MURF.
92%
work collaboratively
compared with 77% of students before MURF.
88%
apply disciplinary knowledge and skills
compared with 44% of students before MURF.
65%
sustain complex arguments
compared with 38% of students before MURF.
92%
maintain ethical standards
compared with 85% of students before MURF.
“I’ve developed into a confident researcher capable of solving complex synthesis problems, creating publication-quality figures, and effectively communicating research to diverse audiences—from the general public to subject-matter experts. When I presented at the Electronic Materials and Applications conference this February, I was able to confidently tackle challenging questions from established PIs.”
– MURF Participant, 2024-2025
Learning Outcomes
After completing MURF, participants were confident or very confident in their ability to:
76%
Understand relevant contemporary concepts in their field of study
compared with 26% of students before MURF.
81%
Make use of relevant primary research literature in their field of study
compared with 32% of students before MURF.
73%
Identify a specific question for investigation based on the literature in their field of study
compared with 24% of students before MURF.
73%
Design an experiment or theoretical test of a hypothesis, critically evaluating methods and materials
compared with 30% of students before MURF.
82%
Organize and synthesize evidence to reveal insightful patterns, differences, or similarities
compared with 33% of students before MURF.
87%
State a conclusion that is a logical extrapolation from project results
compared with 37% of students before MURF.
79%
Relate results to the “bigger picture” in their field of study
compared with 30% of students before MURF.
87%
Assess the limitations and/or implications of their work
compared with 40% of students before MURF.
87%
Orally communicate the results of my project
compared with 35% of students before MURF.
46%
Write a paper for publication, understanding the ethical and legal restrictions on its use
compared with 17% of students before MURF.
Student Evaluation of Mentors
After completing MURF, 94% of participants said they would recommend their mentor to others.
Participants also rated their mentor as being good, very good, or excellent at:
95%
communicating clearly
93%
explaining expectations fully
92%
providing opportunities for input
92%
being available for questions
98%
supporting my professional development
98%
being approachable and friendly
“Participating in authentic research experiences as an undergraduate powerfully contextualizes classroom learning with real-world application. Through faculty-mentored research, students deepen their understanding of their discipline and cultivate a passion for inquiry and discovery. These opportunities bridge curricular knowledge with professional development, equipping students with the skills and confidence needed to excel in their chosen field of study. As a cornerstone of experiential learning, undergraduate research enriches the educational journey and prepares students to become future leaders and innovators in academia and beyond.”
Lakshmi Krishna, Director of Mines’ Office of Undergraduate Research
Mentor Evaluation of Students
100%
of mentors Would recommend the Murf fellowship to others
100%
of mentors Said their Mentee met their expectations
Self Effifacy
Mentors were confident or very confident that their mentees can. . .
Manage their time well (91%)
Handle unforseen circumstances (87%)
Communicate effectively (96%)
Work independently (91%)
Work collaboratively (96%)
Apply disciplinary knowledge/skills (100%)
Sustain complex arguments (96%)
Maintain ethical standards (100%)
Learning Outcomes
Mentors were confident or very confident that their mentees can. . .
Understand relevant contemporary concepts in their field of study (the assumptions, vocabulary, theories, etc.) (91%)
Make use of relevant primary research literature in their field of study (e.g. journal articles), synthesizing in-depth information from sources representing various points of view and approaches (96%)
Identify a specific question for investigation based on the literature in their field of study (91%)
Design an experiment or theoretical test of a hypothesis, critically evaluating methods and materials (83%)
Organize and synthesize evidence to reveal insightful patterns, differences, or similarities (91%)
State a conclusion that is a logical extrapolation from project results (95%)
Relate results/conclusions to the “bigger picture” in their field of study, situating it appropriately with similar studies (91%)
Assess the limitations and/or implications (ethical and otherwise) of their work (100%)
Orally communicate the results of their project (100%)
Write a paper for publication with an understanding of the ethical and legal restrictions on the use of published, confidential, and/or proprietary information (78%)
Testimonials
Student Testimonials
“The MURF program provided me with the opportunity to work in multidisciplinary teams, where I developed strong communication and collaboration skills while contributing to complex real-world research. This experience fostered my technical and professional growth, encouraging me to think across disciplines and adapt quickly to new challenges.”
– MURF Participant, 2024-2025
“Before participating in FIRST and MURF, I was unsure about pursuing a Ph.D. However, my experience as a fellow in FIRST and then MURF not only solidified my decision to pursue a Ph.D. but equipped me with the skills and experience that helped me gain acceptance into a top-rated Ph.D. program directly from my undergraduate degree. Furthermore, FIRST and MURF have provided a unique opportunity to connect with faculty outside the typical classroom setting. I strongly recommend FIRST and MURF to any undergrad at Mines who is interested in research!”
– MURF Participant, 2024-2025
“MURF has provided me the opportunity to explore beyond my academic boundaries and apply my skills across new fields. MURF has not only strengthened personal academic abilities but also skills in collaboration and communication, specifically discussing complex topics clearly and working effectively with others.”
– MURF Participant, 2024-2025
“As a transfer student, I wasn’t sure what kind of opportunities would be available to me, but MURF ended up being one of the most valuable parts of my academic experience. I gained hands-on research skills, a clearer sense of where I want to go in my career, and personal growth that I know I’ll carry with me beyond my time at Mines. I received valuable mentorship and expanded my horizons in my field and for future career options.”
– MURF Participant, 2024-2025
Mentor Testimonials
“My experience with MURF has been very positive. It allows more undergraduate students to get into labs and get first-hand experience with research. Additionally, MURF provides framework for the research to the benefit of the mentee and mentor (i.e. defining a research problem and expectations). Finally, the requirement to present the work at the undergraduate research symposium allows for the mentees to showcase what they have accomplished, developing their communications skills and building confidence.”
– MURF Research Mentor, 2024-2025
“I highly appreciate the MURF and SURF programs as they are the most effective ways to engage outstanding students to work on cutting edge research projects.”
– MURF Research Mentor, 2024-2025
“I love this program in getting students involved in research. Thank you for all you do!”
– MURF Research Mentor, 2024-2025