Q&A with faculty mentor Saurav Kumar

Saurav Kumar is an assistant professor of civil, environmental and sustainable engineering in the School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment. Kumar’s research focuses on monitoring and modeling carbon and water systems to improve sustainable water management. He began mentoring student researchers in the FURI, MORE and GCSP research stipend programs two years ago.

What made you want to get involved as a FURI, MORE and GCSP research stipend faculty mentor?

I feel undergraduate research is a unique way for students to connect classroom learning to real-world engineering challenges and develop a passion for research. FURI programs provide students with the structure, some funding incentives and community necessary to explore ideas and develop essential research and communication skills. My primary goal was to engage undergraduates.

What is your favorite part about seeing your students conduct research?

My favorite part of seeing students conduct research is watching them take ownership of their projects. At the beginning, most students rely heavily on guidance, but as the semester progresses, they begin to make decisions, solve problems independently and truly understand the “why” behind their work.

How have your FURI, MORE and GCSP research stipend students had an effect on your research? Have they come up with any research surprises or proposed new directions for your lab?

While there haven’t been major research surprises yet, my FURI students have helped me test new ideas that could develop into future fundable projects. Two have continued their work for their Barrett, the Honors College theses, and one has co-authored a research paper, thereby extending the impact of their initial projects.

What have you gained from being a FURI, MORE and GCSP research stipend mentor? How has the experience been rewarding for you?

Mentoring FURI and MORE students has been especially rewarding because my field is inherently interdisciplinary, and these projects often sit at the intersection of multiple areas of expertise. It’s exciting to see students realize that convergence between disciplines isn’t just possible; it’s productive and fun.

What advice would you give to students who might be interested in participating in FURI, MORE and the GCSP research stipend program?

My biggest advice is to start early and connect with a faculty mentor whose research genuinely interests you. Working closely with the principal investigator from the beginning helps you shape a strong, realistic project and get the most out of the experience.

Why should other faculty members become FURI, MORE and GCSP research stipend mentors?

Faculty members should consider becoming mentors because the experience helps build a strong, focused research culture while keeping university undergraduate education relevant in today’s increasingly online and technology-driven environment.