Uncertainty quantification (UQ) as an archetype for research: Integrating UQ into undergraduate research education

This submission is for a Work In Progress paper in the Innovative Practice Category. This paper presents the results of a research study that examined the effects of teaching undergraduates about scientific research through the lens of Uncertainty Quantification (UQ) on their understanding of scientific research. UQ is a vibrant area of mathematical, scientific, and engineering research that can be studied in every discipline of scientific inquiry. Here, we present the initial findings of this program. We discuss the path forward for a broader implementation of U-Q as a tool to engage undergraduates in scientific research, encourage them to pursue STEM careers. We also discuss the practical implications of understanding UQ in a broader societal context where research-based decision-making requires accounting for uncertainties.