Center for Undergraduate Research and Engaged Learning

Leverage Your Research

"Many people will decide that research is not for them; however, you can’t know that unless you try it. Undergraduate research opportunities are a great way to see what kind of jobs are right for you and if you really do want to go to graduate school or not. There are usually many on-campus opportunities for undergraduates to get involved in research projects, as professors have their own research and welcome assistance. Research is a skill that can be developed just like any other, and it is easier to do so under the guidance of another person.

Research experience at the undergraduate level is generally very impressive and desirable in a variety of fields. It can show your dedication and depth in a certain topic to an application committee and can be a concrete example for a job recruiter that you have been able to use your skills in a practical way to yield a tangible result." - Jenny Han Simon, "9 Ways to Make the Most of Your Undergraduate Career"

• Undergraduate Research Portal

  The uResearch Portal is a one-stop shop for students to find opportunities to participate in faculty-mentored research, scholarship, and creative activities. The portal also allows faculty to advertise, track, manage applications, and select students for research roles. All disciplines are represented and opportunities come in a combination of options for students to get course credit, be paid, and/or gain volunteer experience. Click hereto learn more.

• Undergraduate Research Minigrants

  The Division of Undergraduate Education offers minigrants to enable undergraduates to participate in faculty-mentored research and creative projects of their own design as well as student travel to present their research at conferences. Proposals for these grants will be evaluated by a Review Committee, which is composed of faculty members from differing disciplines and UE staff. The primary criteria upon which the grants will be awarded include student GPA, proposal originality, student project independence, clarity and feasibility of the proposal, and faculty mentor’s letter of recommendation. Click hereto learn more

• Undergraduate Research Journal

  The University of California Riverside Undergraduate Research Journal provides a student-edited multi-disciplinary journal that features the very best faculty-mentored undergraduate research and scholarship accomplished on our campus. This peer-review process is managed by the Student Editorial Board (SEB) with guidance from the Faculty Advisory Board (FAB), and logistical support from the Center for Undergraduate Research and Engaged Learning team. The Journal is sponsored by the Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education. Click hereto learn more.

• Chancellor's Research Fellowship

  The Chancellor's Research Fellowship (CRF) is a competitive award that supports UCR undergraduate students in faculty-mentored research and creative activity projects. This award is open to students in all disciplines.

  Inaugurated in 2012, the UCR Chancellor's Research Fellowship awards fourteen undergraduate students up to $5,750. This fellowship provides an enhanced learning context for the selected undergraduate researchers, including the opportunity to interact with the UCR Chancellor, other key UCR officials, and with distinguished guest speakers. Additionally, the Center for Undergraduate Research and Engaged Learning provides mentorship and guidance throughout the year. Click hereto learn more.

• UCR Campus Research Programs

  CAMP: California Alliance for Minority Participation in STEM research

  • Focus on underrepresented students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math

  MacREU: Research Experiences for Undergraduates

  • Focus on applications of thin films or monolayer materials for chemistry, physics, and engineering (EE, ME, BE, CE) students

  MARC U Star: Maximizing Access to Research Careers, Undergraduate Student Training in Academic Research

  • Focus on underrepresented students in biomedical and behavioral sciences

  STEM Pathways

  • Focus on Hispanic or low-income students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math

  RISE: Research in Science and Engineering

  • Summer programs focused on increasing diversity in science research
  • Includes CNAS Scholars Fellows, STEM Pathways, Dynamic Genome Scholars

  U-SPARC: Underrepresented Students Pursuing Agricultural-Related Careers

  • Spring and Summer experience, focused on Sophomore and Junior students

  MSRIP: Mentoring Summer Research Internship Program

  • Summer research program focused on students entering their Junior or Senior years, emphasis on supporting students from educationally and/or economically disadvantaged backgrounds

  UCLEADS: University of California, Leadership Excellences through Advanced Degrees

  • Two-year program focused on Sophomores
  • The program supports students from educationally and/or economically disadvantaged backgrounds

  School of Medicine Pipeline Programs

  • Information on pathways programs for students interested in pursuing a career in the medical or health fields

  Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship

  • A two-year program that provides financial support, mentorship, and graduate school application assistance. Designed for students in their last two years of their undergraduate experience

• Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR)

  While UCR is not currently a member, the resources for students are free at the Council on Undergraduate Research’s resource page for supporting undergraduates, who conduct faculty-mentored research. You can access:

  • Student Journals
  • Student Resource Center
  • Undergraduate Presentation Opportunities
  • Research Opportunities
  • Undergraduate Research Highlights

  Click hereto learn more about CUR.

• Fulbright Research Awards

  Formed in 1946, the Fulbright Program is a fully-funded international exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government. The Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers unparalleled opportunities in all academic disciplines for graduating college seniors, graduate students, and early-career professionals from all backgrounds. Program participants pursue graduate study, conduct research, or teach English abroad. This is a grant for U.S. citizens.