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Performing research can be a very enriching and transformative part of your undergraduate experience at the College. You may encounter it as part of your coursework, but it can also be something you do outside of the classroom as a way to gain practical skills, learn about methods of inquiry and contribute actively to the advancement of study in your field.

Finding a research opportunity will require you to be proactive, build faculty relationships , and use key resources . It may be good to start by charting your personal goals and interests in order to help you identify opportunities that are a match for them. Remember to give yourself plenty of time for your search and to remain flexible and open-minded through the process. Engaging with the research community at Harvard is possible for students in all concentrations. Whether you have participated in research work previously, or are just getting started, there are opportunities designed to meet you where you are right now.

Research opportunities come in many formats and happen in a variety of settings. They often start off as a question that someone wants to explore more fully. Faculty, for example, initiate research projects designed for this purpose. It might also begin with you! In your studies, for example, you may have noticed a lack of knowledge or a lack of recent work on a particular topic that interests you. With the guidance of a faculty mentor, you could be the person to explore and find answers to fill in the void of missing information.

Depending on the scale of a project, you might find yourself working on a team or operating on your own and coordinating your efforts with those of a faculty mentor. This work may take place on campus, at other domestic locations, or even internationally, during term-time or over the course of the summer.

Some common formats of research experiences for undergraduates include:

Course-based Research

Courses (existing or independent study). Many courses at Harvard and neighboring institutions (where you can cross-register ) have a strong research component. There is even the option for you to design an independent study course. To explore these options, the best starting point is with a concentration adviser knowledgeable about course offerings and policies in that concentration. You can also visit the Advising Programs Office  (APO) to connect with undergraduate concentration advisers.

Research Assistantships

There are many opportunities to work as a research assistant on an existing project. A research assistantship is an excellent opportunity for students with little experience to get their first exposure to research. Research assistantship postings can be found on department webpages, at research centers, as well as on the Student Employment Office Job Board . You can also check with nearby hospitals and research groups, in addition to faculty and grad students. If you have never contacted research investigators before, check out our tips on how to effectively reach out to faculty .

Research Programs

In lieu of performing research via a course or an assistantship, you might consider looking at a research program. Depending on the program, you might work on a project designed by a member of faculty or propose your own question to pursue under the guidance of a faculty mentor. URAF summer programs, for example, are designed to correspond to specific academic areas (i.e., STEM, Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences), forming a cohort of fellows working on various topics in their area of interest.

URAF research programs are offered on an annual basis, with pre-set start- and end-times, and require formal applications with strict deadlines. These programs often have different eligibility criteria (i.e., GPA, class year, research experience). Some programs require previous field-specific experience, while other are designed for newcomers to that particular field of study. Many research programs include various forms of financial support (e.g. stipends, accommodation, etc.) as well as opportunities for community-building and intellectual growth.

Thesis Research

Each concentration has its own requirements for thesis research, including topics allowed, prerequisites, timing, and who can supervise your work. If you are interested in thesis research, connect with advisers appointed by the concentrations for guiding undergraduates—information about concentration advisers can be found on the APO website. Also, check out our tips on how to effectively reach out to faculty .

Some questions to ask yourself when looking for a program are:

• Where do you want to be?
• What type of research would you like to do?
• Does the program offer additional support or programming that may be helpful?
• How long do you intend to do research?

The Browse URAF opportunities page of our website aggregates a large number of Harvard undergraduate research options. Please note, however, that not all Harvard-affiliated schools and programs are listed here. To ensure you are learning about all potential opportunities, don’t forget to consult faculty advisers, concentration advisers, and academic advisers to identify programs that match your interests and desired outcomes most closely.

Beyond browsing through URAF opportunities, you can explore our External Resources  page which provides another starting point for finding research opportunities, including research programs. Some are based at Harvard, while others are located across the US and worldwide. You can also use Google to search for research programs related to your topic and interests. Try using the keywords, "undergraduate research" or "summer undergraduate research."

If you have previously performed research at Harvard, you too might consider how you would benefit from exploring external opportunities . Exposure to research and processes at different institutions will allow you to expand your professional and academic networks, to explore a new place and even new ways of investigating topics that interest you.

At whatever point you happen to be in your undergraduate trajectory, URAF is here to support you through each stage of the process. You can even check out our remote-ready  resources webpages if you intend to perform all or part of your research online.

>>>>Browse URAF Opportunities for Research>>>>

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HSURV Abstract Books

Interested in learning more about projects that past fellows in the Harvard Summer Undergraduate Research Village (HSURV) have worked on? Check out our achive HSURV Abstract Books!

• 2024 HSURV Abstract Book  (AMGEN, BLISS, CSB, DUBSP, FUEL, HIP, KRANIUM, MCB SCION, PRIMO, PRISE, SEAS REU, SHARP, SPUDS, SURF, SURGH)
• 2023 HSURV Abstract Book (PRISE, BLISS, PRIMO, SHARP, SURGH, SPUDS)
• 2022 HSURV Abstract Book (PRISE, BLISS, PRIMO, SHARP, SURGH, SPUDS)
• 2021 HSURV Abstract Book (PRISE, BLISS, PRIMO, SHARP, SURGH, SPUDS)
• 2020 HSURV Abstract Book  (PRISE, BLISS, PRIMO, SHARP, SURGH)
• 2019 HSURV Abstract Book  (PRISE, BLISS, PRIMO, SHARP, SURGH)
• 2018 HSURV Abstract Book  (PRISE, BLISS, PRIMO, SHARP, SURGH)
• 2017 HSURV Abstract Book  (PRISE, BLISS, PRIMO, SHARP, SURGH, PCER)
• 2016 HSURV Abstract Book  (PRISE, BLISS, PRIMO, SHARP, SURGH)
• 2015 HSURV Abstract Book  (PRISE, BLISS, PRIMO, SHARP, SURGH)
• 2014 HSURV Abstract Book  (PRISE, BLISS, PRIMO, SHARP)
• 2013 HSURV Abstract Book  (PRISE, BLISS, PRIMO, SHARP)
• 2012 HSURV Abstract Book  (PRISE, BLISS, PRIMO)
• 2011 PRISE Abstract Book
• 2010 PRISE Abstract Book
• 2009 PRISE Abstract Book
• 2008 PRISE Abstract Book
• 2007 PRISE Abstract Book

Research Opportunities

In keeping with its mission as a research university, NYU strives, whenever possible, to include undergraduates in the production of knowledge. Since creativity and original work can take different forms in different fields, research is defined in its broadest sense, encompassing artistic and professional activities, as well as more traditional academic inquiry into the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Research extends and enhances classroom learning by enabling students to work one-on-one with faculty members (and, in some areas, also with highly trained postdoctoral fellows and graduate students). In addition to strengthening a student's resume and graduate or professional school applications, such experiences expand understanding of a discipline, engender productive mentoring relationships, and encourage the development of analytic and communication skills that are useful in any profession.

Research varies widely in nature, context, and extent both within and across undergraduate schools at NYU, ranging from research requirements in individual credit-bearing courses to independent study courses and honors theses or projects.

Below are just a few examples of the ways in which undergraduate students can get involved in the research happening at New York University:

• College of Arts and Science Research
• Gallatin Research Scholar Program
• Social Work Research
• Steinhardt Research
• Stern Research
• Tandon Research

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As  America’s first research university , we have been tackling difficult questions and finding answers since 1876.

Every day, our faculty and students work side by side in a tireless pursuit of discovery, continuing our founding mission to bring knowledge to the world. Whether you study engineering, chemistry, music, anthropology, or all of the above, every student here—no matter his or her major—is an investigator.

You can find research in whatever field you want because everyone here is doing some sort of research, and you can help out.

Explore supernovae alongside a Nobel laureate. Learn how to make music with lasers . Create devices that will save lives in impoverished countries . Take a grand tour of the cities that inspired some of the Western world’s great thinkers—Venice, Florence, Paris, or London.

At Hopkins, you can do all of the above. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

Two juniors named Goldwater Scholars

Program funds undergraduate summer research experiences

Rising senior earns Beinecke Scholarship

Programs & fellowships.

• Provost’s Undergraduate Research Awards : Receive up to $3,000 and be paired with a full-time faculty sponsor for research on any topic of your choosing
• Woodrow Wilson Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program : Engage in hands-on, independent learning with faculty mentors and receive funding of up to $10,000 over four years
• ASPIRE grants : Promote independent research projects among undergrads in the School of Arts and Sciences; awards range from $500 to $4,500 per academic year

Learn more:

• Hopkins Office of Undergraduate Research
• Student research opportunities at the School of Engineering
• Student research opportunities at the School of Arts and Sciences

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Finding an Undergraduate Research Position

Getting research experience during your time as an undergraduate can aid in your pursuit for graduate school or certain career opportunities. There are many opportunities available to conduct research alongside faculty at Columbia or other universities and research institutes.

What types of research opportunities are available to me?

You can gain research experience by volunteering at university research institutes, medical centers, or hospitals. Volunteer positions typically allow for the greatest flexibility in commitment and experience level.

Certain majors allow students to pursue independent research projects during the semester and earn between 1 and 4 course credits. Usually, a proposal must be submitted to the department and the student must complete a culminating project like a presentation or report. Discuss with your department administrator prior to course registration.

Paid Research Assistantships

You may work alongside a Columbia faculty member as a paid research assistant. These positions are competitive and often require some prior exposure to research through coursework or other experiences.

Funded Programs

Funded programs are competitive programs that typically take place over the summer at universities around the country. Students are usually required to work full time (40–50 hours per week) on independent projects under the guidance of a research scientist in exchange for a stipend. Some examples are the  Amgen Scholars Program and  Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) , which are offered through Columbia, as well as the  National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) .

Fellowships

Fellowships provide funds for students to pursue independent research or to work as research assistants on ongoing laboratory projects over the summer at a location of their choice. For example, the Class of 1939 Summer Research Fellowship and the Deresiewicz Summer Research Fellowship provide funding for undergraduates to do independent research.

Senior thesis

Many departments offer the opportunity to research and write a senior thesis. This is typically a year-long independent project developed with the guidance of a faculty mentor. Some departments offer funding opportunities to kickstart your research the summer before senior year. Check your department website for more information about writing a senior thesis in your field.

How do I decide what research area I should pursue?

Ask yourself “what appeals to me”.

One of the first questions to ask yourself is: What broad, fundamental research question appeals to me? Think about your favorite courses, subjects, and publications. Choose and develop research interests that genuinely spark your intellectual curiosity. 

Do your research

To find inspiration, review Columbia’s Centers and Institutes website to search the broad spectrum of research areas supported on campus. Additionally, the websites for individual majors and academic departments usually have a list of professors’ research backgrounds, interests, and current projects.

Talk to others

Talk to your classmates, professors, teaching assistants, advisers, and mentors to get advice and help with brainstorming research areas of interest. Meet with an Undergraduate Research & Fellowships adviser to discuss how to get started and look for opportunities. If you’re a Columbia College student interested in science research, you can also connect with one of the advisors in the Undergraduate Research & Fellowships Office.

How do I find a research position?

There are several ways to find and apply to research opportunities. It’s best to use a variety of methods in your search. 

Search online databases

Use Columbia online databases such as the  Undergraduate Research Opportunities portal and the SEAS  Student Research Involvement Program portal. LionSHARE also shares some on-campus and off-campus research positions. Premed students should use resources like the  Clinical and Research Opportunities page and the  Summer Programs page, for GS, or the Extracurricular/Summer Options page, for Columbia College or SEAS students.

Contact professors doing research that interests you

Identify faculty members pursuing research projects in line with your interests. Find their contact information on their department webpages or in the Columbia directory. Send them a professional email , succinctly outlining your research interests and skills, and expressing your interest in serving as a research assistant. You can also stop by professors’ office hours to discuss their research and express your interest in person.

Apply to a funded program

Apply to Columbia-sponsored programs such as the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) , Amgen Scholars Program ,  Kluge Fellows Summer Research Program ,  Laidlaw Scholars Program , or Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship . Also, check out external opportunities through the National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) website.

Seek a fellowship opportunity

Look for fellowship opportunities both through Columbia and external sites. Search the Undergraduate Research and Fellowships database or the School of General Studies fellowships database for opportunities.

Discover Columbia’s many research institutes

Review the websites of Columbia research institutes and affiliated research centers , including the The Earth Institute , Weatherhead East Asian Institute , and Institute for Social and Economic Research and Policy . They often list research and fellowship opportunities. The Data Science Institute hosts an undergraduate computer and data science research fair during the fall semester.

Browse Departmental Research Opportunities and resources

Review the list of research opportunities and resources in academic departments on the Undergraduate Research and Fellowships website.

Subscribe to listservs

Subscribe to listservs like the prehealth, prelaw, and prebusiness emails to receive daily alerts of opportunities.

What materials do I need to apply?

To apply, you may need to submit the following documents as part of your application. 

• Resume: Most opportunities will ask you to submit a resume detailing previous research experience, project work, and related coursework.
• Letters of recommendation: Some fellowship and research programs require letters of recommendation. Consider asking current and former professors, teaching assistants, advising deans, and supervisors who can speak to your abilities and strengths. Be sure to give them plenty of time to write the letter.
• Statement of purpose or cover letter:  Some fellowships and research programs require a statement of purpose or cover letter describing your research interests, professional goals, and what skills and experiences you have to offer to the program.

You can find additional resources on applications through Undergraduate Research and Fellowships, including through their events and advising resources.

We’re here to help! Get your resume, cover letter, or statement of purpose reviewed by a CCE career counselor during Quick Questions or a 30-minute counseling appointment .

Related Resources

Creating an undergraduate cv.

Your curriculum vitae (CV) is a representation of your scholarly identity and trajectory in your field.

A CV is used to apply to research roles or other academic positions....

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Online and remote research, online & remote research opportunities .

Ground-breaking research is being done everywhere across the world, with much of the work being done from remote locations. Many academic departments offer both in-person and remote research opportunities for undergraduates either through working directly with faculty in a mentored project, through  Vertically Integrated Projects (VIPs), or through  Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs). As the university and faculty members adapt to an increasingly flexible workplace, online and remote research opportunities continue to increase. This page provides resources for undergraduate students seeking to find and be involved in remote and online research experiences during both the school year and the summer. 

Where do I find online and remote research?

The sections below share different avenues to find online, virtual, and remote research experiences for both the academic year and over the summer. These opportunities are available for any undergraduate student interested in remote research.

Check out Handshake , which can be used to find research positions, internships, employment opportunities, and networking events that are currently accepting applications!

What is Handshake?

• Handshake is a free-to-use online platform that undergraduates can use to find on-campus and/or off-campus workshops, jobs, internships, research experiences, and events.
• Students must use their UA NetID to create and log into your Handshake account.
• For more tips and tricks on how to utilize Handshake in your research journey, please visit here .

How can I use Handshake to find online and remote opportunities? 

• Log in Handshake  with your UA NetID in order to access the main home page.
• On the left-hand side bar, click on  Jobs .
• Go to  All Filters  and scroll down to the bottom until you see the heading  Labeled by your school .
• In the search bar that is below the Labeled by your school  heading, search  undergraduate research  in order to see the research opportunities that the URA staff has tagged.
• On the top bar, go to the  on-site/remote drop-down heading and filter by  remote - work from home.

ura online work.png

The UA Researchers Database  is   an online list of UA faculty from every academic department that welcome undergraduates students into their research projects. The database is updated regularly with new faculty who are interested in welcoming undergraduate students into their research projects on- or off-campus. Faculty can now indicate their ability to offer remote and online opportunities.

