Undergraduate Research Programs for UA Students

Year-Long Programs

Access, Wellness, and Relational Determinants of Student Success-Publishing, Policy, Practice, Leadership, and Life-Long Learning for Underrepresented Students (AWARDSS) 

Description: The AWARDSS-PLUS program, funded by the Institute of Education Sciences, is open to undergraduate (junior and senior), postbaccalaureate (within 5 years), and master degree students who are interested in conducting a project that is relevant to US education (across the lifespan) and plan to pursue a PhD program in an education-related field, such as education, social science, family studies, STEM education, psychology, special education, and public health. The AWARDSS program emphasizes a positive psychology framework embedded in a public health model to support students as they explore topics related to inclusiveness and accessibility (Access), physical and psychological well-being (Wellness), relationships (Relational Determinants), and/or student success.  

Benefits: Fall/Spring graduate writing courses, GRE training and fee waivers; Financial package of up to $9,200 in stipend (inc. room and board support noted below) and additionally up to $3,800 in professional development and travel funds; Summer room and board provided (or off-campus housing equivalencies); On campus parking, mileage (if applicable); Summer tuition and fees paid by UROC for the UROC-PREP credit-bearing courses

Requirements: Intent to apply to graduate school; be a UA junior or senior; have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0+

Application Deadline: Deadline has passed; check again next year!

Program Dates: January - January (of the following year) 

Contact Michelle Perfect at mperfect@arizona.edu with any questions.

Arizona’s Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Scholars Scholar Training Academy for Research in STEM (ASEMS STARS)

Description: The ASEMS Scholar Training Academy for Research in STEM (STARS) is a year-round undergraduate research and mentoring program for ASEMS students who come from backgrounds underrepresented in graduate education and who have interest in pursuing a doctoral degree (PhD). Funded through a grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, ASEMS STARS recruits students in the STEM fields, supports the development of skills necessary to excel in their academic studies, and provides assistance in gaining admission to a doctoral program. 

Benefits: work with a UArizona faculty mentor on a small-scale research project in their field of study; GRE preparation workshops; $6,000 summer research stipend and summer tuition (6 units total); waived registration fees 

Requirements: Rising UA junior or senior; intent to pursue a graduate degree (e.g. Master's, PhD) or other professional degree (e.g. MD, DO, DVM, etc); have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0+

Application Deadline: Deadline has passed; check again next year!

Program Dates: Spring - Spring (of the following year) 

Contact Leah Callovini at lcallovini@arizona.edu with any questions.

Environmental Health Sciences – Transformative Research Undergraduate Experience (EHS-TRUE)

Description: The UA Environmental Health Sciences Transformative Research Undergraduate Experience (EHS-TRUE) program is a prestigious, National Institutes of Health-funded (NIH) undergraduate research training program, targeting students from backgrounds under-represented in the sciences, that will pay you to conduct environmental health science research with some of the leading experts in this exciting area. The program offers each participant two years of paid year-round (15 hours/week during the academic year and 35 hours/week in summer) training and research experience in EHS-TRUE faculty mentors’ research groups to help develop an understanding of environmental health sciences, to apply classroom learning to research in environmental health, and to aid in deciding on a career path. Students take an introduction to environmental health sciences course and an introduction to biomedical research careers course during their two years in the program and participate in activities (workshops, retreats, scientific conferences) to expand their research experience. The goal of EHS-TRUE is to prepare undergraduates from underrepresented backgrounds to enter graduate programs in the environmental health sciences.

Benefits: Involvement in paid and/or credit-hour research for 12 weeks full-time in summer and part-time in academic year; development of a scientific project that can presented at scientific conferences; possibility of being published as a co-author

Requirements: Any major; rising UA sophomores or juniors; have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0+; from an under-represented racial and ethnic groups, with disabilities, from socially, culturally, economically disadvantaged backgrounds as defined in the NIH's "Populations Underrepresented in the Extramural Scientific Workforce"; be an American Citizen or Permanent Resident of the United States

Application Deadline: Saturday, February 1st each year at 5:00 PM AZ Time. Please download the EHS-TRUE Application Workshop (found on the website at bottom of the page) to start your application.

Program Dates: Summer (every year)

Contact Jennifer Cubeta at cubeta@arizona.edu with any questions.

Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC)

Description: The MARC Program is a unique research, mentoring, financial and academic opportunity for undergraduates belonging to a group considered underrepresented in biomedical research and who have the interest and potential to pursue a PhD or combined PhD (e.g. MD/PhD) degree. The program is a two-year program intended for the last two years of a student’s enrollment at the University of Arizona.

