Dr. Tsu-Ming Chiang named GCSU's first-ever CUR Fellow

D Dr. Tsu-Ming Chiang has been appointed as 2026 CUR Fellow by the Council on Undergraduate Research and inducted into the newly transformed CUR Fellows of Distinction (CURFD) Class. Dr. Chiang is GCSU’s first ever CUR Fellow; Chiang is one of just four CUR Fellows chosen this year.

Chiang, professor of Psychology at Georgia College, was named a CUR Fellow in recognition of more than three decades of outstanding mentorship, leadership and scholarship advancing undergraduate research. Throughout her career, Chiang has created innovative and sustainable research opportunities that engage hundreds of undergraduate students in hands-on inquiry, collaborative learning and community-engaged scholarship. Her work has helped expand access to research across disciplines, foster peer mentoring models and integrate research experiences into the undergraduate curriculum.

In addition to mentoring students who have gone on to careers and advanced study in psychology and related fields, Chiang has contributed nationally through CUR leadership, scholarship on undergraduate research practices and initiatives that strengthen research culture and infrastructure at both institutional and national levels. 

“Dr. Chiang’s sustained commitment to undergraduate research exemplifies the values and standards of excellence of the Council on Undergraduate Research,” said Dr. Holley Roberts, Georgia College provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “Her transformative work in mentorship, scholarship and leadership has profoundly shaped undergraduate research at the institutional, regional and national levels. Dr. Chiang has been instrumental in building research infrastructure that expands access and engagement for GCSU students.” 

Chiang states, “I am deeply honored by the CUR Fellow award, which recognizes over three decades of mentoring efforts in undergraduate research. I am grateful for the support I received from Georgia College & State University all these years. Throughout my career, engaging students in a wide range of research activities to grow the next generation of learners and researchers is rooted in the core values of CUR. I always view a mentor as a gardener who plants seeds of curiosity and nurtures the minds of young scholars. It is a joy to see that this research garden is now full of beautiful plants that continue to spread seeds and grow more fruits.” 

The annual CUR Fellows Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Research Leadership recognizes faculty who are “leaders and role models within the undergraduate research community and whose careers represent the values and ideals represented in CUR’s Characteristics of Excellence in Undergraduate Research,” according to the organization.

“The 2026 class of CUR Fellows reflects the strength and momentum of the undergraduate research movement. … Their leadership not only reflects CUR’s values but also helps shape the future of higher education. We are honored to recognize their contributions and the lasting impact of their work,” said Lindsay Currie, CUR’s Executive Officer.

Dr. Chiang and the other CUR Fellows – Karen T. Lee of George Mason University, Jeanne Mekolichick of Radford University and Patricia Morreale of Kean University – will be honored during an award ceremony on June 10.