We recommend using our Faculty Profiles resource in conjunction with the UA Researchers Database. While the UA Researcher Database provides brief descriptions of current projects, profiles.arizona.edu  provides a convenient and extensive platform for learning more about a faculty member's research interest, current and past projects, publications, classes, and much more. 

How do I use the UA Researchers Database to find online and remote research?

• Go to our UA Researchers Database , which can be found under our  Find Research  drop-down heading.
• You will be able to set your preferences at the top of the database list, such as your preferred College ,  Department , and  Types of Opportunities  (e.g. for course credit, paid, volunteer, and/or not given). 
• You can also type a certain research interest you may have in the Keyword Search  area.
• You can also set your preferred location! In the  Research Location  menu, choose the  Online  option. This option was recently added to the database, so not many researchers have responded yet. Please Check again regularly for more online opportunities!
• Click the Apply option   when you have set all your preferences to see the list of faculty that best fits with your own interests and preferences!

How do I use the Faculty Profiles resource to find online and remote research?

There are two ways that you can use the profiles.arizona.edu to find online and remote research opportunities; we will be showing you both!

In Conjunction with the UA Researchers Database:

• Once you have found a faculty member that you are interested in from the UA Researchers Database, type their name name in the search bar below the  Search UA Faculty, Educators, Scholars, and Researchers  heading. Sometimes, it takes a long time for the profile to load, so please be patient!
• After the page has loaded, the faculty member's profile will appear below the search bar. Feel free to explore this informtion, which will include their  Biography , Interests  in teaching and research,  Courses , and  Scholarly Contributions , which includes their journals and publications.
• Before reaching out to the faculty member, we encourage you to read through their research interests as well as explore their publications , such as reading the abstract of their publication, in order to gain a better understanding of their research. If you need help in emailing and reaching out to faculty about research opportunities, please go to this helpful resource .

Only Using the Faculty Profiles:

• In the search bar below the  Search UA Faculty, Educators, Scholars, and Researchers  heading, you can search up certain key words that will lead you to faculty profiles that best matches it!
• Try searching up  online  and/or  remote  in the search bar to find faculty profiles that either teach courses or conduct research remotely and/or offer research opportunities that can be done remotely.

There are many online, remote, and virtual research programs available for undergraduate students across a broad variety of research interests. These programs can be summer or academic year and are offered by a number of universities. Please read each program carefully for their description, application requirements, and program dates. This section will be updated regularly as more online programs become available for the summer.

Online Programs for 2024-25

For other online summer research programs, please visit the AAMC's list of Summer Undergraduate Research and the NSF's list of Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) .

Stanford Center for Asian Health Research and Education (CARE) Scholars

Description :   The Stanford Center for Asian Health Research and Education (CARE) offers an immersive online course in Asian Health for undergraduate and graduate students, featuring a 9-week summer focus on Data Science and Vulnerable Populations. The program trains scholars in population science research, equipping them with skills in database analysis, healthcare research, and problem-solving in vulnerable populations. It emphasizes collaboration with various stakeholders and covers topics like Asian health, medical technology, AI, global health, research essentials, innovation, leadership, scholarship, presentation skills, and career development. Students will also be able to build valuable connections within Stanford CARE's global network and present their research at the annual Stanford's CARE Summer Research Symposium .

Application Requirements :   $75 application fee

Deadline :   January 14th, 2024

Program Dates : June 2024-August 2024

Texas A&M University Department of Material Sciences & Engineering Online Research Experience for Undergraduates (O-REU)

Description : The Texas A&M University is pleased to offer an online REU (O-REU) program in partnership with  Los Alamos National Laboratory . During the summer, students are expected to participate ( 40 hours/week ) and are remunerated $5000 for the summer. All activities are carried out fully remotely: there are no in-person meetings and no residency requirement. Travel support for one site visit will also be made available. O-REU is open to US citizens and permanent residents currently pursuing bachelor's degrees.

Application Requirements :   1 page resume, recent electronic transcript, list of preferred mentors (please consult the faculty interests list), and contact information (name, professional affiliation, email address) of two professional references

Deadline : Friday, April 28th, 2024 at 5:00 PM CST

Program Dates : May 24 to August 4, 2024

Please email the application required materials and/or any inquiries to  Ms. Isabel Cantu .

Neoscholar CIS Online Research Program

Description : The CIS online research program is offered throughout the year. A CIS program course usually hosts fifteen students, who are divided into small research groups. The program is generally 24 hours with our professors across ten weeks , including 2 hours of lectures in each of the first six weeks and 3 hours of research seminars in each of the last four weeks. Each course will be assigned an experienced instructor to provide academic instruction sessions and research guidance to students. 

Application Requirements : Please access the application form  and be able to answer its secondary questions.

Deadline : N/A

Program Dates : N/A

Please email any questions or request a brochure from [email protected] .

Description : CrowdMath is an online, open project that gives all college students the opportunity to collaborate on a large research project with top-tier research mentors and an exceptional peer group. MIT PRIMES and Art of Problem Solving are working together to create a place for students to experience research mathematics and discover ideas that did not exist before.

Application Requirements : Please create a free account to participate.

Please email any questions to  [email protected] .

Pembroke College of Cambridge Online Summer Research Programme

Description :  The Online Summer Research Programme offers you the unique opportunity to experience the renowned Cambridge style of teaching from anywhere in the world. It’s a real opportunity to challenge yourself academically and develop deep subject knowledge, working one-to-one with an expert in the field. From cyber warfare to the economic viability of Obamacare, we almost cover it all on our Subject Stream and for everything we don’t, you’re able to propose your own research topics on our Open Stream. Outside of supervisions, you’ll also connect and make friendships with other students on the programme through online networking events.  

Application Requirements : Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2, have finished your first-year of college, and have high level of English Fluency. Please visit the application site to see what other application materials are required (e.g. transcript, project form).

Deadline : TBA

Program Dates : July 1st-28th, 2024

Please email any questions to  [email protected].

BeMo ®  4-Month & 1-Year Research Programs

Description :   BeMo ® offers many different types of online research projects   for all undergraduate students that will best prepare them for their application to medical school.

• Online Independent Research Program : You can get research experience that makes your application stand out from the comfort of your home and have weekly meetings online via video conference with your team of research committee members. You can choose between the 4-months or the 1-year research program to conduct a literature review research project on a high impact topic hand selected by the PhDs.
• Step-by-Step Guided Research : The BeMo® team of research experts will help you each step of the way from choosing the best research topic to scientific research methodology to presentation and publication. Each week you'll meet for private one-on-one consultations to go over your research and get specific guidance and feedback as your progress.
• High-Impact Research Projects : You can research high-impact topics, such as Psychiatric, COVID-19, Substance-abuse, Vaccines, COPD, Heart Disease, Diabetes, Ulcerative Colitis, Stroke, Heart Attack, Asthma, Obesity, Women’s Health, Cancer, and more.
• Master Scientific Research Methodology : You will attend 6 guided workshops and complete 5 exercises to learn research methodology, literature search, data analysis, scientific communication, research manuscript creation, and research presentation. In the 4-months program you'll attend 15 sessions and in the 1-year program you'll receive 48 sessions to guide you at every step of the way.
• Gain Experience Writing Research Papers:  BeMo®  team of research experts will help you complete a research summary paper on your research topic to help you learn the essential principles of scientific inquiry and publication. Your research summary will be published on the BeMo®  website, so you can use it as a reference on your applications and CV.

Application Requirements :  You can schedule a free 15-minute initial consultation , where you will be able to talk about what option of research is the best fit for you. Prices for these research projects are listed on their website .

Program Dates: N/A

The University of Arizona Library  is available online for all UA undergraduate students. Students will be able to find wide variety of online resources, such as research journals, course guides, tutorials for library research, and much more. This section will provide a brief overview of resources that are available and important for online and remote researchers. Please also explore the UA Library Online & Distance Students site , which provides information on research resources, on how to develop your research skill. 

How can I find online research resources?

There are many different ways on how to find online research through the UA Library site. You will be able to access these online resources for free with your NetID and password.

• Use the library search engine to find both print and online content, including articles, books, ebooks, films, and more. You can type any keywords that may aid you in your search in the search bar at the top of the screen.
• You can also search through the online A-Z database  to find a specific resource based on subject, database type, vendor/provider, and keyword (e.g. description or title). 
• If you are unable to find what you need through the website, you can also receive a free library card at your local library, such as at Pima County Public Library , if you are a local resident.
• Finally, you can search for academic resources that are tailored to your discipline . This site features many guides that are categorized by course number (e.g. ENG 101), subject (e.g. General Chemistry), and topic (e.g. AI literacy). You can also search for a specific guide using the search bar near the bottom of the webpage. 

How can I learn and/or improve my research skills?

The UA Library has made quick video tutorials, articles, and quizzes that can teach you skills on how to be a better researcher, through both academics and research. These videos are meant to build your foundation in research, such as how to cite empirical articles, how to evaluate online information, how to find a research interest/topic, etc! Please explore the Learn with Tutorials webpage from the UA Library in order to delve deeper into the resources our online library has to offer! The UA Library also offer support for any researchers , such as funding & networking opportunities, research proposal plans, management of citations, publishing opportunities, and much more!

Not sure how to find an online research opportunity that suits your interests? Need help reaching out to faculty?

The Undergraduate Research Ambassador (URA) Team is here to support you on any step of your research journey. The URA Team URAs are able to provide one-on-one support to students who would like individualized help in exploring possibilities, communicating with a research mentor, sharing their research ideas, or preparing an application for a research program.

How can I individually meet with an URA?

There are many ways for undergraduate students, who are online and/or remote, to receive  one-and-one support  from URAs at any step of their research journey:

• Sign up for a 1:1 meeting!  Schedule your appointment through  Handshake . Meetings are available through zoom and usually last 30 minutes! Appointments can be made throughout the week, including weekends!
• Send an email!  Write any questions, thoughts, or concerns to  [email protected] . You can also send us email drafts, research program applications, resumes, etc for us to review for you!
• Check out other SECD resources!  The  Student Engagement & Career Development (SECD)  also provides individualized support on preparing your resume, CV, or cover letter for any applications through  Lifelab , which appointments can also be made through Handshake  with a  Career Educator  or  Career Peer Coach . 

What academic departments at the UA offer online and remote research?

Each academic department manages their own undergraduate research program and may have specific steps for how to become involved, even for online and remote research opportunities. The list below will provide links and information on the different types of online research, such as VIPs, CUREs, research teams, or faculty projects that are unique to the academic department or college. The full list of all of the academic departments and colleges, with links to their websites, can be found here . 

This sections lists online Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) for the  academic year of 2023-24  and other online research opportunities by online UA Faculty . This site will be updated regularly, so check in with us!

Online Course-Based Research Experiences for Fall 2024

APCV361: Data Analysis and Visualization

Description :   Data Analysis and Visualization will lay a foundation for students to understand how to process, analyze, and visualize data.  Topics include data collection and integration, exploratory data analysis, statistical inference and modeling, machine learning, and data visualization.  The emphasis of the course topics will be placed on integration and synthesis of concepts and their application to solving problems.  Students will explore these topics using software tools.

Prerequisites :   College of Applied Science & Technology (CAST) student, APCV 302 and APCV 320, Prior Python programming

Credits :  3 credits

Other Information : Asynchronous online, optional weekly meetings

Instructor :   Dr. Li Xu , College of Applied Science & Technology

BAT/ENGR/CALS 102 | Data Science Heroes: An Undergraduate Research Experience in Open Data Science Practices

Description :   Despite a growing demand for data scientists, university training in science ethics, code licensing and best reproducibility practices are not generalized for undergraduates. In this Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE), students will conduct an assessment of the current landscape and the evolution of accessibility, documentation and reproducibility practices in bioinformatics. The CURE will be a two-credit course in the Department of Biosystems Engineering accessible to students from any college. Students will learn and reflect upon best practices for open science and science reproducibility. Several practical skills will also be developed such as science communication, as well as the use of computational tools for code versioning and documentation.

Prerequisites :   None

Credits : 3  credits

Other Information : Asynchronous online

Instructor : Dr. Bonnie Hurwitz , Dr. Alise Ponsero, College of Engineering

HWRS 349A&B/350 | Principles of Hydrology

Description : Students in this course will work to answer the question: “Do monsoon storms start later in the day than they did decades ago?” This question has been raised by numerous long-time Tucson citizens, who insist that monsoon storms start in the late evening (after sunset) rather than 3-5pm. While this started as a pedestrian question, it also has meteorological and practical implications if it is in fact true. The in-person class is a hands-on Collaborative Learning course, and there is a practical, applied lab with several field trips, many of which involve interaction with hydrology & atmospheric science professionals. Some examples of field trips for the lab include: Stream gaging with the US Geological Survey; A tour of the National Weather Survey office and a weather balloon launch; A tour of Biosphere2's Landscape Evolution Observatory (LEO) Project; and more! This is an excellent course to gain a broad, applied understanding of virtually every subdiscipline in hydrology!

Prerequisites :   Calculus I (MATH 113 or MATH 122A&B)

Credits : 3 Credits

Other Information : Online

Instructor : Dr. Martha Whitaker , College of Science

LING 2/3/499: Community-led Language Technology Development

Description : Students will join a community-based language technology development project, the Coeur d’Alene Online Language Resource Center (COLRC), as an example of a community lead language technology development project that focuses on the needs of a low-resource, minoritized language community. Depending on their skills and interests, participating students will enroll for 1 to 3 credits, at a course level (299, 399, 499) appropriate to their experience, and be assigned to assist in the development and deployment process. The project supports students who wish to develop skills in linguistic analysis and language activism, along with at least one of the following technical skills: coding for frontend, backend, rest interfaces, and scripting (javascript, python); database development (postgres, graphQL); and/or natural language processing (ingest, tokenization, annotation tasks using lum.ai/odinson libraries). Interested students should have at least some familiarity with and enjoyment of coding, but need not have significant experience or expertise in these areas. Students who are members of minoritized or low resource language communities will bring particularly valuable experience and expertise to this work, but any undergraduate student is welcome to participate

Credits : 1-3 credits

Other Information : Asynchronous Online

Instructor :  Amy V Fountain ,  College of Humanities

Online Course-Based Research Experiences for Spring 2024

PAH 420 | Innovation and the Human Condition: Learning How to Improve Life in the Community and Beyond

Description :   This course will equip students with the skills to use the humanities intellectual and analytical traditions to identify and pursue strategic responses to opportunities for innovation in the human condition. Over the course of the semester, students will draw on a range of humanities-based ways of seeing and doing to: 1) identify opportunities for improving the human condition at the community level and beyond; 2) analyze the cultural, political, and economic conditions that influence such opportunities; 3) design technological, industrial, and socio-cultural innovations that are directly responsive to these opportunities; and 4) develop strategic storylines that effectively convey the merits of these innovations to relevant stakeholders.

We will begin by forming small teams of student innovators. Each team will engage, experience, and internalize the course content through a series of activities and tasks that include: 1) identifying a community-based issue or opportunity that warrants an intervention; 2) analyzing the issue or opportunity through secondary research; 3) formulating an innovative strategy that is data-driven and based in the principles and concepts central to the humanities intellectual and analytical traditions; 4) refining and enhancing said innovative strategy through primary research; and 4) developing and delivering a multi-faceted presentation (visual, oral, written) of the strategy to a panel of experts.