Benefits: Research training in labs of outstanding faculty at the University of Arizona; Annual national scientific meeting; Colloquium course specifically designed for undergraduates in biomedical disciplines; Assistance with preparation for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE); Assistance with preparation of applications to graduate school or summer programs including personal statement; Overall mentoring and career guidance; Monthly stipend (currently approximately $1,200 per month); Full or partial tuition and fees; Health insurance (if needed); Travel support

Requirements: Intent to pursue a biomedical research career through either PhD or dual MD/PhD degree; be a UA rising junior or senior; from an under-represented racial and ethnic groups, with disabilities, from socially, culturally, economically disadvantaged backgrounds as defined in the NIH's "Populations Underrepresented in the Extramural Scientific Workforce"; be an American Citizen or Permanent Resident of the United States; any major related to biomedical sciences; have a minimum cumulative and math/science GPA of 3.0+; prior research experience is not required

Application Deadline: Saturday, February 1st each year at 11:59 PM AZ Time.

Program Dates: Two year program running from June - May  

Contact Katrina Miranda at kmiranida@email.arizona.edu, Sam Campos at skcampos@arizona.edu and/or Cindy Neal at cjneal@arizona.edu with any questions.

Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program

Description: The McNair Scholars Program is a federal TRIO program. Though there are McNair programs funded at 151 institutions across the United States and Puerto Rico, the only McNair program in the state of Arizona is here, at the U of A. Our goal is to support visionary First Generation and Low-income (FGLI) or Underrepresented students to thrive in graduate school through transformative mentorship, rigorous academic support, and academic research experience. Housed in the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Consortium (UROC) in the Graduate College, McNair is primarily a two-year program for sophomores with a one-year option for exceptional juniors. As an interdisciplinary program, McNair Scholars have the unique opportunity to practice speaking about their research to people with various levels of experience and develop academic connections with people outside of their majors.

Benefits: UROC summer research stipend of $5,000; 13 upper-division course credits (tuition and fees are covered by McNair during the UROC summer; 6 total); National McNair conference presentation; Abstract publication in UROC’s Annual Abstract Review; Oral and Poster presentations at UROC’s summer program; Writing courses to begin crafting a research question, a literature review, and a research paper; On-campus summer housing provided if necessary during the UROC summer programming; Second summer of research at an outside institution; Assistance with preparation of applications to graduate school and summer research programs including personal statement, CV, and requesting letters of recommendations; Graduate application fee waiver letters; Travel funding available

Requirements: Any major; University of Arizona Main Campus sophomores; 3.0+ GPA; Committed to earning a PhD (students interested primarily in a professional degree like JD, MD, DVM, MFA, etc. are ineligible for the McNair program); First generation college student AND low-income student (FGLI) OR be a student who comes from a background(s) that is underrepresented in graduate education; US Citizen, Permanent Resident, or intention on becoming a permanent resident of the US

Application Deadline: February 1st each year at 11:59 PM AZ Time.

Program Dates: Two year program running from March-May

Contact Caitlin Rosario Kelly, ABD (crosariokelly@arizona.edu) and/or Tori Juvera (victoriajuvera@arizona.edu) with any questions with any questions.

UROC-PREP 

Description: UROC-PREP is a year-round undergraduate research and mentoring program for students who come from backgrounds underrepresented in graduate education and have interest in pursuing a research oriented graduate degree (Master’s or PhD) at UA. Students interested in professional school (i.e. MD, JD, DVM) are not eligible. This programs offers you an outstanding opportunity to learn how to conduct research, provide you with a summer research experience, and prepare for graduate studies.

Benefits: Summer-paid stipend of $5,000; six units of upper-division summer undergraduate course credit (tuition and fees paid by the Graduate College); writing workshop help with the basics of writing a research paper and creating graduate application materials; A matched UA Faculty mentor in your chosen field of study; graduate school application workshops; scientific communication workshops

Requirements: Rising UA junior or senior; U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Residence or Refugee status; have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0+; Time to commit to a full-time schedule of 40 hours a week during the summer between your current and next academic year; Committed to earing a PhD (students interested primarily in a professional degree like JD, MD, DVM, etc. or a master's are ineligible)

Application Deadline: Deadline has passed; check again next year!

Program Dates: Summer (every year)

Contact Andrew Huerta at ahuerta@email.arizona.edu with any questions.

Summer-Long Programs

Border Latino and American Indian Summer Exporsure to Research (BLAISER|FRONTERA) Summer Internship

Description: The BLAISER/FRONTERA summer internship is a cutting-edge 10-week undergraduate research experience that provides an extraordinary laboratory training opportunity, pairing the junior and senior level student-scholars with preeminent UA health sciences researchers. This is a premier research experience for undergraduate students from underrepresented backgrounds, arming them with skills to make them competitive and successful in pursuing post-secondary education and research.  Participants are matched with faculty mentors engaged in biomedical and public health research that impacts border communities. Participants engage in service-learning activities. Concurrently, participants develop an in-depth understanding of the pathway to medical school, including study and test-taking skills, preparations for the MCAT & GRE, and drafting a personal statement. In the final week, participants present the outcome of their research in the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Consortium (UROC) poster session.  

