Undergraduate research programs at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater are providing students with hands-on learning and career opportunities, according to university officials. The Undergraduate Research, Innovative, and Creative Activities (URICA) program pairs students with faculty mentors for ongoing research projects, helping them develop skills such as communication, critical thinking, and problem solving.
“It’s doing those undergraduate research projects, working a little bit independently on that, that’s going to build those skills that employers are going to look for in the future,” said John Frye, director of the URICA program and associate professor of geography and geology.
Students in the program can assist with faculty research before moving on to design their own projects under mentorship. The URICA program is open to students from any major throughout their time at UW-Whitewater. Entry-level participants can join through the Research Apprenticeship Program or apply for grants like the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship.
“Whether you want to work a semester or a full academic year, or even the full (calendar) year, we have something for you in undergraduate research,” Frye said.
The impact of undergraduate research is highlighted by Tyler Brasington, an alumnus whose early experiences shaped his career path. Originally from Pennsylvania and later Wisconsin, Brasington returned to UW-Whitewater after military service and became involved in wildlife studies during a travel study at Yellowstone National Park led by biology faculty member George Clokey.
Brasington developed an undergraduate research project focused on grizzly bear distribution in Yellowstone’s northern range with guidance from animal tracking expert James Halfpenny and advisor Dale Splinter. “It intrigued me how bears could occupy the same spaces as humans, and coexist without creating issues,” Brasington said. “That set the tone for me going forward.”
Frye described Brasington’s journey as an example of how undergraduate research can lead to professional success: “It’s the ultimate success story for undergraduate research,” Frye said. “That’s where Tyler really got his start diving into wildlife management, bear management.”
Brasington earned a B.S. in environmental science from UW-Whitewater in 2017 and was hired by the National Park Service before graduating. He now works as a bear management park ranger and emergency medical technician at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. He also maintains ties with UW-Whitewater as a guest lecturer and mentor for current students.
Both Frye and Brasington underscored how relationships formed during undergraduate research continue beyond graduation. Clokey remained connected with Brasington until his retirement in 2021 and passing in March 2025.
“The relationships between students and faculty members, it really sets the tone for future opportunities and endeavors down the road,” Brasington said. “My relationships with faculty on campus have been the reason why I’m still so involved with campus. It’s being able to maintain those relationships and give back, because the university gave me so much with those opportunities they presented.”
Frye now leads UW-Whitewater’s annual travel study to Yellowstone National Park—an initiative continuing into 2026—and noted how former students like Brasington become mentors themselves: “In the way that Dr. Halfpenny was a mentor, (Tyler is) now that mentor for my students,” Frye said. “It’s really coming full circle.”