Other Information : Asynchronous online, mandatory team weekly meetings, final research project showcase

Instructor :   TBA

HNRS 195J-101: Tasting Tomorrow: Portraying Culture and Futurity through the Culinary World

Description :   The course focuses on a few key areas that center of the relationship we all have with food: examining how food operates in defining culture and discussions around cultural heritage; how specific restaurants and figures have informed the growth of Tucson into a City of Gastronomy; and, how different modalities of food media (food writing, poetry, television, film, web content, art, etc.) shape a variety of discourses on contemporary issues ranging from food scarcity to the politics of eating meat/plants to the treatment of laborers within the broader scope of the food industry. By the end of the semester, students have read and viewed materials to foster robust in-class (or online, or both) discussions of these concerns and themes while producing several research-based small-scale projects using a variety of composing strategies and multimodal mediums (such as using Instagram, developing newsletters/web pages, and executing in-person/digital presentations).

Prerequisites :   Honors College

Credits : 1 credit

Instructor :   Joseph Nardinelli , College of Humanities

HNRS 195H-102: Speaking for Yourself: Understanding Your Linguistic Identity

Description :   We apply methods and concepts from the study of linguistics, with a focus on acoustic and articulatory phonetics for spoken and signed languages, in order to investigate the patterns of language that give each of us our own 'voice'. We share our findings with each other, and in doing so begin to develop an understanding and appreciation of the linguistic diversity around us.

Online UA Research Labs & Projects for Spring 2024

If you are interested in any of these opportunities, you will need to contact the faculty member in charge of the project. Please read our tips on  writing an email to faculty  or schedule a 1:1 Handshake appointment with an URA for personal support on drafting emails.

For other online research opportunities by UA faculty, please visit our extensive database of professors conducting online research and welcoming undergraduate students.

Dr. Dalal Alharthi - Cybersecurity and related fields

Description :   Preferred interest in Cloud Security; Penetration Testing; Incident Response; Human-Computer Interaction (HCI); Privacy; and Cybersecurity Education. I nterdisciplinary Research opportunities are available in the intersection between the area of Cybersecurity and several areas such as Computer Science; Public Administration; Business Administration; and Education.

Prerequisites : None

Types of Opportunities : Volunteer, For Credit

Commitment :  If volunteering, you should commit to 6 hours or more per week. For credit, you may enroll in an Independent Study course.

Principal Investigator :   Dr. Dalal Alharthi , Computer Science

Alicja Babst-Kostecka - Plant Environmental & Genomic Adaptation

Description : My research combines genetic, phenotypic, and environmental information in an integrated framework to study plant adaptation to changing environmental conditions. I am particularly interested in the mechanisms that allow certain plant species to colonize industrially contaminated habitats at former mining sites. These species thereby undergo rapid genetic and physiological adaptation. Specifically, they have evolved the ability to tolerate and sometimes accumulate remarkable amounts of metal trace elements – traits that I am studying in both field and controlled laboratory experiments. My interdisciplinary work sets the stage for mitigating the legacies of industrial exploitation. By advancing the molecular basis of phytoremediation and biofortification efforts, I strive to contribute to improving environmental and human health.

Types of Opportunities : Volunteer, For Credit, Paid

Commitment : N/A

Principal Investigator :   Dr. Alicja Babst-Kosetecka , Environmental Science

Mixed Augmented ViRtual eXtended Reality Laboratory - MA[VR]X

Description : The Mixed Augmented ViRtual eXtended (Reality) Laboratory in the College of Applied Science & Technology is the University of Arizona’s home for research, exploration, and development for alternative and extended reality media and training in southeastern Arizona. We take a very broad view of “extended reality” to include everything from head-mounted display Topics include: Posthuman inquiry, applied post-phenomenology, extended reality, augmented reality, virtual reality, mixed reality, Web3, metaverse, educational technology, instructional technology, human-computer interaction, cybersecurity, cyber operations, digital identity.

Prerequisites : Preferred interested in extended reality and comfortable with fully remote research. Enrollment in APCV 399 (1-3 credit hours) required.

Types of Opportunities : For Credit

Commitment : 3-9 Hours per week

Principal Investigator :   Dr. Ryan Straight ,  College of Applied Sciences & Technology

Purnima Madhivanan   - Public Health & Health Promotional Sciences

Description : Purnima Madhivananis an Associate Professor in Health Promotion Sciences at the Mel & Enid College of Public Health at University of Arizona. A physician by training from Government Medical College in Mysore, she has a MPH and PhD in Epidemiology from the University of California, Berkeley, USA. She completed her post-doctoral training in 2010. She is the Director of Public Health Research Institute of India (PHRII) and is also the Director of the Global Health Equity Scholars (GHES) Training Program in collaboration with Stanford, Yale and University of California, Berkeley. For the past 20 years, her work has focused on disadvantaged populations, elucidating the dynamics of poverty, gender, and the environmental determinants of health, in particular the impact on women and children living in rural communities. She established a clinic in Mysore, India in 2005 while completing her PhD dissertation. For over a decade, the PHRII/Prerana Women’s Health Initiative has delivered low-cost, high-quality reproductive health services to 44,000 low-income women living in Mysore District. Offering a full-service clinic, molecular laboratory and active affiliations with several major tertiary care hospitals, the site is recognized as a research and training site for Global Health. The Saving Children Improving Lives Program focused on increasing integrated antenatal care and HIV testing services for women in rural and tribal communities using mobile clinics with the help of women’s self-help groups to mobilize and follow-up women. This program model was then adapted to provide cervical cancer screening services in the community in India, which is the only community based cervical cancer screening program in India. Dr. Madhivanan’s work focuses on addressing the systemic inequities that put India’s tribal and rural women at-risk for poor health and birth outcomes. Her current work is at the intersection of infectious and chronic diseases with a special focus on cancer. Dr. Madhivanan serves as an advisor to a number of state departments of Public Health, non-profit as well as governmental research organizations. In 2007, she received the prestigious International Leadership Award from the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation for her work on HIV prevention. She has received several awards and honors for mentoring. Dr. Madhivanan’s global health credentials and clinical service has brought unique opportunities for collaboration; most recently benefiting students and faculty interested in learning about Global Health and service in a developing world setting.

Prerequisites : Proficient in Social Media, Website, Technology, MS Office

Types of Opportunities : Volunteer, For Credit

Principal Investigator :   Dr. Purmina Madhivanan ,  Public Health

Noshene Ranjbar - Cultural & Trauma Psychiatry

Description : Interested in integrative medicine; integrative psychiatry; culturally-sensitive and trauma-informed work with underserved, particularly American Indian community and refugees; mind-body medicine; physician wellness and burnout; medical student wellness and burnout; integration of indigenous and modern medicine and healing practices; PTSD and trauma-spectrum disorders

Prerequisites : Pre-Med

Types of Opportunities : Volunteer, For Credit, Paid

Principal Investigator :   Dr. Noshene Ranjbar ,  Integrative Psychiatry Program

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Getting involved in research as an undergraduate: nuts and bolts

Research experience consistently emerges as a top criterion for admission into graduate school and for employment in competitive positions. But gaining research experience is largely dependent on your own initiative. That can prove intimidating, so in this article I highlight the key steps in the process of obtaining research experience.

The benefits of student research boil down to two dimensions (Landrum & Nelsen, 2002). The first might be labeled “specific skills,” including developing research ideas, conducting literature searches, analyzing data, using statistical procedures, preparing conference presentations and improving writing ability. The second dimension might be named “interpersonal goals.” These entail influencing decisions about employment or graduate school, enhancing teamwork, forming relationships for letters of recommendation and developing leadership. You seek both types of benefits in securing a research experience as an undergrad. 

Choose a path

Here are five common avenues for undergraduates engaging in research. 

• Volunteer to work with a faculty member on one of his or her research projects.
• Complete a student research program for a notation on your transcript but not academic credit. Students identify potential professors to work with from a faculty directory of research interests, jointly complete a learning contract and then devote a minimum number of hours (say, 75) throughout a semester working directly with the faculty sponsor.
• Take independent psychology research for academic credit. This entails individual study and research under the supervision of a faculty member and is ordinarily limited to junior and senior psychology majors.
• Work or volunteer for a researcher outside of your university — in a hospital, medical center, research institute, private industry or community-based organization, for example. Especially in large cities, researchers with major grants depend upon students for many elements of study management, data collection and statistical analyses.
• Complete an honors thesis in either a departmental or a university-wide honors program. Many schools allow motivated students to complete an honors thesis, an original study that the student conceptualizes, conducts, analyzes and has some hope of presenting at a regional conference or even publishing.

Whichever path you eventually take, the procedures are quite similar. Following is a nuts-and-bolts guide to help you make the most of your research experience.

Determine your interests

An initial step is finding a research area that interests you. A good place to begin is to read through your department brochure or website describing faculty interests and current research. Visit with the director of psychology advising or the director of undergraduate studies in the psychology department (if a large university) or the department chairperson (if a smaller college) to discuss research possibilities. Speak to other students in the major about potential faculty mentors. Look for professors who have a proven track record of scholarly publications.

Once you have a list of faculty interests, you may find someone interesting but not be sure exactly what the research is all about. If publications are not provided on the departmental website, or if reprints are not posted in the department, then you can go to PsycINFO and read what that professor has published over the last five to seven years. This should make it easier to decide which professor you would like to approach to volunteer to do research with. Do not narrow your choices too quickly . Find at least two or three professors whose work initially interests you.

Select professors

Next, find out more about that professor as a person. Do you know people who have taken a class with him or her? Are there other undergraduates working with this professor now? What do they do, and what is it like working under this person? Is the professor easy to get along with? Is the professor helpful to students? 

Some professors maintain large research facilities and employ vast numbers of undergraduates to help them with their data collection and management. If there are 10 undergraduates working in a lab, the attention given to each individual tends to decrease, as well as the value of the research experience. On the other hand, some large laboratories provide unique research opportunities unavailable elsewhere. The key is to talk to students who have worked there to learn about their experiences and determine if former students have had success applying to graduate school.

An optimal research context, then, is one in which a faculty member or research mentor has an established reputation in his or her field, a record of producing publishable research, interests similar to your own, a history of working successfully with undergrads and a propensity to share authorship with students. Be guided by these principles in selecting professors to approach, but do not expect all these qualities to be available to you.

Make contact

Now it’s time to make yourself known to the faculty researcher. Of course, it is natural for you to feel nervous. Again: Read what the professor has written and remember that you are offering your services free of charge. 

Here are 10 quick pointers in asking for a research assistant (RA) position: 

• Go during office hours. 
• Bring a CV or resume. 
• Begin with small talk.
• Express interest in his/her research. 
• Manifest positive nonverbal behaviors. 
• Ask explicitly to serve as an RA. 
• Explain why you qualify for the position.
• Ask for decision date.
• Thank the professor for his/her time.
• Have a backup plan.

A good opening line might be, “Hello, Dr. Freud, my name is Chris Smith. I’ve been reading on autism and came across several articles you’ve written. I’m pretty interested and was wondering if I could help with your research projects.”

“Well Mr./Ms. Smith, I’d be very interested in speaking with you about helping with my research.” You have made the contact and off you go.

If the professor does not need help, you have lost nothing and gained experience in asking. Ask if he or she knows of someone with similar interests who is looking for help, or simply approach the next person on your list.

Either way, you are on your way to acquiring the research fever in psychology as an undergrad. Go get ’em.

About the author

Undergraduate research experience: A roadmap to guide your journey

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UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT PROFILE

Considering graduate school.

3 Ways to Find Undergraduate Research Opportunities

• by Katie Dineen
• August 25, 2022

During his sophomore year, Nathan Soland, a chemistry major and history minor , began writing emails to professors. Interested in research, he heard from older students that undergraduates could get involved. “So I started to reach out to professors,” Nathan said, “but I feel like I didn’t have any good coaching on what I should say or how to reach out.” This led to receiving no response from the two professors Nathan wrote to. “I was a little bit discouraged by that,” he admitted. 

Nathan’s experience is shared by many students. One of the huge attractions to UC Davis, and other research-based universities, is that students actively participate in faculty-led and independent research. Undergraduates have opportunities to learn about and implement research methods, produce creative and new knowledge, and work to further knowledge in their field. But often, students don’t know how to discover or discuss these opportunities, making the process to find research opportunities confusing, intimidating and overwhelming.  

However, just like research, the path to finding opportunities can be unique and surprising. The truth is that there’s no set way to begin a research position. There are many research options for undergraduates, you just have to know where to begin. Here are three ways to find research positions, as told by recent UC Davis graduates.  

1. Contact professors 

Despite his disappointment, Nathan did not give up. He reflected on his emails and found he had neglected to connect his interests to the professor’s research. So at the beginning of his third year, Nathan contacted two more professors and made clear his interest in material sustainability and its application. Both of the professors agreed to take him on as an undergraduate researcher, where he worked on projects that centered around the supply chain and material scarcity.   

In the first lab, Nathan completed a chemistry thesis under Dr. Frank Osterloh. Nathan would run characterization tests on synthesized chemicals to discover more about water-splitting and understand charge-transfer dynamics. In contrast, Nathan’s second lab was a broad look at mineral economics. He completed a literature summary, in which the group constructed a periodic table of critical elements. The work was compiled for the Critical Materials Institute. “In [my thesis] lab, I did more of the hands-on science and then the other lab I got more of the soft, literature search skills that are extremely useful today for my research,” Nathan said. 

In both labs, Nathan learned the importance of communication. By the end of his undergraduate experience, he understood how to succinctly communicate his findings both within the lab and outside. “I entered every conference that I could when I was at UC Davis,” Nathan said, “I feel like that was extremely useful in learning how to present my research and write up quick summaries.” 

Beyond lab work, Nathan’s research experience gave him a chance to reflect on what would be next. “The best things about being an undergraduate researcher is getting a little bit of perspective into how graduate school could look and talking to the students in the lab,” Nathan reflected. 

After graduating in Spring 2020, Nathan secured a post-college internship at the National Renewable Energy Lab in Colorado. He is now in his second year at UC Berkeley pursuing his Ph.D. in physical chemistry and researching creative ways to divest from a petroleum-based carbon economy. “I picked this lab based on my experience in undergrad, deciding I wanted to do something that could have an impact, not just for fundamental science’s sake,” Nathan said.  

Though both labs shaped Nathan’s academic journey, he did admit to feeling overwhelmed at times. “So I would recommend sticking to one lab or another,” he advised. 

Try to find one research opportunity that really interests you and then invest your time in exploring that research and connecting with the professor. This will give you a better chance at a response. “It’s good to try to reach out to people who you have some meaningful connection to, whether it's you actually took their class and enjoyed it or you’ve looked deeply into their research and you think that it relates to something that you’re really interested in,” Nathan concluded. 

2. Explore academic departments that interest you

Undergraduates can also find research by participating in departments that interest them. UC Davis is a huge campus with so many academic and professional opportunities, opportunities undergraduates may not hear about until they go looking. Leah Kalish knows this better than most. As a sociology — organizational studies major with minors in education and professional writing , her diverse interests led her to explore many different department projects.  

During her sophomore year, Leah participated in a survey for an education course that hoped to learn more about her experience as an undergraduate. Intrigued by the opportunity, she was willing to participate in an expanded, in-person interview through the UC Davis Center for Educational Effectiveness  — a building she didn’t know existed on campus. “It's mostly a resource for faculty to improve their teaching and their transparency with students,” Leah summarized. The researchers investigated how students understood their learning outcomes. After participating in the survey, Leah met with the Coordinator for Academic Assessment, Kara Moloney, and expressed her personal interest in their work.  

Unfortunately, a week after the survey, the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic began. However, Leah was patient and persistent, and after reconnecting with Kara, she secured a position as a Student Assessment Researcher to explore higher education research. Alongside a Ph.D. candidate and several other undergraduates, Leah would reread and listen to the interviews conducted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic — the very interviews she’d participated in. “We did something called qualitative coding where we were looking for similarities in the topics that students brought up,” Leah said. These codes translated to themes the team used to write and publish a research paper.  

