Alicen Lundberg began working at UMKC in 2010 and joined the Office of Undergraduate Research & Creative Scholarship in 2024. In this role, she manages SEARCH/SUROP applications and awards; coordinates work-study positions for the undergraduate research associates; helps promote and foster EUReka courses that infuse research into the classroom; plans campus-wide undergraduate research symposia; facilitates professional development workshops for current and aspiring undergraduate researchers; and manages content for the undergraduate research website and social media accounts.
Having worked in higher education student development since 2000, Alicen enjoys working with students on using their strengths, goals, and delights to cultivate their success and integrity in and out of the classroom. She attended Truman State University, where she double majored in Philosophy/Religion and English, as well as participated in the interdisciplinary honors program. She completed her M.A. in English focused on creative nonfiction writing and media studies in 2016.
Alicen served as the founding director for First Gen Roo, now based in Academic Support and Mentoring, and is a proud member of UMKC's First Gen Proud network of students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Her community service efforts are aimed toward environmental, food, and social justice initiatives. She volunteers with Bridging the Gap, Liberation Lit, Ronald McDonald House Charities at Children's Mercy, and KC Scholars.
Outside of work, Alicen spends much of her time in the imaginary worlds and pillow forts made by her children. She is also an artist, writer, and curator. She was a Charlotte Street Foundation resident from 2017-2019 and a co-director/co-curator with the artist-run organization plug from 2018-2020.