Benefits: Mentorship by a UA biomedical researcher or medical scientist working on translational research; Participation in prep courses at no cost on GRE and MCAT to make students more competitive; Travel to the border OR rural areas in AZ to learn about health disparity; Create and present a research poster at UROC

Requirements: U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident status; UA juniors or seniors OR recent graduate/Master's student; minimum completion of 1-year of general biology and general chemistry; have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0+

Application Deadline: February 21st each year at 11:59 PM AZ Time 

Program Dates: June - August (every year)

Contact Alejandra Zapien-Hidalgo at azapien8@arizona.edu with any questions.

Summer Research Institute (SRI)

Description: The Summer Research Institute (SRI) offers you an outstanding opportunity to learn how to conduct research, enjoy your summer, and prepare for graduate studies at The University of Arizona (UA), a highly-ranked Research Extensive (Research I) Land Grant institution with a large multicultural student body and over 200 graduate programs in a myriad of fields. The purpose of SRI is to provide you with the opportunity to work with faculty on a research project, give you an understanding of the approaches, issues, and research methodologies in your chosen field, encourage you to consider advanced study in the discipline of your choice at the University of Arizona, prepare you to be competitive in the graduate application process, and to enhance leadership skills through personal development workshops and interaction with peers.

Benefits: Summer-paid stipend of $5,000; six units of upper-division summer undergraduate course credit (tuition and fees paid by the Graduate College); writing workshop help with the basics of writing a research paper and creating graduate application materials; A matched UA Faculty mentor in your chosen field of study; graduate school application workshops; scientific communication workshops

Requirements: Academic status of undergraduate rising junior or senior; enrollment in an accredited 4-year university or community college; U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Residence or Refugee status; time to commit to full-time schedule of 40 hours a week during the summer; have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0+

Application Deadline: Saturday, February 1st, each year at 5:00 PM AZ Time

Program Dates: June - August (every year)

Contact Tianna MacMeans at turrea@arizona.edu with any questions.

Place-based Health Informatics Research Education Program (PHIRE)

Description: PHIRE is a research training initiative for undergraduate students who are (a) currently enrolled or transferring to the University of Arizona, (b) interested in biomedical research, and (c) looking to pursue graduate education in areas related to health informatics. Funded by the National Library of Medicine, PHIRE offers an intensive, paid summer research experience for 13 weeks, followed by placement within a thematic minor designed to provide a transformative learning experience in health informatics and biomedical research. Research projects will aim to address health disparities and sociotechnical issues in Arizona and the broader Southwest region using data science and informatics methods. Students from Arizona communities that have been historically disadvantaged are particularly encouraged to apply. 

Benefits: Research stipend up to $5,915 over the course of the summer (or approx. $455 per week for 13 weeks); enrollment in a personalized thematic minor in health informatics during junior and senior year at the University of Arizona

Requirements: UA sophomore; Interest in biomedical/health-related research; Preferred disciplines include, but not limited to, any general sciences, social science (e.g., anthropology), life sciences, computer and information sciences, engineering, mathematics, management science, and public health; Available to participate in full-time training and research (35 hours per week) during Summer 2023 

Application Deadline: Saturday, February 1st, each year at 11:59 PM AZ Time

Program Dates: May - August (every year)

Contact the PHIRE Program Coordinator at phire@arizona.edu with any questions.

Minimizing Health Disparities (MHD)

Description: UA Graduate College offers an amazing summer research experience focused on health issues that affect minority communities in a disproportionate manner.   MHD participants have access to state-of-the-art research facilities. The Minimizing Health Disparities Program seeks to provide you an opportunity to engage in research with a professor in the biomedical field at the University of Arizona. MHD students will most likely be invited to participate in your mentor's ongoing research in their lab. The research objectives of the program are substantial and will require your full-time commitment. You will be expected to work on your research with your mentor and produce an Oral Presentation and Scientific Poster for presentation at the end of the summer. 

Benefits: Summer-paid stipend of $5,000; six units of upper-division summer undergraduate course credit (tuition and fees paid by the Graduate College); writing workshop help with the basics of writing a research paper and creating graduate application materials; A matched UA Faculty mentor in your chosen field of study; graduate school application workshops; scientific communication workshops

Requirements: Academic status of undergraduate rising junior or senior; enrollment in an accredited 4-year university or community college; U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Residence or Refugee status; time to commit to full-time schedule of 40 hours a week during the summer; have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0+; A major in fields leading to biomedical careers, (i.e. Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Microbiology, Nutritional Sciences, etc.)

