What is an Undergraduate Research Ambassador?
Undergraduate Research Ambassadors (URAs) help students find research opportunities that fit their interests, time, and needs. URAs give workshops and presentations about research opportunities, first steps in finding research, scientific communication, and other skills that are important for getting started in research. These workshops and presentations can be presented to any club, class, and/or event and are available upon request. URAs also 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 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.
- Visit us in-person! URAs are located at the desk in the Bear Down Building Alcove, Rm 306
- Send an email! Write us at undergradresearch@arizona.edu.
How do I request a workshop/presentation for my group?
URAs will present to any student clubs, groups, or classrooms on any of the topics listed below:
- Introduction to Research/Finding Research Opportunities
- How to Leverage your Federal Work-Study Funding toward a Paid Research Experience
- Communicating with Future Mentors About Your Research Interests
- Presenting your Research: Posters, PowerPoints, and Oral Presentations
- Peer Research Panels - Arizona students share their research experiences
- Custom Undergraduate Research Workshop - mix and match from the above topics!
We also work with colleges and departments to prepare annual research readiness series. Let us know what you need.
For more information on each topic listed, please visit our Workshops for Students resources. Email us at undergradresearch@arizona.edu to request a presentation.
Meet the 2025-26 Undergraduate Research Ambassador Team!

Desiree Nguyen
Lead Undergraduate Research Ambassador
Neuroscience & Cognitive Science (Neurobiology Emphasis), Psychological Sciences, and Molecular & Cellular Biology Major

Soleil Robinson
Lead Undergraduate Research Ambassador
Biochemistry Major, Spanish Minor

Mariam Rana
Lead Undergraduate Research Ambassador
Physiology & Medical Sciences and Public Health Major, Leadership Studies & Practice Minor

Henry Wilkerson
Undergraduate Research Ambassador
Anthropology/International Affairs/Creative Intelligence and Innovation Major

Collin Brown
Undergraduate Research Ambassador
Neuroscience and Cognitive Science and Molecular and Cellular Biology Major, Consciousness Studies Minor

Angel Marquez
Undergraduate Research Ambassador
Molecular and Cellular Biology and Biochemistry Major