Murf 2025-2026 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 2025-26 MURF program.
overall impact
98%
said they would recommend MURF to others
98%
said their MURF experience contributed to their personal development
96%
said their MURF experience contributed to their professional development
82%
said their MURF experience increased their self-confidence
81%
said their MURF experience made good use of their time
63%
said their MURF experience refined their goals and career path
self efficacy
After completing MURF, participants were confident or very confident in their ability to:
82%
manage their time
compared with 73% of students before MURF.
89%
handle unforseen circumstances
compared with 64% of students before MURF.
91%
communicate effectively
compared with 57% of students before MURF.
84%
work independently
compared with 59% of students before MURF.
96%
work collaboratively
compared with 77% of students before MURF.
84%
apply disciplinary knowledge and skills
compared with 57% of students before MURF.
70%
sustain complex arguments
compared with 45% of students before MURF.
89%
maintain ethical standards
compared with 77% of students before MURF.
“MURF was the first opportunity that I had to step into a lab and explore what it means to be a researcher. It provided me with the resources and platform to establish myself as a scientist and gain independence as a undergraduate researcher. This experience has prepared me to explore my first independent project and have the skills to stand out for graduate school.”
– MURF Participant, 2025-2026
Learning Outcomes
After completing MURF, participants were confident or very confident in their ability to:
89%
Understand relevant contemporary concepts in their field of study
compared with 27% of students before MURF.
82%
Make use of relevant primary research literature in their field of study
compared with 35% of students before MURF.
67%
Identify a specific question for investigation based on the literature in their field of study
compared with 30% of students before MURF.
68%
Design an experiment or theoretical test of a hypothesis, critically evaluating methods and materials
compared with 23% of students before MURF.
86%
Organize and synthesize evidence to reveal insightful patterns, differences, or similarities
compared with 32% of students before MURF.
84%
State a conclusion that is a logical extrapolation from project results
compared with 42% of students before MURF.
87%
Relate results to the “bigger picture” in their field of study
compared with 43% of students before MURF.
75%
Assess the limitations and/or implications of their work
compared with 48% of students before MURF.
84%
Orally communicate the results of my project
compared with 34% of students before MURF.
34%
Write a paper for publication, understanding the ethical and legal restrictions on its use
compared with 14% of students before MURF.
Student Evaluation of Mentors
After completing MURF, 98% of participants said they would recommend their mentor to others.
Participants also rated their mentor as being good, very good, or excellent at:
92%
communicating clearly
85%
explaining expectations fully
92%
providing opportunities for input
85%
being available for questions
92%
supporting my professional development
92%
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
85%
of mentors Said their Mentee met their expectations
Self Effifacy
Mentors were confident or very confident that their mentees can. . .
Manage their time well (80%)
Handle unforseen circumstances (85%)
Communicate effectively (80%)
Work independently (85%)
Work collaboratively (95%)
Apply disciplinary knowledge/skills (90%)
Sustain complex arguments (90%)
Maintain ethical standards (95%)
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.) (85%)
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 (80%)
Identify a specific question for investigation based on the literature in their field of study (85%)
Design an experiment or theoretical test of a hypothesis, critically evaluating methods and materials (90%)
Organize and synthesize evidence to reveal insightful patterns, differences, or similarities (85%)
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 (85%)
Assess the limitations and/or implications (ethical and otherwise) of their work (95%)
Orally communicate the results of their project (90%)
Write a paper for publication with an understanding of the ethical and legal restrictions on the use of published, confidential, and/or proprietary information (75%)
Testimonials
Student Testimonials
“I was able to learn so many new skills, and push myself farther than I thought I could go. I am way more confident at my abilities to do research, work on a professional team, advocate for myself, and communicate my findings.”
– MURF Participant, 2025-2026
“MURF was the first opportunity that I had to step into a lab and explore what it means to be a researcher. It provided me with the resources and platform to establish myself as a scientist and gain independence as a undergraduate researcher. This experience has prepared me to explore my first independent project and have the skills to stand out for graduate school.”
– MURF Participant, 2025-2026
“MURF is an excellent way to get a taste of academia while still being and undergraduate student. You’ll gain skills in research, communication, and teamwork all while pursuing a project you’re passionate about.”
– MURF Participant, 2025-2026
“The most valuable part of this experience was learning how to communicate complex scientific concepts in a clear and engaging way while preparing for my presentation at the undergraduate research symposium. It helped me build confidence in public speaking, strengthened my understanding of the research itself, and gave me experience presenting technical material to a broader audience.”
– MURF Participant, 2025-2026
“This was my second time doing MURF, and there’s a reason why I went back to this program. This program was great in getting new experiences in domains that I haven’t experienced before, especially as a computer science major wanting to learn more about climate.”
– MURF Participant, 2025-2026
“Through MURF, I was able to gain real world experience in communicating broader scientific concepts to those both within and outside of my field, and how to effectively manage my time in the lab when conducting time-sensitive tests. The program is both flexible to your project and needs while also being consistent in terms of funding, which is something that I have greatly appreciated while balancing my research work with my other duties and obligations as a student!”
– MURF Participant, 2025-2026
“My MURF experience helped me grow both as a researcher and as a communicator. Through working on a thermoelectric materials project and presenting my work at the undergraduate research symposium, I gained confidence in discussing complex scientific topics, improved my problem-solving skills, and developed a deeper appreciation for collaborative research.“
– MURF Participant, 2025-2026
“Undergraduate research has been a large part of developing independent thought as a STEM major. It has served as a crucial stepping stone in developing from a student to a contributor in the fields I care about.”
– MURF Participant, 2025-2026
Mentor Testimonials
“The return on investment of the MURF program is enormous. The school should consider increasing the support for the program.”
– MURF Research Mentor, 2025-2026
“I think MURF is an excellent program for students and faculty. It provides the right amount of structure to keep the student on track without being burdensome, and the goal of working towards the Undergraduate Research Symposium is motivating and meaningful. The Symposium itself was an excellent celebration of the students and their research with strong and on-point keynote talks.”
– MURF Research Mentor, 2025-2026
“Thank you for all the excellent and hard work funding & organizing this important opportunity for our students (& faculty)”
– MURF Research Mentor, 2025-2026