Savit Scholars

Savit Scholars are recognized for work that promises to push disciplinary boundaries and create new space for creativity, expression and connection.

History

Since 2017, Savit Scholars have expanded the possibilities for performance art, opened new ways of thinking about apparel design, produced a stage play from the testimonies of military veterans, created more interactive virtual reality experiences, opened inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ athletes at 91´«Ã½, pushed boundaries in art, film and more! Funding is provided, in part, by the Savit Family Endowment.

Selection

Savit Scholars are selected annually from among the pool of UROP Student Grant applicants with priority given to projects with impact in the arts and humanities.

Previous Scholars

Angela Gumieniak - Longevity in Dance through Giordano Technique

Mentor: Erika Randall,ÌýDance

Rachael Nelson - Interpreting Identity: Self Mythologizing and Cultural Entanglement of the Etruscan François Tomb

Mentor: Sarah James, Classics

Jordan Camp - The Relationship Between Racial Identity and Outdoor Culture/Recreation

Mentor: Seema Sohi, Ethnic Studies

Rumi Natanzi - Intergenerational Aspects of the Iranian Diaspora

Mentor: Nishant Upadhyay, Ethnic Studies

Kaylan Madrid - Queer Native American Mythologies and Their Contemporary Effects on Literature

Mentor: Leila Gomez, Women & Gender Studies

Serena Langdon-Dimidjian - #WomenLifeFreedom Community-Engaged Collage Project

Mentor: Shawhin Roudbari, Environmental Design

MJ Sykes - Burning Light at Boulder Star: Immersive Spotlight into Colorado History

Mentor: Kevin Sweet, Critical Media Practices

Nya Simmons - A Journey Through Black Joy

Mentor: Kalonji Nzinga, School of Education

Krista Villanueva - Los Desaparecidos: A Visual Analysis of the Atrocities Occurring in Mexico

Mentor: Brianne Cohen, Art and Art History

Evie Kiehfuss - Exhibition: Contradictions of the Pandemic

Mentor: Marina Kassianidou, Art and Art History

Josh Thompson - Effigy: A Short Film Exploring Life & Empathy

Mentor: Sheiva Rezvani, ATLAS

Nicholas Turco​ - Policy and Culture of LGBTQ+ Athletes at 91´«Ã½

Mentor: Nancy Billica, Political Science

Lillie Bahrami​​ - Immersive Story Navigation in Cinematic VR

Mentor: Daniel Leithinger, ATLAS

Sean Guderian​ - Stage Play: How to Leave a Battlefield

Mentor: Cecilia Pang, Theatre & Dance

Emily Daub - Responsive Technology for Dance

Mentor: Ben Shapiro, ATLAS

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Participate in the Sidewalk Symposium on April 25, 2025

Developed and hosted in Boulder since 2018, UROP's Sidewalk Symposium invites undergraduates to create and share their research and creative presentations with chalk on campus walkways. UROP welcomes undergraduates at any stage of their project timeline.

The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) represents an opportunity to enable student-centered education that makes the most of 91´«Ã½â€™s global leadership in research and creative production. With well-documented benefits from persistence to postgraduate success, engagement in the research and creative life of the university can clarify career paths and prepare students for the future of work. Donations support empowering opportunities in all fields of study. .