Leah emphasized the importance of networking to secure her research position. She encourages students to be open about their interests and put themselves out there. Her receptiveness not only gained her experience, but a letter of recommendation. “I…had a lot of direct experience with impressive people who could then advocate for me later when I was working on [job and course] applications,” Leah said. 

After her research position, Leah secured an internship with a nonprofit that advocated for after-school programs, a role that revealed to her the importance of teachers. So upon graduating in December 2021, Leah decided to pursue a teaching credential and is now an incoming teaching candidate at San Diego State University. “Research helped me navigate where I ultimately wanted to go,” Leah reflected. 

3. Apply to university programs or scholarships

Finally, undergraduates can apply to university research programs. During my final year at UC Davis, I felt like my undergraduate experience was missing a piece. It took a newsletter from my major advisor to realize what was absent. I had never held a research position while at a research-based university. Though research is not a required experience, it felt like the perfect next step in my academic career: applying the knowledge you’ve gained to not only learn, but discover!  

In our monthly newsletter, my major advisor discussed the Ted Bradshaw Engaged Student Scholars Program . Housed in the Center for Regional Change, I went through two rounds of placement interviews, after which I was assigned to work on a research team with Dr. Jonathan London. Alongside Ph.D. Candidate Peter Nguyen and four undergraduates, I hoped to understand whether Assembly Bill (AB) 617 and its resulting program, the Community Air Protection Program, were effective. The program’s “focus is to reduce exposure in communities most impacted by air pollution” through community-based development and implementation of “new strategies to measure air pollution and reduce health impacts.” Through my experience, I learned about participant observation and qualitative field research, while developing a passion for environmental justice. 

The program also held monthly workshops for the eight scholars, where we learned different ways to lead community-based research and how to access public tools. In the research, I found a system of student support, learned from graduate students, and gained mentorship from professors. The program gave me structure: learning to work on a deadline, present high-level summaries, and train new undergraduate researchers. 

To finish the program I had the opportunity to present my research and hear about the work of other Bradshaw scholars. We had all helped to grow our community’s understanding of effective environmental justice. Because a university research program offers specialized topics, it’s important to apply to a program that caters to your interests!  

Continued learning 

Undergraduate research is an opportunity to strengthen your academic skill set and field knowledge. But it’s also a time to learn more about yourself. Research gives you a chance to explore topics that interest you – and ones that don’t. “It’s also okay to find out that you start some research and that you’re not actually that interested in it. That happens a lot and you can’t really be expected to know what you’re going to like for the next four, five years right away,” Nathan said. 

If your first position is not what you expected, try again! To find new opportunities, don’t be afraid to seek a different path: 

• Meet with your advisors — they often know about on- and off-campus organizations that are looking for participants or researchers. 
• Visit your university’s Undergraduate Research Center or Internship and Career Center  
• Explore your university’s Jobs and Internships Facebook page – users regularly post research-based opportunities.  
• Talk to your classmates, friends and TAs about what opportunities they’ve pursued. 
• Apply to an undergraduate seminar, where you can work with an assigned mentor to pursue your own research and write a thesis. 
• Or consider joining your university’s honors program, where you can write an undergraduate thesis. At UC Davis, incoming students are invited to apply, while current students are able to apply at select times during the school year — attend a zoom meeting  for further information! 

Though we found our opportunities at UC Davis, our experiences can be applied at many universities. On any campus, students often stumble into positions by discussing their interests, so be willing to ask questions in class, talk to your professors and peers, and put yourself out there. “Yes, we are a research-based university, but you do have to seek out those opportunities,” Leah concluded, “it never hurts to introduce yourself and share your interests.”  

Katie Dineen  recently graduated from UC Davis with a major in international relations and minors in French, human rights, and professional writing. At UC Davis, she researched forced migration, environmental justice and community-led advocacy. The Majors Blog has been a place to explore her passion for writing.

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Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Office of undergraduate education, 7 steps to get involved.

Ask yourself: What kinds of topics or questions are interesting to you? What impact do you want to have on the world with your research? Think about what you want to do in research. This is a good time to consult with the Undergraduate Research Ambassadors (URA). They are a great resource for peer advice and learning about other GT students’ undergraduate research journeys. Click here for a roster of current Undergraduate Research Ambassadors (URAs).

Identify four or five faculty members whose research is exciting to you.  Don’t limit yourself to research within your major or college. Keep a broad perspective when searching for potential research opportunities. Explore faculty webpages to learn about their ongoing research and how undergraduates are involved. Ask your Teaching Assistants (TAs) and instructors about faculty research programs. Read faculty papers and other publications. Click the link below for general resources about undergraduate research opportunities at Georgia Tech and beyond.

Contact the faculty members . Write an email or visit faculty during their office hours. When emailing faculty, be sure to list your information (name, class year, major) and explain your interest in their research to show you “did your homework”. Ask for a brief (~15 minute) meeting to discuss possibilities for you to get involved and provide some large blocks of time during which you are available. Remember: this is a professional interaction, and it’s important to make a good impression.

Follow up if needed.  Sometimes our faculty can get very busy. If you don’t receive a reply after one week, it’s okay to politely follow up and express your continued interest in their research. Be sure to update your availability for a brief meeting. Securing a research experience can require persistence, but the payoff is worth it!

Discuss expectations for an undergraduate research position. When you meet with faculty to discuss research opportunities, be sure to ask about expectations. How much time will the project require? Will you need to conduct research on-site or remotely? Who will provide training and how? The best undergraduate research experiences evolve from mentor/mentee relationships with clearly defined expectations. It’s important to find a research position in which you’re set up for success from the beginning.

Register for a research course. Once you’ve secured a research position, it’s important to get credit for your work. You can enroll in a research course for graded academic credit, or you can enroll in a non-billable audit course that represents your research experience on your transcript. Both options are variable credit courses that can be adapted each semester to your weekly time commitment on the project. Click here for more information about registering for research courses.

If you're still having trouble finding a research opportunity, reach out to UROP, the Undergraduate Research Ambassadors (URA), and/or your school’s undergraduate research coordinator. We can guide and assist you in finding a research position. If you email UROP, please include your full name, class year, major, and a detailed description of your efforts so far.

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31 Research Opportunities + Internships for High Schoolers in 2024

What’s covered:.

• Research Opportunities and Internships for High School Students
• How to Find Research Opportunities in High School
• How Will Doing Research Impact Your College Chances?

Research drives innovation across every field of study, from natural sciences to health to history. Pursuing curiosity can impact industries, drive policy, and help us to better understand the world around us. Without curiosity and research, our society would surely stagnate. 

Contrary to popular belief, however, you don’t have to be a seasoned professional to conduct meaningful research. There are plenty of opportunities for high school students to get a head start on their future careers and contribute to substantial change. Keep reading to learn about 30 great opportunities for students looking for early chances to conduct research! 

Research Opportunities and Internships for High School Students 

1. memorial sloan kettering human oncology and pathogenesis program.

Application Deadline: February 9

Location: New York, NY

Duration: Eight weeks (June 27 – August 22)

Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) is one of the most well-known cancer centers in the world. The Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program (HOPP) at MSK hosts a Summer Student Program for students to conduct independent research projects while participating in extracurricular activities, training, and other opportunities.  

During the eight-week program, participants work with a mentor who will act as a supervisor to help them develop their research skills. Additionally, students have the opportunity to complete an independent research project that aligns with their mentor’s work. All participants will present their projects at a poster session at the end of the summer.

To participate, you must have completed at least 9th grade by June 2024, be at least 14 years old by June 27, have a 3.5 GPA in science subjects, and submit two letters of recommendation. This is a paid opportunity—participants will receive a stipend. 

2. Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program  

Application Deadline: January 5 

Duration: Seven weeks (June 24 – August 8) 

The Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program allows high school students to conduct real, innovative research over seven weeks through the renowned Rockefeller University, under the guidance of leading scientists. 

SSRP scholars will be able to design and conduct their own research project as part of a themed research track, which is modeled after a Rockefeller research topic and/or technique, with the help of scientist mentors from the Rockefeller community. Most of the research will be conducted in the RockEDU Laboratory—a 3,000-square-foot research space specifically dedicated to developing biomedical research skills.

Students must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program to participate.  

3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Application Deadline : Varies by cohort. Main summer deadlines are March 15, April 15, and May 15

Location:  Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!

Duration: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year

Founded by Harvard & Oxford researchers, the Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program pairs high-school students with PhD mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project . At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have written an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as medicine, computer science, psychology, physics, economics, data science, business, engineering, biology, and international relations.

This program is designed to accommodate your schedule—you can participate in the summer, fall, winter, or spring, and the program is also conducted fully remotely. While you must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate high academic achievement (most students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3), no previous knowledge of your field of interest is required. The cost of the program ranges from $2,800 to $8,900, but financial aid is available.

Note that this is a selective program. Last year, over 4000 students applied for 500 spots in the program. You can find more details about the application here .

4. Research Science Institute (RSI)

Application Deadline: December 13 

Location: Cambridge, MA

Duration: Five weeks (June 23 – August 3) 

The prestigious RSI, which takes place at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) annually, brings together 100 of the world’s top high school students. The free program blends on-campus coursework with off-campus science and technology research. 

Participants complete individual research projects while receiving mentorship from experienced scientists and researchers, and present their findings through oral and written reports in a conference-style setting at the end of the program. 

5. NYU Tandon – Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)

Application Deadline: March 6

Duration: 10  weeks (June 3 – August 9)

Open to New York City high school students who will complete 10th or 11th grade in June 2024, the ARISE program provides access to college-level workshops and lab research across fields like bio, molecular, and chemical engineering, robotics, computer science, and AI.

Over the course of 10 weeks—four virtual and six in person—participants will receive guidance from graduate or postdoctoral students at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering. 

6. Simons Summer Research Program

Application Deadline: February 7

Location: Stony Brook, NY

Duration: Five weeks (July 1 – August 9) 

During Stony Brook ’s Simons Summer Research Program, high school students conduct hands-on research in areas like science, math, and engineering while working with faculty mentors. Simons Fellows have the opportunity to join real research teams and learn about laboratory equipment and techniques. They also attend weekly faculty research talks and participate in special workshops, tours, and events. 

At the closing poster symposium, students will receive a stipend for their participation. To apply, you must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program and currently be in your junior year. 

7. SPARK Summer Mentorship Program

Application Deadline: N/A

Location: Greater Seattle area

Duration: 8-10 weeks 

SPARK is a summer mentorship program that pairs high-achieving and highly motivated high schoolers with industry experts, university professors, and mentors to conduct research on customers and financial markets. The program is only open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.  

8. MDI Biological Laboratory – Biomedical Bootcamp 2024

Application Deadline: March 18 

Location: Bar Harbor, ME

Duration: One week (July 15 – 19) 

In this bootcamp, students will receive a hands-on introduction to biomedical research at MDI Biological Laboratory. Participants will learn essential scientific skills such as experimental design and hypothesis testing, cutting-edge laboratory techniques, data analysis, bioinformatics, and scientific communication. 

During the program, scientists and bioentrepreneurs at the lab will help participants explore scientific ethics at large, as well as career paths in biomedicine, research, and entrepreneurship in Maine and beyond.

Participants must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program and must be entering their junior or senior year in September 2024, or graduating in June 2024. 

9. Boston University – Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) Internship  

Application Deadline: February 14  

Location: Boston, MA

Duration: Six weeks (June 30 – August 9)  

RISE is a six-week program for rising seniors with an interest in pursuing a major and/or career in STEM. There are a multitude of tracks available, in areas such as astronomy, biology, chemistry, computer science, environmental science, and neuroscience. In each track, students conduct research under the mentorship of Boston University faculty, postdoctoral fellows, or graduate students. They will also attend weekly workshops with their peers. 

10. The Wistar Institute – High School Program in Biomedical Research

Application Deadline: March 31 

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Duration: Four weeks (July 15 – August 8) 

A leading biomedical research organization, The Wistar Institute is an ideal setting for students to learn research skills. Participants will complete their own research project while being trained in a principal investigator’s laboratory. They’ll also attend seminars, receive mentorship, and deliver a final presentation about their work.

Students are expected to participate Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Absences of more than two consecutive days cannot be accommodated. Students will receive a stipend of $1,000 upon completion of the program, to compensate for commuting costs or other personal expenses accrued during the program. 

11. California Academy of Sciences – Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program

Application Deadline: April 1, 2024

Location: San Francisco, CA

Duration: Multi-year, year-round participation (after school and on weekends)

This long term program gives San Francisco students from communities that are underrepresented in STEM the opportunity to learn about the world of science and sustainability. Students receive mentorship, develop career skills, and more—all while getting paid for their work. Students also attend workshops and conferences throughout the course of the program. 

12. NASA OSTEM Internship

Application Deadline: February 2

Location: Varies

Duration: Varies

NASA offers a variety of internships for high school students across its numerous campuses. Interns gain real-world work experience by working side by side with research scientists and engineers, which will strengthen their resume and help prepare them for their eventual careers. All participants must be at least 16 years old and enrolled in high school full time.

13. New-York Historical Society Student Historian Internship Program

Application Deadline: April 7

Duration: July 9 – August 15

Not all research is conducted in STEM subjects! Developed for students interested in history, the New-York Historical Society’s Student Historian Program gives participants the opportunity to conduct research on a history topic—2024’s theme is Our Composite Nation: Frederick Douglass’ America . During the program, participants will work with historian mentors, visit history archives around New York City, lead gallery tours, and develop their historical thinking, communication, and digital media skills.

Applicants must be entering grades 10, 11, or 12, and live in the New York City metro area. This opportunity is unpaid for most participants, but some interns with demonstrated financial need can potentially receive a stipend.

14. Adler Planetarium Summer High School Internship  

Application Deadline: March 1

Location: Chicago, IL

Duration: Six weeks (July 8 – August 14)

During this summer internship program, students will learn about the Adler Planetarium and the career opportunities within it and planetariums and museums in general, in areas ranging from Visitor Experience and Learning to Research. Students will also get the chance to see how research gets translated into a museum experience. 

15. Zuckerman Institute Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia University (BRAINYAC)

Application Deadline: TBA for 2025 program

Duration: Eight weeks  

BRAINYAC participants receive the rare opportunity to work on research in a lab at Columbia University , one of the most prestigious institutions in the world, as high school students, which results in a stronger, more comprehensive understanding of how scientific discovery happens. They connect with real scientists, acquire essential research and laboratory skills, and learn about advances in neuroscience research. 

In order to apply, you must be in 10th or 11th grade and must be nominated by one of the program’s partners—S-PREP, Lang Youth Medical, Double Discovery Center, Columbia Secondary School, or BioBus.  

16. Brookfield Zoo King Conservation Science Scholars Program

Application Deadline: Rolling admission 

Location: Brookfield, IL

Duration: N/A

Interactive workshops, fun activities, research, and community-based projects are at the core of this exciting internship. It’s an excellent opportunity for students who love animals and also want to gain research skills in the domains of zoology, environmental science, and conservation. 

As a King Scholar, you’ll learn about different topics through Foundation Courses, such as Diversity Awareness and Introduction to Conservation, all while networking with others and preparing for college and an eventual career in a related field. After one year of participation, you’ll be invited to apply for scholarships and paid positions at the zoo. 

17. The Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) at the American Museum of Natural History  

Application Deadline: March 8

Duration: One year (August to June) 

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the most iconic and fascinating places in New York City. Its Science Research Mentoring Program is an amazing opportunity for NYC high school students to conduct a yearlong research project with Museum scientists. 

