Lara LaDage Takes on Faculty Fellow Appointment

Lara LaDage, associate professor of biology, has joined Undergraduate Research for a one-year faculty fellow appointment.

LaDage is spending the 2019-20 academic year developing a tool for the collection of data from colleges and campuses at Penn State on undergraduate research participation. She will provide leadership in the redesign of the undergraduate research web presence and offer guidance within the University Fellowships Office as faculty continue to develop materials and programs to assist students in learning about and becoming involved in research opportunities.

LaDage has mentored more than 30 undergraduate students during her time at Penn State since 2013. “Evidence indicates that engaging undergraduate students in research as early as possible is essential to exposing more students to the process of science, encouraging exploration of various STEM topics and careers, and increasing student retention,” she says. “Additionally, studies have found that participating in undergraduate research is correlated with higher baccalaureate cumulative grade point averages, increased likelihood of graduation within five years or less, and higher acceptance rates for graduate school.”

Undergraduate Research is part of the Penn State Office of Undergraduate Education, the academic administrative unit that provides leadership and coordination for University-wide programs and initiatives in support of undergraduate teaching and learning at Penn State.