Dr. Cawa Tran Named Director for Undergraduate Research at USD

The Department of Biology is proud to announce that Associate Professor Cawa Tran, PhD, has taken on an expanded leadership role as Director for Undergraduate Research, building on her longstanding commitment to mentorship, equity and academic excellence.

Tran, who has mentored more than 50 student researchers over the past eight years as faculty at two primarily undergraduate institutions, brings a student-centered philosophy to the position. Her approach to research as pedagogy emphasizes project ownership, creative problem-solving and knowledge generation.

“My deep passion for mentoring undergraduates through research, combined with a strong commitment to cultivating inclusive academic experiences, makes this opportunity especially compelling,” Tran said. “I am eager to contribute to USD’s mission by advancing undergraduate research and empowering the next generation.”

Tran’s vision includes broadening access to research opportunities, particularly for underrepresented students, and enhancing retention by fostering a sense of belonging. She plans to implement formal assessments of research-experience outcomes and set ambitious, measurable goals to elevate USD’s national profile in undergraduate research. To widely disseminate new knowledge and enhance visibility of the numerous modes in which undergraduate research is conducted at USD, she hopes to create diverse opportunities for our faculty and students to showcase their research broadly. 

Students who have worked with Tran describe their research experiences—and her mentorship—as transformative.

“Dr. Tran elevates undergraduate research from a checkbox to a meaningful and thought-provoking experience that prepares students to go beyond the classroom as leaders and Changemakers,” one student said.

Another student, who collaborated with Tran on a long-term research project, shared: “We have continued this research beyond the semester to now just over a year, expanding upon my findings, collaborating with other universities and generating a manuscript to submit to a high-impact journal. Dr. Tran provided me the experience to discover the thrill of being at the helm and steering a project toward making a story I can call my own.”

A first-generation transfer student added, “Having a mentor that has a similar background to me has made all the difference in the world. Dr. Tran did more than listen—she made sure I knew I am doing all the right things, and I am where I belong.”

Tran’s mentoring journey began during her graduate studies, when she guided her first undergraduate student through coral-reef fieldwork. That student later earned a PhD and is now an assistant professor at another liberal arts institution.

“My students are the reason why I have this dream job,” Tran said, referring to being a professor and mentor. “When I think about who will propel me into the next 30 years and sustain me in this work to change the future, it is my students and mentees.” Beyond her own students, she hopes to make a bigger impact for many more students across the entire university in her new role. 

The Department of Biology congratulates Dr. Tran on this well-deserved appointment and looks forward to the continued growth and impact of undergraduate research at USD under her leadership and vision.