Students in SRMP get paid to learn how scientific research is conducted. Depending on their topic of study, students can learn a variety of different research skills, like working with DNA in the lab, analyzing data from space-based telescopes, reading scientific articles, and learning to code and analyze data in Python, R, and other programming languages. 

18. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program

Application Deadline:   February 15

Location: Lubbock, TX

Duration: Seven weeks (June 16 – August 1) 

Through the Anson L. Clark Scholar Program, an intensive seven-week summer research program for twelve highly qualified high school juniors and seniors, students will gain hands-on experience with practical research alongside experienced and knowledgeable faculty at Texas Tech University .

Students can choose to participate in research in one field from a broad variety of options, including cell and molecular biology, chemistry, computer science, economics, engineering, history, and more! 

To apply, students must complete an online application that includes short essays, high school transcripts, test scores (at least a PSAT if no others are available), three recommendations (at least two from teachers), and a list of the student’s top five activities.

19. UChicago Data Science Institute Summer Lab Program  

Application Deadline: January 16 

Duration: Eight weeks (June 10 – August 2)

The Data Science Institute Summer Lab Program is an immersive eight-week paid summer research program at the University of Chicago . During the program, high school and undergraduate students are paired with a data science mentor, whose expertise could be in computer science, data science, social science, climate and energy policy, public policy, materials science, biomedical research, or another related field.

Participants will hone their research methodology, research practice, and teamwork skills. No prior research experience is required to apply. All participants will receive access to applied data science research, which they will use to craft a research project. The project findings will be presented in a video that will be shown at an end-of-summer symposium.

20. UT Austin College of Natural Sciences High School Research Academy

Application Deadline: March 24

Location: Austin, TX

Duration: Five weeks (June 10 – July 17) 

Through UT Austin ’s HSRA, high school students participate in interdisciplinary research projects being conducted by active College of Natural Sciences laboratories in fields such as biochemistry, biology, environmental science, genetics, neuroscience, genome engineering, data analytics, ecology, and more. 

There is a scholarship fund for underserved groups, so some stipends and free tuition scholarships may be available to students with demonstrated financial need. 

21. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience – Summer Research Internship

Location: Jupiter, FL

Duration: Six weeks (June 17 – July 26) 

The MPFI Summer Research Internship offers rising juniors and seniors an immersive laboratory experience where they can learn from seasoned researchers. The program is designed specifically for students with an interest in brain structure, function and development, and the advanced imaging techniques and technologies used in neuroscience. 

Program participants will participate in research projects alongside MPFI scientists, prepare a written scientific abstract based on their research project, and deliver a short presentation at the end of the summer. Research tracks include neuroscience, scientific computer programming, and mechanical engineering as it relates to neuroscience.

Applicants must be entering their junior or senior years in a Palm Beach or Martin County high school, be residents of one of those two counties, and be at least 16 by the beginning of the internship. Interns will be paid at a rate of $12.50 per hour.

22. Lincoln Park Zoo Malott Family Zoo Intern Program

Application Deadline: March 11 

Duration: Seven weeks (June 24 – August 9) 

During this paid seven-week program, high school students learn how to educate others about animal and conservation sciences while crafting digital messages to engage audiences. The program culminates in a final project. Throughout the internship, students meet with researchers and the Animal Care staff to explore careers in the animal science and conservation fields. 

Applicants must be Chicago residents between the ages of 15-18, and must be entering grades 10-12 or their freshman year of college by the start of the internship.

23. The Scripps Research High School Internship Program  

Application Deadline: April 19

Location: La Jolla, CA

Duration: Seven weeks  

The Scripps Research Institute’s La Jolla, California headquarters is proud to offer a seven-week hands-on research experience for San Diego County high schoolers. The program is specially designed to expose students to careers in the biological and chemical sciences, to provide hands-on laboratory experience, and to motivate and prepare students for continuing education in STEM. 

Because Scripps is committed to increasing the number of students from underrepresented communities in STEM college programs, a special emphasis is placed on identifying and recruiting students who are from groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences. All students will receive a $4,760 stipend.

24. QuarkNet Summer Research Program  

Application Deadline: January 31

Location: DuPage County, IL

Duration: Seven weeks (June 17 – August 2) 

High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a strong interest in STEM have a unique opportunity to work with scientists on research projects during this paid seven-week program at the prestigious Fermilab, located just outside of Chicago near Batavia, IL.

Interns are encouraged to indicate areas in which they have a particular interest, although research projects vary yearly based on the work ongoing at the lab. Broadly speaking, Fermilab’s focus is on particle physics.

Required application materials include a questionnaire, a letter of recommendation, and an essay. To apply, students must have U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status and must provide evidence of identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Participants will be paid at a rate of $17.20 per hour.

25. RISE Environmentor Internship

Location: Far Rockaway, NY

Duration: Six weeks (July 1 – August 15)

The Environmentor Internship offers a great opportunity for 9th through 11th graders who live or attend school near the Rockaway Peninsula to gain firsthand research experience. Participants are mentored by scientists from local universities and research institutions as they work on projects focused on the Rockaway shoreline. Past research topics have included sea turtle strandings, octopus behavior, mussel denitrification, and dolphin fin morphology.

Students will also take part in water safety courses, receive CPR training, and explore on-water activities like kayaking and surfing. Students receive up to a $1,200 stipend, as well as community service hours for their participation in the program.

26. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)

Application Deadline: February 24

Location: Stanford, CA

Duration: Eight weeks (June 10 – August 1)

Students in this summer program are given the chance to perform research on a medically oriented project and work side by side with Stanford University students, researchers, and faculty. Students can choose from eight areas of research, including topics like immunology, cancer biology, and bioinformatics, which are all designed to increase their interest in the biological sciences and provide a deeper understanding of how scientific research is conducted.

The program is open to current high school juniors and seniors. Students will receive a minimum $500 stipend for their participation in the program.

27. Secondary Student Training Program

Application Deadline: February 16

Location: Iowa City, IA

Duration: June 19 – July 26

High schoolers in grades 10 and 11 can take part in an immersive research experience, which will allow them to explore their interests, enhance their academic skills, and build relationships with their peers during this research-focused summer program.

Participants can choose from a multitude of research areas, ranging from biology to industrial and systems engineering to religious studies. The program culminates with students creating and presenting a poster of their findings. All participants will live on the University of Iowa ‘s campus for the duration of the program, and have access to all of the university’s libraries, study areas, and computer facilities.

Although this program is quite expensive, with a fee of $7,500, financial aid is available to cover up to 95% of the cost.

28. Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program

Location: Urbana, IL

Duration: Six weeks (June 20 – August 2)

This program, offered by the prestigious Grainger College of Engineering at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) , allows students to gain hands-on research experience in fields such as cancer immunology, AI, physics, quantum mechanics, and electrical engineering. They will also build valuable general life skills by participating in seminars on topics ranging from the college admission process to how to communicate scientifically.

The program is open to rising 10th through 12th graders from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, and Wisconsin.

29. Summer Science Program (SSP)

Duration: Varies depending on location and field of focus

Students in the SSP get the chance to work in small teams on a real research project and gain firsthand experience taking and analyzing data. Research opportunities are offered in three fields—astrophysics, biochemistry, and genomics—and are held at a variety of institutions, including University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Georgetown University , Purdue University , and New Mexico State University .

The program is open to high school juniors, although a small number of exceptional sophomores have attended the program. You must be between 15-19 to participate, and have completed prerequisite coursework, which varies by field. Financial aid is available for this program.

30. The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program

Application Deadline: January 29

Location: Bar Harbor, ME, and Farmington, CT

Duration: 10 weeks (June 1 – August 10)

Students immerse themselves in genetics and genomics research while learning about laboratory discovery and scientific communication, as well as building professional skills. Over the course of the 10-week program, students work with a mentor to develop a research project, implement their plan, analyze their data, and report their results.

This prestigious program is competitive. Just 40 students are selected to participate annually. Participants receive a $6,500 stipend and have their room, board, and travel expenses covered.

31. Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program

Application Deadline: March 31

Location: Seattle, WA

Duration: Eight weeks (June 24 – August 16) 

This full-time, paid internship opportunity offers students a chance to immerse themselves in activities at the Fred Hutch Cancer Center, one of the top cancer research centers in the world. The program begins with two weeks of laboratory training and is followed by six weeks of mentored activities, research seminars, workshops focused on college and careers, and social activities.

The program is open to high schoolers entering their senior year with a strong interest in science and high academic achievement, and is specifically aimed at students from backgrounds underrepresented in biomedical science. Interns receive a stipend upon successful completion of the program.

How to Find Research Opportunities in High School 

Define your area of interest .

Before you start looking for opportunities, narrow your area of interest a bit, whether it’s cancer, engineering, computer science, neuroscience, or something else entirely. Also bear in mind that while there may be more STEM opportunities available for high school students, research isn’t limited to these fields—research is also a key component of the social sciences, humanities, and other non-STEM fields. 

While you should be somewhat specific about what you’re hoping to research, don’t narrow your scope so much that it’s impossible to find a valuable opportunity, especially since opportunities for high schoolers in general are more limited than they are for students who have completed at least some college.

Talk to People in Your Immediate Circle 

Teachers, neighbors, your family, parents of friends, friends of your parents—any of these people could know about a research opportunity for you, or at least know someone else who does. Throughout your life, you will find that networking is often the key to finding career opportunities. 

Leveraging your network can help you uncover unique opportunities crowdsourced by the people who know you best—the best opportunities aren’t always hosted by large universities or programs. 

Reach Out to Local Institutions and Laboratories 

In addition to networking with your immediate circle, reach out to local facilities, such as labs, hospitals, clinics, and universities that conduct research. Even if opportunities aren’t publicized, these institutions and laboratories may be willing to make room for you. Remember: when pitching your idea, don’t make it too niche—this will make it more difficult to find a fit and market your skills to labs. 

Cast a Wide Net 

Research opportunities are hard to secure, especially when you’re a young student, so you need to be persistent. You may need to write a hundred emails, but if you put in the effort and cast a wide net, you’ll vastly improve your chances of landing a great opportunity. 

Try not to be too picky, either. Of course, you shouldn’t just accept any offer , especially if it doesn’t appeal to you. But even if the opportunity doesn’t align perfectly with your skills and interests, it can still be a great chance to gain experience and make you a better candidate for future experiences.

How Will Doing Research Impact Your College Chances? 

How much participating in research enhances your college admissions profile depends on many factors, including the scope of the project, the prestige of the program or institution, your individual role and performance, the institution’s connections to or sponsorships by certain colleges, and even how much weight a college places on extracurricular activities in general. 

Generally speaking, there are four tiers of extracurricular activities that colleges think about when reviewing applicants’ activities. Selective, competitive, and prestigious activities are often found in the top tiers, Tier 1 and Tier 2. Tier 1 includes things such as being a highly recruited basketball player or an award-winning national science fair competitor. 

Tier 2 is similar, but is usually reserved for activities that are less exceptional than those in Tier 1. Tiers 3 and 4 are reserved for more common extracurricular achievements, such as holding school leadership positions or being a member of a debate team.

Research usually falls into Tier 2, and some particularly prestigious opportunities could even be Tier 1. That’s because it’s somewhat unusual for high school students to conduct research in professional and collegiate settings, so it’s more likely to impress colleges than other kinds of extracurricular activities.

Do you want to find out the impact research and other extracurricular activities might have on your chances of admission to top colleges and universities? Try using CollegeVine’s free chancing calculator ! 

Our tool evaluates your admissions profile, by accounting for factors like your grades,standardized test scores, and extracurriculars (including research!) to show you how you stack up against other applicants and how likely you are to get into hundreds of different colleges and universities. You’ll also receive tips on how to improve your profile and your odds—all for free.

Disclaimer: This post includes content sponsored by Lumiere Education.

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Undergraduate Science Education at Harvard

A world of exploration. a world of expertise..

Research Opportunities and Funding

• Look below to find summer and term-time Harvard research opportunities on campus and abroad. • For summer programs at other sites, see Summer Programs Away in the tab on the right. • For selected undergraduate science research opportunities at Harvard, see the Undergraduates: Open Research Positions & Projects  tab on the right.

• Funding For Research at Harvard
• Research Away Harvard Programs

Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology (BCMP) Summer Scholars Program Brigham Research Institute Undergraduate Internships Broad Institute at Harvard Summer Program CARAT Cell Biology Research Scholars Program (CRSP) Center for Astrophysics Solar Research Experience for Undergraduates Program CURE, Dana Farber Harvard Cancer Center DaRin Butz Research Internship Program on Biology of Plants and Climate Ernst Mayer Travel Grants in Animal Systematics E3 Evolution, Ecology and Environment REU Harvard-Amgen Scholars Program Harvard College Funding Sources Database Harvard College Research Program (HCRP) Harvard Forest Summer Research Program in Ecology Harvard Global Health Institute Funding for Independent Projects and Internships Harvard Global Health Institute Cordeiro Summer Research Fellowship Harvard Global Health Institute Domestic and Global Health Fellowships  Harvard Medical School Undergraduate Summer Internship in Systems Biology Harvard Multidisciplinary International Research Training (MIRT) Program Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology HST Summer Institute Harvard Origins of Life Initiative Harvard School of Public Health Summer Program in Biological Sciences Harvard School of Public Health Summer Program in Biostatistics & Computational Biology Harvard Stem Cell Institute Harvard Student Employment Office Harvard Summer Research Program in Kidney Medicine Harvard University Center for the Environment Undergraduate Fund Herchel Smith-Harvard Undergraduate Science Research Program (any science area) International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) McLean Hospital Mental Health Summer Research Program MCZ Grants-in-Aid for Undergraduate Research MGH Orthopedic Trauma Undergraduate Summer Program MGH Summer Research Trainee Program MGHfC Digestive Disease Summer Research Program Microbial Sciences Initiative Mind, Brain, Behavior Summer Thesis Award PRISE (any science or engineering area) Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Summer Institute in Biomedical Informatics, HMS Summer Program in Epidemiology, HSPH STARS - Summer Training in Academic Research Training and Scholarship Summer Research Opportunities at Harvard Summer Research Program, Division of Newborn Medicine at Boston Children's Hospital Summer Undergraduate Research in Global Health (SURGH) Radcliffe Institute Research Partnership Program Ragon Institute Summer Program The Arnold Arboretum The Joey Hanzich Memorial Undergraduate Travel and Research Fellowship Undergraduate Research in Mathematics Undergraduate Research Opportunities in Oceanography Undergraduate Summer Immunology Program at Harvard Medical School Undergraduate Summer Research in Physics

Harvard College Funding Sources Database  - Database of both Harvard and outside funding sources for a variety of educational purposes, including research. Additional database: https://uraf.harvard.edu/find-opportunities/resources-your-search/campus-partners  

The  Harvard Student Employment Office  manages a Jobs Database , the Faculty Aide Program  and the Federal Work Study Program . All of these programs may offer student research assistant opportunities. The site also provides information about Job Search Resources  and Research Opportunities .

  CARAT  – CARAT (Common Application for Research and Travel) is used by all the major funding sources at Harvard.

Harvard College Research Program (HCRP)  – Summer (or term time) stipend. Applications from the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships at 77 Dunster Street.

Deadlines:   Fall term funding: 12 noon (EST), Tuesday, September 14, 2021 Spring term funding: 12 noon (EST), Tuesday, February 1, 2022 Summer funding: 12 noon (EST), Tuesday, March 22, 2022  [TENTATIVE]

Late applications  will not  be accepted for term-time or summer cycles.

