Professor who’s supervised more than 250 students now leading the Faculty of Science’s Office of Undergraduate Research

Professor Pat Chow-Fraser has been appointed the new Academic Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research in the Faculty of Science. Pat succeeds Founding Academic Director Jim Lyons who is taking a one-year research leave.

“We’re delighted to be welcoming Dr. Pat Chow-Fraser,” says Rosa da Silva, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies in the Faculty of Science. “Pat has an incredibly vibrant research program that’s involved hundreds of undergraduate researchers. Students have worked with Pat’s research team on a number of exceptional research projects. This makes Pat the perfect leader to bring first-hand experience in mentoring students when it comes to undergraduate research and experiential learning.  As an academic with experience in various administrative roles, Pat’s always been a champion for our Science students and we look forward to seeing how she’ll continue advocating on their behalf in her new role.”

Pat joined McMaster in 1991 and has served as the Chair and Associate Chair (Undergraduate Studies) in the Department of Biology and Director of the Life Sciences program. Pat was also the driving force behind launching the Biology Undergraduate Symposium in 2005 – this year, 142 thesis and senior project students presented their research at the day-long showcase and celebration.

“Recruiting, mentoring and watching undergraduate students flourish as young investigators has always been one of the best parts of my academic career,” says Pat. Over the course of her 33 years at McMaster, she’s supervised more than 250 students working on undergraduate research projects.

With support from the Provost’s Strategic Alignment Fund, the Office of Undergraduate Research promotes excellence in undergraduate student, and faculty-led, collaborative research and scholarship in all scientific disciplines.

The Office, which is the first of its kind at McMaster, provides early and equitable access to research opportunities for second-year students. These opportunities – from research-based skills workshops and experiential placement courses – will better prepare students for third-year research placement projects and fourth-year capstone thesis projects. “It’s no secret that students who get a head start with independent research courses usually perform much better in their senior theses,” says Pat.

The Office also supports faculty members who want to introduce or expand opportunities for undergraduates in their research groups or hone their skills as supervisors.

As Director, Pat says her priorities include advancing the initiatives launched and proposed in the 2023-25 strategic plan developed by Jim as well as further strengthening connections with both the Office’s Advisory Committee members as well as graduate students, while also exploring awards to recognize outstanding mentorship by faculty members and graduate students.

For more on the Office of Undergraduate Research, visit our.science.mcmaster.ca or email pmour@mcmaster.ca.