Biology
March 31, 2025
University of Portland Emerita Associate Professor Amelia Ahern-Rindell, PhD has been selected as one of two recipients of the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) Fellow Award for 2025.
Dr. Ahern-Rindell, a professor in UP’s Department of Biology from 1997 to 2022, earned recognition from the Council for excellence in undergraduate research leadership—making a transformational impact on her program, institution, and disciplinary field.
The CUR selection committee honored Dr. Ahern-Rindell for “exemplary” work and investment in undergraduate research. They praised her as an early practitioner of course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) and emphasized her mentorship of more than 100 research students, many of whom have achieved award-winning post-graduate success in the fields of cell and molecular biology and genetics.
“Dr. Ahern-Rindell’s unwavering dedication to undergraduate research and mentorship has profoundly shaped both her students and the broader academic community,” said Lindsay Currie, CUR’s executive officer. “Her selection as a CUR Fellow is a well-earned recognition of her tireless efforts to expand research opportunities, foster a culture of inquiry, and champion innovation in undergraduate education.”
“I am extremely honored to accept this CUR Fellows Award,” said Dr. Ahern-Rindell. “I am very proud of the work I have done for almost 30 years promoting the learning benefits of engaging students in undergraduate research with my CUR colleagues.”
Dr. Ahern-Rindell played a key role developing UP’s association with the Council on Undergraduate Research in the late 1990s. The University stands as an enhanced institutional member of CUR, and Provost David Mengel, PhD commended her efforts to expand research opportunities for UP undergraduates in all academic disciplines.
“She was instrumental in establishing college and university-wide programs that continue to provide high-impact experiences for many undergraduate students within, and beyond, the natural sciences,” Dr. Mengel said. “The University of Portland thanks Dr. Ahern-Rindell for her dedication to our students and congratulates her on this prestigious award.”
“Undergraduate research is a proven high impact learning strategy for our students,” Dr. Ahern-Rindell added. “To quote Aristotle, ‘What we have to learn to do, we learn by doing.’”
Dr. Ahern-Rindell will be honored at CUR’s June 10th virtual award celebration. She is joined by Winny Dong, PhD, Professor of Chemicals and Materials Engineering at Cal Poly Pomona, as 2025 CUR Fellows.
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