Conference funding: rolling application deadline

Summer Research Opportunities at Harvard

The Summer Research Opportunities at Harvard (SROH) program connects undergraduates interested in a PhD with first-class researchers working in the life and physical sciences, humanities, and social sciences. This program is offered through GSAS and the  Leadership Alliance .

During this 10-week program, SROH interns conduct research and participate in discussions with Cambridge-based Harvard faculty, build their presentation and research discussion skills, and take part in field trips with other Harvard summer programs. Students in the program live in Harvard housing and enjoy access to the outstanding resources of the university.

Note that we also have funding for students interested in  atmospheric sciences  as part of the NSF-supported International Partnership in Cirrus Studies project.  Please see pire.geosci.uchicago.edu for information on participating faculty. Research focuses on modeling and measurement of high-altitude clouds.

PRISE  – The Program for Research in Science and Engineering (PRISE) is a summer residential community of Harvard undergraduates conducting research in science or engineering. By the application deadline students must be progressing toward finding a lab or research group but do not need to have finalized their research group or project. Participants must be in residence and be active participants for the entire duration of this ten week program.

Deadline:  Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at 12:00 noon (EST)

Herchel Smith-Harvard Undergraduate Science Research Program  – Primarily directed toward students intending to pursue research-intensive concentrations and post-graduate study in the sciences. Undergraduate research either at Harvard or elsewhere, including internationally. Applications from the  Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships .

Deadline:  Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at 12:00 noon (EST) via CARAT

Harvard-Amgen Scholars Program  -- The Amgen Scholars Program at Harvard is a 10-week faculty-mentored residential summer research program  in biotechnology for sophomores (with four quarters or three semesters of college experience), juniors, or non-graduating seniors (who are returning in the fall to continue undergraduate studies)

Deadline : Tuesday, February 1, 2022, 12 noon

Harvard Origins of Life Initiative

Research Grants:   Harvard undergraduates can apply for grants to support their research during the academic year.

Summer Undergraduate Program:  Summer Undergraduate Research Grants are available for undergraduates working in Origins member faculty  on Origins-related projects. Possible research areas include astronomy, astrophysics, chemical biology, geophysics, chemistry, genetics, and earth and planetary sciences. 

iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine) team  - The iGEM team is a research experience targeted toward undergraduates interested in synthetic biology and biomolecular engineering. 

Mind, Brain, Behavior  – Summer Thesis Awards for rising seniors in the MBB track. Applications through MBB.

If interested, contact Shawn Harriman in March of your junior year.

Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI) Internship Program (HIP) – for students interested in stem cell biology research. Students conduct research in labs affiliated with the HSCI. Accepted students are matched with a research laboratory group. or any college or university across the United States and internationally.  Harvard University will sponsor the visas for international students who are selected for this program.

Deadline:  Feb 7, 2022

Harvard Summer Research Program in Kidney Medicine (HSRPKM) - an introduction to nephrology (kidney medicine) for the undergraduates considering career paths spanning science and medicine. The Program includes nephrology divisions of four Harvard-affiliated hospitals – Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), Boston’s Children’s Hospital (BCH) and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH).

Deadline : check the program website: https://hskp.bwh.harvard.edu/

BCMP Summer Scholars Program at Harvard University is organized by the The Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology (BCMP) at Harvard Medical School. This 10-week program is open to both Harvard undergraduates and to students from other colleges and universities. Students must be authorized to work in the United States.

Deadline: contact program for details

Undergraduate Summer Immunology Program at Harvard Medical School  - a ten week summer research internship with a stipend. The program consists of laboratory research, lectures, and workshops and is open to Harvard undergraduates and students from other colleges and universities. Applicants must be eligible for employment in the US.

Deadline: contact program 

Microbial Sciences Initiative  - Summer research with Harvard Faculty. Email applications to  Dr. Karen Lachmayr .

Deadline:  contact program

Summer Undergraduate Research in Global Health (SURGH)  offers Harvard undergraduates the opportunity to research critical issues in global health under the direction of a Harvard faculty or affiliate mentor. Students in SURGH receive housing in the Harvard Undergraduate Research Village and a stipend for living expenses. The summer savings requirement is also provided for students who are on financial aid. Throughout the summer, participants in SURGH have the opportunity to interact with students in the other on-campus research programs. 

Domestic and Global Health Fellowships (DGHI)  offers Harvard undergraduates the opportunity to work in field-based and office-based internships in both US health policy and global health. Sites can be domestic or international. Students receive a stipend to cover travel expenses to and from their site, living expenses, and local transportation. Unfortunately DGHI cannot cover the summer savings requirement for students who are on financial aid. 

Harvard Global Health Institute Funding for Independent Projects and Internships

Funding for projects in the United States and abroad.

Deadline: contact program

The Joey Hanzich Memorial Undergraduate Travel and Research Fellowship  provides up to $5000 to a rising junior or rising senior enrolled in the Secondary Field in Global Health and Health Policy (or another field) who pursues a summer internship, project or research in health policy or global health, either in the United States or abroad.

Cordeiro Summer Research Fellowship Registered GHHP students may apply for a Cordeiro Summer Research Fellowship for the summer before their senior year. Each year 12 to 15 fellowships allow students to get a head start on their senior theses or research projects related to global health or health policy without incurring major costs to themselves.

Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology HST Summer Institute  - The HST Summer Institute offers hands-on research experience for undergraduates in two areas of study: Biomedical Informatics and Biomedical Optics . Participating institutions include the Harvard-MIT Program in Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School.

Deadline : contact program

MCZ Grants-in-Aid for Undergraduate Research  -The Museum of Comparative Zoology (MCZ), the Harvard University Herbaria (HUH), and the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University (AA) award small grants in support of faculty-supervised research by Harvard College undergraduates.

Deadlines:  contact program

Ernst Mayer Travel Grants in Animal Systematics

Proposals are reviewed two times a year. 

The Arnold Arboretum : Fellowships are available to support undergraduate research

• Ashton Award for Student Research
• Cunin / Sigal Research Award
• Deland Award for Student Research
• Shiu-Ying Hu Student/Postdoctoral Exchange Award
• Summer Short Course in Organismic Plant Biology
• Arnold Arboretum Genomics Initiative and Sequencing Award
• Jewett Prize
• Sargent Award for Visiting Scholars
• Sinnott Award

Living Collections Fellowship  – Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University

Hunnewell Internships  – Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University

Summer Short Course in Organismic Plant Biology Harvard Forest Summer Research Program in Ecology  - The Harvard Forest Summer Research (REU) program is an intensive 11-week residential research and education experience at the Harvard Forest, a 3,700-acre outdoor laboratory and classroom in central Massachusetts. Students conduct research on the effects of natural and human disturbances on forest ecosystems, including global climate change, hurricanes, forest harvest, changing wildlife dynamics, and invasive species. The program includes a stipend, free housing, all meals, and the travel cost of one round trip to Harvard Forest. This program is open to not only Harvard undergraduates, but also students from all colleges and universities in the United States.

Harvard University Center for the Environment Undergraduate Fund  provides financial support for student research projects related to the environment. In the context of this program, 'environment' refers to understanding the relationships and balances of the natural and constructed world around us, with a particular emphasis on understanding how anthropogenic activities and policies affect the environment, including the intimate relationships between energy use and demand, environmental integrity and quality, human health, and climate change.  Two types of funding are available: 1) Funds for independent research (preference given to rising seniors seeking funds for senior honors thesis research) and 2) Research Assistantships (directed summer research experiences under Harvard faculty guidance). Award are intended to be applied towards living expenses (room, board), travel expenses related to research activities, and minor research expenses (for students doing independent research projects) for up to 10 weeks.  Awards are not intended to serve as a salary stipend for students. 


Undergraduate Research Opportunities in Oceanography : The Harvard Oceanography Committee has funding and fellowships for both term time and summer research. 

Harvard School of Public Health Summer Program in Biological Sciences -   This intensive 8 week laboratory-based biological research program is for undergraduates during the summer following their sophomore or junior years.

Additional programs at the HSPH:

• Summer Honors Undergraduate Research Program (SHURP)  – for undergraduate students outside of Harvard
• Additional summer programs  – for undergraduate students outside of Harvard
• Additional summer programs  – for undergraduate students at Harvard
• Boston-based undergraduate students looking for coop or other research internship positions are encouraged to contact faculty members directly.

STARS - Summer Training in Academic Research Training and Scholarship  - provides underrepresented minority (URM) medical and undergraduate students an opportunity to engage in exciting basic, clinical and translational research projects during the summer at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS). Housing and stipend provided.

Radcliffe Institute Research Partnership Program  -- The Radcliffe Institute Research Partnership Program matches students with leading artists, scholars, scientists, and professionals. Radcliffe Fellows act as mentors and students provide research assistance, acquire valuable research skills, and participate in the Institute’s rich intellectual life.

Harvard School of Public Health Summer Program in Biostatistics & Computational Biology

The Summer Program is a relatively intensive 6-week program, during which qualified participants receive an interesting and enjoyable introduction to biostatistics, epidemiology, and public health research. This program is designed to expose undergraduates to the use of quantitative methods for biological, environmental, and medical research. 

MGH Summer Research Trainee Program

The goal of the MGH Summer Research Trainee Program (SRTP) is to inspire students who are underrepresented in medicine (URM) to consider careers in academic medicine by immersing them in cutting-edge research opportunities. Each summer, fifteen students are selected from a nationwide competition to join SRTP. Each student is assigned to a specific MGH laboratory, clinical site, health policy, or health services research area where they undertake an original research project under the mentorship and guidance of a Mass General Hospital (MGH) investigator. Assignments are carefully considered and are made with the student's research and career interests in mind. In addition to this unique research experience, students will gain knowledge through weekly didactic seminars, both at the MGH and at Harvard Medical School, attend career development workshops and networking event, and have opportunities for clinical shadowing.

Application deadline:  contact program

MGHfC Digestive Disease Summer Research Program

Massachusetts General Hospital for Children (MGHfC) Digestive Disease Summer Research Program provides support for 10 students at the undergraduate or medical school level. Each student will be matched with a research mentor to perform an independent research project focused on digestive diseases over a 10-week period during the summer months within a laboratory or collaborating laboratory of the MGHfC. MGHfC collaborating laboratories at MGH possess unique expertise in engineering and computational sciences in support of various projects centered on digestive disease research. 

Contact: Bryan P. Hurley, Ph.D., Assistant Professor & Program Director, Mucosal Immunology & Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School,  [email protected] ,   http://www.massgeneral.org/mucosal-immunology/Education/summer-research-program.aspx

Broad Institute at Harvard Summer Program

Broad Summer Research Program BSRP is a nine-week undergraduate research program designed for students with an interest in genomics and a commitment to research. Students spend the summer in a laboratory at the Broad Institute, engaged in rigorous scientific research under the guidance of experienced scientists and engineers. Underrepresented minority students enrolled in a four-year college are eligible to apply.

Broad Summer Scholars Program BSSP invites a small number of exceptional and mature high school students with a keen interest in science to spend six weeks at the Broad Institute, working side-by-side with scientists in the lab on cutting-edge research. Rising seniors who live within commuting distance to the Broad Institute are eligible to apply.

DaRin Butz Research Internship Program   The program gives undergraduates in the life sciences a unique opportunity to experience research from start to finish while gaining training and connections among scientific colleagues. DaRin Butz Interns will not only conduct research, but will also develop their project with their advisors and be guided through the process of sharing their research through written reports and oral presentations, an important component of scientific research.

MGH Orthopedic Trauma Undergraduate Summer Program

The Harvard Orthopedic Trauma Service provides number of undergraduate opportunities:

Orthopedic Internship

This internship is for undergraduate and graduate/medical students who are looking for exposure to Orthopaedic clinical and basic research.

Orthopedic Trauma Undergraduate Summer Internship

Our program is intended for undergraduates interested in healthcare careers. Our interns are introduced to the hospital experience through orthopedic research and observation.

Women's Sports Medicine Summer Internship Program

Learn more about this month long internship open to medical and premedical students.

Summer Research Program, Division of Newborn Medicine at Boston Children's Hospital

Summer Student Research Program sponsored by the Harvard Program in Neonatology, an academic program which includes Boston Children's Hospital (BCH) and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC). The objective of the Summer Student Research Program is to provide motivated students with an intensive laboratory and clinical research experience under the guidance of Faculty and Fellow mentors from the Academic Program. The Summer Program experience includes:

Brigham Research Institute Undergraduate Internships

The internship programs hosted by the Brigham Research Institute provides undergraduate students with a focused and challenging summer research experience in a cutting-edge science laboratory. Interns will have the opportunity to obtain a research training experience in a laboratory or research setting at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Deadlines: check program website

Undergraduate Summer Research in Physics

Undergraduate Research in Mathematics

CURE, Dana Farber Harvard Cancer Center

The CURE program introduces scientifically curious high school and college students from groups currently underrepresented in the sciences to the world of cancer research. Students are placed in laboratories and research environments at the seven DF/HCC member institutions: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and Massachusetts General Hospital, as well as research environments at the University of Massachusetts, Boston.

Ragon Institute Summer Program

The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard brings together scientists and engineers from diverse fields to better understand the immune system and support human health. 

Deadline: check program website

Harvard Medical School Undergraduate Summer Internship in Systems Biology

The Undergraduate Summer Internship is our headline program enabling undergraduate students to collaborate with our researchers, as well as their own peers, through Harvard's Quantitative Biology Initiative and the Department of Systems Biology at Harvard Medical School. ​Participants work in our labs, gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art tools, learn cutting-edge scientific techniques in our dynamic research environment. Students interested in pursuing a PhD or MD/PhD, and students from under-represented minorities or disadvantaged backgrounds, are especially encouraged to apply.  

Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS)  Research Experience for Undergraduates  (REU) is a 10-week program that introduces undergraduates to bioengineering, materials research, nanoscience, and engineering while providing a coordinated, educational, and dynamic research community that inspires them to seek a graduate degree. 

Center for Astrophysics Solar Research Experience for Undergraduates Program

Scientists from the Solar and Stellar X-Ray Group (SSXG) and the Solar, Stellar, and Planetary Group (SSP) at the  Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics  (CfA) host undergraduate students from around the US. Please visit the  website for more information .

E3 Evolution, Ecology and Environment REU

We are seeking rising sophomores, juniors and seniors majoring in the life sciences who would like to join a new Research Experience for Undergraduates program based in the  Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology (OEB)  at Harvard University. Members of the program will enjoy cutting edge research experiences within the context of a strong mentorship community made up of faculty, graduate students, and peers. In addition, members will participate in a professional development program that is aimed at preparing students for the graduate school application process, building confidence to succeed in graduate school, and exploring long-term career opportunities. These professional development activities will include attendance of the annual  Leadership Alliance National Symposium  (LANS) research and mentoring conference. The E3 REU is part of a larger umbrella program, hosted by the Harvard GSAS  Summer Research Opportunities at Harvard (SROH) .

Program website:  https://reu.oeb.harvard.edu/sroh 

Harvard Multidisciplinary International Research Training (MIRT) Program

The 10-week  Systems Biology Summer Internship Program  enables interns to work on research projects spanning many scientific fields, including systems biology, biophysics, bioinformatics, genomics, applied mathematics, and computation. 

