Undergraduate Research Center

Meet the URC Team

Jamie Burriss, Ph.D.

URC Director
(615) 494-7669
Jamie.Burriss@mtsu.edu

Dr. Jamie Burriss leads the Undergraduate Research Center (URC) at MTSU, providing strategic oversight of programs and initiatives that advance undergraduate research and creative activity. She directs the Undergraduate Research Experience and Creative Activity (URECA) grant program; the URC Leadership cohort, which encompasses both URC Officers and Ambassadors; and the Student Organization for the Advancement of Research (SOAR). Dr. Burriss is dedicated to creating transformative opportunities for students to present and lead in the broader research community, providing experiences where students not only showcase their research but also engage in mentorship, community service, and develop essential skills in planning, teamwork, and collaboration. Through her leadership, Dr. Burriss empowers students to share their research and grow as scholars and leaders, representing MTSU proudly on local, regional, national, and international stages. Remaining research grant-active, she actively seeks funding to enhance undergraduate research opportunities and develop innovative programs.

Dr. Burriss brings valuable experience in curriculum development, program assessment, and student success initiatives from her work at Vanderbilt University and the University of South Florida. Yet her roots and passion remain TRUE BLUE as she serves her alma mater, applying her expertise to inspire and empower the next generation of MTSU scholars!

Casey Penston

URC Coordinator
(615) 494-7614
Casey.Penston@mtsu.edu

Casey Penston supports the mission of the URC by managing programs, events, and day-to-day operations that advance undergraduate research and creative activity. She plays a key role in initiatives such as the URECA grant program, the URC Leadership cohort, the SOAR student organization, and various events, workshops, and trainings. As the primary point of contact for students, Casey offers guidance and support with URECA applications and reporting, stipend processing, poster printing, conference travel, and related needs; thus ensuring students have the resources and encouragement to succeed in their research endeavors.

With a background in biology, environmental science, education, and the arts, Casey embraces the URC’s campus-wide mission of advancing both research and creative activity, fostering growth and support for undergraduate students across all disciplines. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in professional studies and remains dedicated to inspiring and empowering students through her dedication to the URC.

Ariel Nicastro Alternative Text — **Ariel Nicastro**
**URC** **Student Worker**
Ariel.Nicastro@mtsu.edu

Madison Yahn Alternative Text — **Madison Yahn**
**URC Student Worker**
Madison.Yahn@mtsu.edu

Emily Callison Alternative Text — **Emily Callison**
**URC** **Student Worker**
Emily.Callison@mtsu.edu

URC student workers play a key role in supporting undergraduate research across campus and promoting student success!

2026-27 URC Ambassadors

URC Ambassador positions provide a valuable service to the MTSU research community. They play a key role in helping propel undergraduate research and promote student success.

If you are interested in having a more active role within the undergraduate research community, consider applying to be a URC Ambassador! Each role builds skills in leadership, communication, organization, and more! For their commitment, ambassadors receive a monetary stipend in recognition of their hard work and dedication.

Allie Rae Williams
**Social Media and Communications**
arw2ad@mtmail.mtsu.edu

Libby Hines
**READY 2 SOAR Director**
eah7u@mtmail.mtsu.edu

Elif Nalan Mutlu
**Scholars Week Co-Chair**
em7v@mtmail.mtsu.edu

Handan Mutlu
**Scholars Week Co-Chair**
hm6s@mtmail.mtsu.edu

Haley Gauda
**Peer Mentor**
hmg4g@mtmail.mtsu.edu

Ab E Zannat
**READY 2 SOAR Coordinator**
az4h@mtmail.mtsu.edu

Saachi Patel
**READY 2 SOAR Coordinator**
sgp3c@mtmail.mtsu.edu

Nelly Chuquicallata
**International Research Ambassador**
nc6j@mtmail.mtsu.edu

Trinity Johnson
**Tennessee Board of Regents Ambassador**
tmj5t@mtmail.mtsu.edu

Olivia Moreno
**Graduate Mentor**
ocm2g@mtmail.mtsu.edu

Madison Yahn
**Grad Mentor**
Madison.Yahn@mtsu.edu

2025-26 Council for Undergraduate Research, Vision, and Exploration (CURVE) Members

CURVE is the Council for Undergraduate Research, Vision, and Exploration—our goal is to promote student involvement in undergraduate research. We offer a dynamic space where passionate undergraduate researchers like you come together to create the boundaries of innovation and academic excellence.

Apply for CURVE 2026-27 Here!

Zaynab Alnassari Alternative Text — **Zaynab Alnassari**
Senior
Biology

Elizabeth Lawrence Alternative Text — **Elizabeth Lawrence**
Senior
Psychology

Batoul Sawas Alternative Text — **Batoul Sawas**
Senior
Psychology

Trinity Johnson Alternative Text — **Trinity Johnson**
Sophomore
Psychology

URC Leadership Retreat

We’re thrilled to welcome this year’s newest Ambassadors! The URC team kicked off the semester with a planning retreat and some escape room fun to build connections and energize for the year ahead. Our team is well-prepared and excited for a great year of enhancing the undergraduate research community at MTSU.