McLean Hospital Mental Health Summer Research Program

This competitive program seeks to  engage scientific curiosity ,  create research opportunities , and  promote academic success in mental health fields  for promising young  Black, Indigenous and underrepresented People of Color (BIPOC) interested in science .  We had our first, very successful MMHRSP last summer, and applications are now open for next summer. MMHRSP is an intensive, 10-week, full-time mental health/neuroscience research experience at McLean Hospital. McLean is the primary psychiatric teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School and is located in Belmont, MA ( https://www.mcleanhospital.org/ ).  Chosen Fellows will receive a $7,000 stipend for the 10-week program.  

https://www.mcleanhospital.org/training/student-opportunities#research

https://www.mcleanhospital.org/news/new-summer-research-program-welcomes-undergraduates-color

Cell Biology Research Scholars Program (CRSP)

The Cell Biology Research Scholars Program  provides a 10-week full-time research opportunity to undergraduate students with a passion for scientific discovery and fundamental biology. Students will be hosted by faculty investigators to work on cutting-edge research projects and participate in training workshops and mentoring activities in preparation for a productive scientific research career.

Summer Institute in Biomedical Informatics , now entering its 15th year, is a 9-week full-time extensive research opportunity with a curriculum including didactic lectures, clinical case studies, a mentored research project, and presentation of findings. 

The  Summer Program in Epidemiology  at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is an intensive 5-week program that integrates mathematics and quantitative methods to provide students with an understanding of the skills and processes necessary to pursue a career in public health. 

Biodiversity of Hispaniola Booth Fund Fellowship Cognitive Neurosciences at the University of Trento, Italy Darwin and the Origins of Evolutionary Biology, Oxford, England David Rockefeller International Experience Grant Harvard-Bangalore Science Initiative Harvard Summer School Study Abroad in the Sciences HCRP Herchel Smith-Harvard Undergraduate Science Research Program International Summer Undergraduate Research in Global Health (I-SURGH) RIKEN Center for Allergy and Immunology, Japan RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Japan Rosenkrantz Travel Grants Study Abroad in Paris, France The Office of Career Services (OCS) awards Undergraduate Research in Engineering and Applied Sciences Undergraduate Research in Mathematics Undergraduate Summer Research in Physics Weissman International Internship

Harvard Summer School Study Abroad in the Sciences

In 2015 Harvard Summer School Science Study Abroad programs will be offered in the Dominican Republic, England, Italy, France, and Japan. See below for links to information on each of these programs.

Darwin and the Origins of Evolutionary Biology  - Oxford, England.

Prerequisites:  None. Apply through Harvard Summer School.

Information:   Andrew Berry

RIKEN Center for Allergy and Immunology  - Yokohama, Japan.

Laboratory research in immunology. Students will also receive some Japanese language training. Apply through Harvard Summer School.

Accepted students may apply to the  Reischauser Institute  for scholarships to help defray the costs of the program.

RIKEN Brain Science Institute  – Laboratory Research in Neurobiology, Tokyo, Japan.

Prerequisites:  Neurobiology of Behavior (MCB 80) or Animal Behavior (OEB 50); laboratory experience preferred but not required. Apply through Harvard Summer School.

Biodiversity of Hispaniola  - Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.  This six-week course covers basic prinicples of ecology, evolution, and island biogeography in the context of the diversity of habitats and organisms on the island of Hispaniola.

Prerequisites:  course work in biology

Information:   Brian Farrell  

Cognitive Neurosciences at the University of Trento  - Trento, Italy

This eight-week program at the University of Trento, Italy, organized by the Mind/Brain/Behavior Initiative, provides students a unique opportunity to study the mind/brain. Taught by leaders in the fields of neuroscience and cognitive science, the program includes daily, hands-on, laboratory sessions (e.g., neuroimaging demos) and Italian language classes, all while surrounded by the breathtaking Italian Alps.

Information:   Alfonso Caramazza

Study Abroad in Paris, France

Biology and the evolution of Paris as a Smart City.

Information:  Robert Lue

• Bangalore, India;  The Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research  (JNCASR)
• National Centre of Biological Sciences  (NCBS)
• The Indian Institute of Science  (IISc) 

Note:  This is not a Harvard Summer School Program. 

Prerequisites:  Introductory coursework in basic biology, chemistry, physics, and math.

Information:   Venkatesh N. Murthy  or   Ryan Draft

International Summer Undergraduate Research in Global Health (I-SURGH)  I-SURGH offers Harvard undergraduates the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge global health research in an international setting. Students in I-SURGH receive a stipend to cover travel costs to and from their site, living expenses, and local transportation. Unfortunately Harvard Global Health Institute cannot cover the summer savings requirement for I-SURGH students who are on financial aid.  Once accepted to their site, participants in I-SURGH meet with a Harvard faculty member to develop a project that falls within the research agenda of the site. Throughout the summer, students work with a local mentor who supervises their daily work. While all returning Harvard College undergraduates are eligible to apply for an I-SURGH placement, preference is given to sophomores and juniors. 

The Office of Career Services (OCS) awards funding for research abroad, including both Harvard Summer School Study Abroad and non-Harvard International programs.  The  David Rockefeller International Experience Grant , which is a need-based grant aimed at students who have not previously received Harvard international funding, supports many of these awards. Award amounts vary. The purpose of the grant is to afford all students the opportunity to take part in a significant international experience, regardless of financial background. See the  Office of Career Services Summer Funding webpage  for more information.

Herchel Smith-Harvard Undergraduate Science Research Program  – Primarily directed toward students intending to pursue research-intensive concentrations and post-graduate study in the sciences. Undergraduate research either at Harvard or elsewhere, including internationally. Applications from the  Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships .

Harvard College Research Program (HCRP) – Summer stipend that can be applied towards travel expenses. Applications from the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships at 77 Dunster Street.

Weissman International Internship  – Research abroad for returning Harvard undergraduates. Average award ~$4000. More information and applications available through OCS.

Deadline:   See the  Office of Careers Summer Funding webpage

Booth Fund Fellowship  - For seniors to engage in a program of travel, study, research or observation that will further expand and challenge an existing interest in a particular field. 

Rosenkrantz Travel Grants

This grant program is exclusively for concentrators in History and Science.  It allows motivated rising juniors  (who have completed sophomore tutorial) and who are concentrating in history and science to devise a short but meaningful plan of travel and academic discovery in the United States or abroad. This grant program may serve as the first stage of research towards a senior thesis or junior research paper, but there is no requirement that it do so. The only requirement is a sincere passion for adventure and exploration, and a willingness to prepare well for the experience.

Please visit the Department of Physics webpage for more information:  https://www.physics.harvard.edu/academics/undergrad/summer

Please visit the Harvard Mathematics Department webpage for more information:  http://abel.harvard.edu/research/index.html

Undergraduate Research in Engineering and Applied Sciences

Please visit SEAS website for more information: https://www.seas.harvard.edu/faculty-research/research-opportunities

David Rockefeller International Experience Grant The David Rockefeller International Experience Grants were established in 2009 by David Rockefeller SB ’36, LLD ’69 to give students the opportunity to gain a broader understanding of the world beyond the U.S. or their home country, and to learn about other countries and peoples by spending time immersed in another culture. The purpose of the grant is to afford all students the opportunity to take part in a significant international experience, regardless of financial constraints.

A significant international experience may consist of:

• summer study abroad programs
• internships and service projects
• research assistantships (under the direction of a principle investigator)
• experiential learning projects.
• Harvard-affiliated Labs
• Undergraduates: Open Research Positions & Projects
• Harvard Wintersession & Winter Recess
• Summer Programs Away
• Underrepresented Minority Fellowships
• Post-Bac Job Listings
• Post-Bac Resources
• Transportation for Researchers
• Undergraduate Research Opportunities (HUROS) Fair
• Undergraduate Research Spotlight
• Resume Template & Proposal Tips
• Lab Citizenship
• Research Ethics and Lab Safety
• Conference Presentation Grants
• Research Advising - Contact Us!

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Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)

• REU Program Overview
• Program Solicitation

For Students

• Search for an REU Site
• For Faculty
• REU Contacts
• Research Areas

NSF funds a large number of research opportunities for undergraduate students through its REU Sites program. An REU Site consists of a group of ten or so undergraduates who work in the research programs of the host institution. Each student is associated with a specific research project, where he/she works closely with the faculty and other researchers. Students are granted stipends and, in many cases, assistance with housing and travel. Undergraduate students supported with NSF funds must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions. An REU Site may be at either a US or foreign location.

By using the web page, Search for an REU Site , you may examine opportunities in the subject areas supported by various NSF units. Also, you may search by keywords to identify sites in particular research areas or with certain features, such as a particular location.

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Office of Undergraduate Research

4 ways to get into undergrad research, by shahan kamal, our peer research ambassador.

1. Email! Email! Email! The most straightforward way to get an undergraduate research position is to send emails to professors. A simple look at a professor’s profile on their department website will tell you if you’re interested in the research their lab does. Even the slightest bit of interest is reason enough to email the professor and try to set up a meeting. The meeting is your foot in the door–you can talk to them about your career goals, major, research interests, or just let them further explain their work to you. Meetings put you on track to find the research spot that works well for you and get yourself started. The trick is to be resilient–professors are busy and won’t always be able to respond to emails from students they don’t know, so don’t let a few ghosted replies hinder you.

2. Talk to your professors after class Professors like to talk to students and take an interest in them. It’s important if you want to establish a relationship with a professor that you talk to them and get to know each other. This can be after class or in office hours, but you should try to be more than just a nameless face in a crowd to them. Relationships like these open doors for students, and the mentorship a professor can provide you with is invaluable. You might find yourself fascinated by their research and have the opportunity to be an asset to their lab. On the other hand, maybe their research isn’t for you–but just a discussion with them about your preferences can help them guide you in the right direction.

3. Keep an eye on research programs The Office of Undergraduate Research administers funding programs that connect students to research positions. The Health Research Program facilitates connections with researchers at the UConn Health Center, giving students an opportunity to get involved in the cutting-edge research happening at the Farmington campus. The Work-Study Research Assistant Program coordinates opportunities for students to use their work-study award to assist with faculty research. In addition to these programs, you can also apply for funding through the SURF Award Program or the UConn IDEA Grant Program to support ongoing projects or a new project you are taking the lead on designing. Check out all the OUR programs to see what fits.

4. Look for off-campus opportunities Lastly, and arguably the most ignored, is to broaden your search. The Office of Undergraduate Research has an entire page on their website dedicated to showcasing opportunities outside of UConn where students can gain more research experience. Students often think that they’re bound to the campuses in Storrs or Farmington, but there are plenty of other universities and facilities that conduct research who are looking for motivated students to join their projects. On top of the opportunity to do fascinating work, these opportunities will introduce you to some of the brightest minds in the country, opening avenues to further opportunities and expanding your network.

At the end of the day, finding the perfect fit in a research lab is the result of a lot of trial and error, so you can’t be afraid to try. Even when things don’t work out, you’ll have gained experience for it, and experience will always be valuable–and when things do work out, you get to have the best of experiences.

Shahan is a senior majoring in Molecular & Cell Biology. Click here to learn more about Shahan.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Experience computing research while making connections with faculty and grad students who share your interests.

If you are excited about the possibility of gaining new understanding or knowledge and communicating those findings to others, you may be a good fit for undergraduate research opportunities at the Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences (CICS). These opportunities are a great way to experience research firsthand while making connections with people at CICS who share your interests in discovery. Together with mentors who are PhD students or faculty members, you will connect computing to a range of societal and scientific problems, gain skills, and open the door to careers that involve research.

Some of the possible avenues for pursuing research as a CICS undergraduate are listed below, including (1) CICS-offered opportunities and (2) national opportunities that our students might want to explore.

Preparing for PhD Applications and Research Careers

Research experience is helpful for gaining admission into PhD programs, which are primarily about research. Working with faculty on a research project will lead to more informative letters of recommendation, demonstrating unique experience and achievement that is highly valued for academic programs and positions, and even many jobs in industry. 

Some research opportunities are advertised through CICS Careers or as candidate honors projects, but there are many opportunities to get involved that you will find by approaching a faculty member. If there is a faculty member or research group at CICS working in an area that interests you, start building a relationship with them by taking a class, attending research group meetings, or making an appointment to discuss research. You should also try talking to PhD students, who often help mentor undergraduates. Usually, students have completed the required 200-level CS courses before starting research, but some positions may be available earlier. 

Not sure how to approach someone about this? See these  networking tips  from CICS Careers. You can do it!

CICS-Based Research Opportunities for Undergraduates

CICS is recognized for its excellence in faculty-led research . There are several ways for undergraduates to get involved with research projects, including introductory research programs and research experiences with faculty; moreover, it is possible to receive course credit for research (e.g., for an independent study or honors project) or even receive a stipend.

Early Research Scholars Program (ERSP)

ERSP at CICS is a structured and scalable research experience program for early undergraduates studying computer science and informatics. The program aims to create a diverse and supportive community at CICS, with a particular focus on engaging students from groups currently underrepresented in computing, including women, African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and indigenous peoples. It is an academic-year, group-based, dual-mentored research apprenticeship experience. Students are placed in small groups and matched with a faculty advisor from a CICS research center or lab .

Students apply during the spring term of their first academic year and are accepted into the program before the end of that semester. 

During their sophomore year, ERSP students participate in the following two classes:  

• In the fall semester, they take CICS 290A: Introduction to Research in the Discipline (1 credit) to learn some basic skills and knowledge that are needed to begin a research project.  
• In the spring semester, they enroll in CICS 396x: Independent Study – Directed Research Group (3 credit) to carry out their proposed research projects in teams. This course may count as a major elective for computer science and informatics majors with UPD approval, subject to program rules that apply to independent study courses.

Through ERSP, students have the opportunity to learn about research, improve and apply core computing knowledge, gain skills important to their futures as computer and information scientists, and work closely with our amazing faculty mentors and a supportive group of peers in ERSP.

Energizing, Mentoring, and Broadening Exposure to Research (EMBER)

EMBER  is a cross-institutional 1-credit class for undergraduates studying computer science or informatics at UMass Amherst and Mount Holyoke College, usually taken during junior year. Space permitting, seniors may also take the course. An overarching goal is to make research opportunities available and accessible to students from populations that are underrepresented in computing. The course includes a mini-research module mentored by PhD students where undergraduates carry out real experiments. These four- to five-week research modules are designed to be accessible for students regardless of previous research exposure, and to teach new skills through research projects. The weekly meetings cover a range of topics, including building networks and community in computing, research methods and skills, strategies for navigating graduate school applications, and developing basic research communication skills. Both writing and presentation skills are practiced so that students can be effective in referencing their EMBER experience in job, fellowship, and/or graduate school application letters.

CICS Careers Undergraduate Research Volunteer (URV) Program

The  URV program  is an opportunity for undergraduate students to pursue real-life applications of research. URVs work in teams of three and are assigned one PhD mentor, affiliated with a CICS lab. Over the course of this program, teams have worked on projects related to differential privacy, environmental justice, and more. URV alumni have acquired positions in both industry and REUs. 

Independent Study With CICS Faculty 

If you become interested in a research area being investigated by a faculty member, we encourage you to reach out to the person to discuss the possibility of undertaking an independent study on a related project. Projects are usually for 3 credits a semester. Very successful independent study projects may lead to a second semester of independent study. Students must check course requirements to ensure their independent study courses fulfill their degree requirements. 

Commonwealth Honors College Honors Thesis

For students in the Commonwealth Honors College, an honors thesis  can be a great way to get involved with faculty research. As with an independent study, the student and faculty member must agree on a suitable project. The student, with advice from their faculty mentor, must complete the required Honors College Thesis Application. The honors thesis will take the form of a written report that demonstrates critical thinking, a mastery of disciplinary material, and the communication of complex ideas. For the portfolio, your document will be accompanied by an artifact such as a computer program or invention that embodies the work done for the thesis. The completion of an honors thesis concludes with an oral presentation.

CICS Undergraduate Research Scholarships 

These  scholarships provide financial support to a limited number of students to pursue a research project under the direction of one or more CICS faculty members. These projects can be pursued as independent study courses, as an honors thesis for students in the Commonwealth Honors College, or as full-time summer or part-time academic-year paid positions. Priority will be given to students from minoritized groups in computing (e.g., Black, LatinX, women, LGBTQIA, Native Americans, or Pacific Islanders). Priority will also be given to projects that are addressing important societal issues and are aimed at improving the common good.

Additional Resources

Links to additional research opportunities for undergraduate students.

• Office of Undergraduate Research and Studies
• NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)
• CICS Research Areas
• CICS Research Centers & Labs

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undergrad research opportunity tips/tricks?

I am an undergrad, a junior, interested in research on my campus....

I've literally tried for yeaaaaars to get into a lab but I've been rejected constantly.... I always write in a professional format when I inquire about the lab and I make sure to talk about how and why my interests are connected...

Recently, I've reformatted how I inquire, and asked if any labs need any volunteers for a short time, if any positions are available, just anything... but I STILL get no response.

I've reached out to so many labs, and as an upcoming senior, this doesnt look great...

My major is neuroscience and I feel like I've tried everything to get in touch with any research lab or professional a part of it, but to no avail.

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Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Edson college undergraduate research charter.

The Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation at Arizona State University is committed to providing an inclusive, health care and health outcomes-focused research experience directed at serving individuals, families and communities, and affording undergraduate students of all majors the opportunity and resources to explore their research interests and ideas with guidance from experienced Edson College faculty researchers.

Why should I get involved with research?

Prior research has found that becoming involved in authentic scientific experiences as an undergraduate student is associated with higher graduation rates, greater acceptance rates to graduate schools, broadened career options (particularly in academic, industry and other professional science networks), and meaningful relationships with faculty mentors and peers within a team-based research setting.

How can I get involved with research at the Edson College?

Enroll in a faculty-led section of the course HCR 280 or HCR 480 Team-Based Research Practicum. Each section represents a lab or research project opportunity open to small groups of students of any major to obtain practical research skills while being an integral part of a research team implementing a health, nursing, healthcare and/or health innovation related studies.

Edson College Research Opportunities 

For credit in fall 2024.

HCR 280/480 Team-Based Research Practicum (1-3 credits)

Course Description : Small-group (e.g., team, project, lab, clinic, center-based) health, nursing, healthcare, and health innovation–related study and research experiences, led by an Edson College faculty mentor, for students of all majors.

*Note. Permission from the faculty mentor is required prior to enrollment. Contact them today!

3 strategies to help college students pick the right major the first time around and avoid some big hassles

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Educational Psychology at the United States Coast Guard Academy, University of Connecticut

Disclosure statement

Rachael Cody does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

University of Connecticut provides funding as a member of The Conversation US.

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Not long after new college students have finished choosing the college that is right for them , they are asked to declare an academic major. For some students, this decision is easy, as their majors may have actually influenced their choice of college. Unfortunately, this decision is not always an easy one to make, and college students frequently change their minds.

For instance, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, 30% of undergraduates changed their major at least once.

While it may be common for undergraduates to change their major, it can cause them to lose time, money and opportunities . Students who experience the loss of these resources may be at risk for dropping out of college altogether .

While earning a Ph.D. in educational psychology , I conducted a study that highlighted students’ experiences upon changing their majors. I wanted to know why students made the switch and what that experience was like.

The results of my study showed that students became disoriented about their majors during their undergraduate education. Oftentimes, they were influenced by professors and advisers who were dismissive of their aspirations and abilities . These students experienced failure , which sometimes ruined their motivation. Failure may be commonplace in certain majors, but these students believed themselves to be outliers, viewing failure as a hit to their self-esteem .

So, what is a college student to do when faced with such an important decision? It is tempting to give into fear, indecisiveness or worry. But rest assured, using the following strategies to select the right major will also help sustain your motivation when the going gets tough.

1. Make a career plan

Creating a career plan is one of the ways that students can bolster their chances of success in their chosen majors. When creating a career plan, think about the career that you want to have in the future and consider the academic and professional paths that could lead to that career. Researchers have found that students who made career plans were more likely to persist in their academic majors.

When making a career plan, you should reflect on your beliefs about work, your interest in various academic subjects and your abilities. Exploring these factors may be one of the reasons why students who complete career plans are more likely to stick with their majors . Use your reflections to guide you as you search for careers that you would enjoy. Then, identify a specific career and outline the steps that you will have to take during your time at college that will help prepare you for that career.

2. Do your research

College students sometimes drop out of their selected majors because they have become disenchanted with the academic area they have chosen . Or they may find themselves more attracted to a different academic major altogether. For others, the desire to switch majors may occur after they get a taste of what it is like to work in that field, particularly during work-placement opportunities. One study found this to be true for some nursing majors , who shared that their first clinical placements showed them that they were not well suited to perform the duties of a nurse.

To avoid these sorts of outcomes, it is important to do your research about the job that you are interested in pursuing, as well as any related jobs. Is there one that would be better suited to your abilities and your preferences? Is there someone you can talk to who can tell you more about what an average day looks like at a particular job? Ask yourself which aspects of the job you could see yourself enjoying, as well as the parts of the job that you think you might dislike. While it is possible to switch out of your major once your interests become more apparent, you will save a good deal of time and energy by initially choosing a major that is aligned with your interests and abilities.

3. Brace yourself for challenge

It may come as a surprise when you are presented with incredibly challenging material during your first semester at college. Students who were at the top of their class may be particularly shocked when they receive their first low grade on an exam. You should not assume, however, that you have made the wrong choice of academic major simply because you performed poorly on one test. Negative feedback from college advisers and instructors can influence a student’s choice to switch out of their major.

The possibility of failure can be so discouraging to students that they can lose their ambition on the first day of class , before they have experienced any academic failure at all. Hold on to the confidence that guided you to select your major in the first place, and prepare yourself for the academic challenges that await you in whichever major you choose.

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CSM’s Marie Curie Scholarship offers financial resources, research opportunities for STEM majors

OMAHA, Neb. – Natalie Briggs still remembers the day she was called to the vice principal’s office at Plattsmouth (Neb.) High School. She was confused because she hadn’t done anything wrong.

“I walked into the office, and my whole family was there, along with my cross-country coach and biology teacher. They were holding a big check. My mouth just dropped open,” she said.

Briggs was awarded College of Saint Mary’s prestigious Marie Curie Scholarship, which provides significant financial support and resources to outstanding women pursuing STEM majors – biology, chemistry, math, or human biology.

Now a sophomore biology major, Briggs is interested in becoming a physician assistant.

“The Marie Curie Program and Scholarship is a cohort-based community of women with a passion for science and mathematics,” explained Heather Stigge, PhD, director of the Marie Curie Program. “Through participation in our program, Marie Curie Scholars consistently overcome common barriers to women’s success in STEM fields.”

The goal of the Marie Curie Program is to provide students with the resources and experiences needed for women to be successful in their college studies and smoothly transition into their desired STEM professions. This includes significant financial, academic, technical training, and career-placement support.  Marie Curie Scholars receive up to $20,000 each year in tuition support, and up to $80,000 over four years.

Additionally, the program provides an intentional four-year plan for each cohort of scholars that will help participants be successful in their STEM courses and beyond graduation. All Marie Curie Scholars are invited to participate in cohort-based peer bonding activities and skill-based courses that allow Scholars to transition from high school to college STEM courses seamlessly. Throughout the four years, Scholars also receive free tutoring and can participate in peer-bonding and faculty-led mentoring programs. Scholars build on their experiences in the classroom by exploring STEM careers through speaker presentations and networking events with potential employers. Additionally, students develop skillsets critical for graduate school and STEM careers by participating in skill-based workshops and partaking in mentored research and internship experience with faculty and industry partners. Program participants have access to prestigious research and professional development opportunities provided by the National Institute of Health, National Science Foundation, American Association for the Advancement of Science and NASA. Students nationally expand their network of STEM professionals through funding to attend and present research findings at national conferences. Ultimately, the Marie Curie Program aims to place Scholars into STEM graduate schools or professions. The program provides Scholars with financial support to explore graduate schools and advisors to aid them with a job or graduate school placement.

Kendra Wiese, a 2022 CSM graduate and now a student at Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tenn., is grateful for the opportunities the Marie Curie Scholarship afforded her. “I think it’s hit me how much of an impact this had on my future life goals. Because of the Marie Curie Scholarship, I have more money saved to use towards graduate school,” she said. “It was just huge.”

The Marie Curie Scholarship is funded by a $1.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation (Award 2130502). “The goal of CSM’s Marie Curie Scholars program is to increase the number of female students graduating with STEM majors,” Stigge said. “We’re also able to assess the extent to which student participation in STEM experiences and exposure to STEM careers affects the retention of female undergraduate students pursuing bachelor’s degrees in biology, chemistry or mathematics. The results of this study will improve recruitment and retention of women to high-demand STEM careers.”

To learn more or apply, go to CSM.edu/MarieCurie .

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S.J. Quinney College of Law

Extra dialogue required: get to know edr director danya rumore.

by Lindsay Wilcox

“I wanted to figure out how we could use science and our best-available information to address complex environmental and public policy problems,” Rumore says. “That ultimately led me to do my PhD at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where I was enormously fortunate to work with Larry Susskind, a founding father of environmental conflict resolution and consensus building. At MIT, I learned the pragmatic skills of conflict resolution and interest-based negotiation, which are the foundation for effective collaboration. I also got to do facilitation work with the nonprofit Consensus Building Institute .”

Rumore wanted to teach others these skills and help them use them to solve problems in a fair, efficient, stable, and wise way, following in advisor Susskind’s footsteps. A north Idaho native, Rumore knew her heart was in the Mountain West and that she needed to live somewhere with access to the outdoors. She jumped at the opportunity to join the Utah Law faculty after finishing her degree.

“I got really lucky that right as I was graduating in 2015, the S.J. Quinney College of Law’s Wallace Stegner Center was hiring an associate director for the Environmental Dispute Resolution (EDR) Program to help build and institutionalize the program,” Rumore recalls. “After interviewing for the position and getting to explore the Wasatch Mountains, I knew this was my dream job in my dream place.”

Nine years later, Rumore is now the director of the EDR Program and also serves as a research professor in the College of Law and clinical associate professor in the University of Utah’s City and Metropolitan Planning department.

“I still feel extremely fortunate that I get to do work I love in a place that I love and to have such a great team here at the S.J. Quinney College of Law,” she says. “It is an honor to do this work under a center named after Wallace Stegner. Not only is he an iconic and inspirational figure for the American West, but he was a believer in cooperation. He is commonly cited as talking about the West as the native home of hope and about the need to create a ‘society to match its scenery’ in the West.”

“One cannot be pessimistic about the West. This is the native home of hope. When it fully learns that cooperation, not rugged individualism, is the quality that most characterizes and preserves it, then it will have achieved itself and outlived its origins. Then it has a chance to create a society to match its scenery.” Wallace Stegner | The Sound of Mountain Water

Rumore believes working together to solve problems and create a world in which humans and the rest of the ecosystem can thrive is directly in line with what Stegner meant by cooperation.

“Like Stegner, we want to create a society to match the scenery, and we think this is going to require people to work through their differences to get to a better place, which is particularly relevant right now in our society and world,” she says. “Beyond that, it is an honor and a pleasure to be surrounded by leading academics on environmental law. We feel fortunate to have worked with Professor Bob Keiter as the Stegner Center director previously, and to welcome Professors Lincoln Davies and Brig Daniels as the new Stegner co-directors. We’re excited to see where they take the Stegner Center!”

Though the Stegner Center is well-known for its environmental goals, the name EDR can sometimes be a misnomer.

“We think of EDR as meaning ‘extra dialogue required,'” Rumore says. “While our official name is the Environmental Dispute Resolution Program, we try to work far upstream in conflict to get people working together across their differences to problem-solve well before the conflict ends up in court. Once you have a true dispute, it is much harder to get parties to work together creatively to problem-solve, so your options are more limited. In other words, we try to work on issues before we have a dispute, so that part of our name isn’t entirely accurate.”

Environment also includes the human environment, Rumore clarifies.

“We want people to know that we don’t just work on traditional ‘environmental’ issues. For example, we have worked on a lot of community planning issues, ranging from how to cite homeless shelters in Salt Lake City to how to manage visitors and protect community quality of life in the Zion National Park region,” she says.

As part of her goal to teach everyone how to productively work through conflict, Rumore conducts a lot of professional trainings, including an annual intensive collaboration certificate course for environmental and public policy professionals. Beginning in 2023, Rumore added a second annual training cohort just for federal agency personnel, and she has done basic conflict competence trainings with various local public officials and non-governmental organizations over the past few months.

“We are also just getting started with developing a conflict competence training program for the Utah League of Cities and Towns, which I’m really excited about,” Rumore says. “I love working with professionals who are out on the ground doing important work and seeing how these skills directly translate into increased efficacy—and optimism. These skills are very empowering.”

Rumore also taught a three-credit course called Negotiation and Dispute Resolution in the Public Sector for the City and Metropolitan Planning department until 2022. With increased demand for EDR Program services, it became harder for her to offer that class each spring. She now teaches a one-credit intensive bootcamp-style course called Negotiating Conflict for the law school.

“ Associate Dean Louisa Heiny and I devised the class as a great way to provide law students conflict competence and conflict resolution skills in a way that works with the rest of their law school curricula (and for my schedule). I think it is the perfect format for the concepts and skills I want all humans (again, especially lawyers) to have—for their personal and professional lives,” Rumore says.

The Negotiating Conflict class is an example of the value people can create when they communicate their needs and work together to negotiate a solution, Rumore explains.

“In co-creating the vision for the class, Louisa and I practiced the skills I teach in the class, and I think the resulting product has been a huge win for the law school and the EDR Program,” she says. “The class is super fun for me and for students. I was thrilled it filled immediately last year, the first time I offered the class, and I think it did so again for this fall. I’m really excited that law students want these skills. I think lawyers, as much or more than anyone working in the public sector, need these skills to best serve their clients and help people get to truly good and lasting outcomes.”

Rumore is also excited by the positive feedback she’s received about Negotiating Conflict.

“Like our professional trainees, many of the students described the course as ‘life-changing’ and ‘one of the most valuable courses they’ve ever taken,'” she says. “That was my experience. These skills are so empowering, liberating, and world-changing. Hence, I want everyone to have them!”

In the future, Rumore would like to offer the Negotiating Conflict course to more law students and students around campus and would especially like to see conflict competence and conflict resolution skills, like interest-based negotiation, included in legal curricula. She notes that her team is also trying to figure out how to meet the demand for training with limited staff and that they try to facilitate one or two high-profile demonstration projects to show how collaboration can create productive outcomes.

“We’re in conversation with Brig Daniels and the Stegner Center’s Great Salt Lake Project about possibly cooking up a demonstration on Great Salt Lake,” she says. “This is a critical issue for our region, and we would love to help people work together to negotiate a solution that is going to solve the problem and actually get implemented in time to make a difference.”

Finally, Rumore has started work on a book about how conflict “just is” and we need to learn to deal with it productively.

“When I learned the skills of conflict resolution and interest-based negotiation as a PhD student, I thought, ‘Wow, this is life-changing. Why doesn’t everyone know this? And how did it take me 20 years of schooling to find this?’” Rumore recalls. “I truly believe that, with the right awareness and skills, all humans can (and will) work together to solve problems and co-create innovative solutions that create value for everyone involved. I see it happen every day through my work—and in my own personal life.”