Application Deadline: Saturday, February 1st, each year at 5:00 PM AZ Time

Program Dates: June through August (every year)

Contact Tianna MacMeans at turrea@arizona.edu with any questions.

Year-Long Programs

UA/NASA Space Grant Program (Arizona Space Grant)

Description: The University of Arizona NASA Space Grant internship program provides undergraduates the opportunity to broaden their education with a rich, hands-on experience with the full process of inquiry and discovery. The University of Arizona NASA Space Grant Program places U of A undergraduate students in paid research opportunities for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year. Students work alongside practicing scientists on exciting cutting-edge research. We see a diverse group of students that are dedicated, enthusiastic, and eager to learn. You do not need to be a rocket scientist to participate in this NASA program - all STEM majors and those interested in STEM are welcome!

Benefits: $16.50 per hour for the academic year; Presentation of a formal abstract and PowerPoint slides at statewide NASA Space Grant Statewide Symposium; Matched with a UA Faculty mentor of interested field

Requirements: U.S. Citizenship per NASA (federal) funding requirements; 2.5 minimum cumulative GPA; enrollment of 9 credits or more at the University of Arizona; UA undergraduate sophomore, junior, or senior at start of academic year; enrollment in any STEM major, or interest in pursuing STEM career

Application Deadline: May 25th of each year at 11:59 PM AZ Time. Applications will open on April 1st

Program Dates: September - May (of the following year) 

Contact Michelle Coe at macoe@arizona.edu with any questions. 

Summer-Long Programs

Biosphere 2 Research Experiences for Undergraduates (Biosphere 2 REU) 

Description: The Biosphere 2 REU provides undergraduates an opportunity to conduct guided research in environmental and Earth systems science at a leading and unique research institution. The summer program will allow 10 students to gain experience in research firsthand, training and preparation for careers in science, and opportunities to communicate science to diverse audiences. Students will also work with partner organizations at the University of Arizona to connect research findings to applied environmental solutions. Students will conduct their own research under a mentor, interact with other participants and scientists at B2 and UA, and present research findings in a formal symposium setting. A unique part of the B2 REU experience will be the opportunity to interact with the 100,000 public visitors to B2 and be trained in outreach related to their research topics. Additionally, students will participate in professional development workshops and field trips to local attractions. Students will be selected from across the country to participate in the program and they will conduct research at Biosphere 2. Indigenous students and students from other underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

Benefits: $6000 research stipend for 10-week internship (or approx. $600 per week for 10 weeks); food allowance; housing on the Biosphere 2 Campus; funds for traveling to and from Tucson, AZ; funds for traveling to professional meetings for presentation of work

Requirements: Majors in hydrology, soil science, geology, atmospheric science, biology, ecology, plant sciences, mathematics, physics, chemistry, or computer science; UA (2nd-semester) freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors OR high-school graduates that are accepted at an undergraduate institution but have not started their year

Application Deadline: March 1st, of each year at 5:00 PM AZ Time.

Program Dates: June - August (every year)

Contact Katerina Dontsova at dontsova@arizona.edu with any questions.

Clouds to Core (C2C) REU 

Description: The C2C REU program is an 8-week paid summer research opportunity in the geosciences, primarily for students from partner institution tribal and community colleges around the southwestern US (and beyond). This program is funded by the US National Science Foundation, and is based at the Department of Geosciences at the University of Arizona. The goal of C2C is to introduce students from 2-year colleges around the region to the many opportunities in a career in geosciences, and the possibilities of transferring at the completion of their AA degree to the UA majoring in Geosciences.

Benefits: Full stipend for room & board costs; $600/week stipend over the 8 weeks of the program

Requirements: U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident status; must be at least 18 years old before May 10; must have current enrollment in two-year community college or a Tribal college

Application Deadline: Friday, February 7th of each year at 11:59 PM AZ time 

Program Dates: June 9th - August 1st (every year)

For any questions or concerns, please fill out the program's contact form. 

Partnership for Native American Cancer Prevention Program (NACP) 

Description: A paid internship designed to facilitate the entry of Native Americans into biomedical research and healthcare professions while engaging communities in research and training relevant to their needs. The Partnership for Native American Cancer Prevention (NACP) is a collaboration between Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona Cancer Center, funded through the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI). Partnerships to Advance Cancer Health Equity (PACHE) U54 mechanism. The mission is to alleviate the unequal burden of cancer among Native Americans of the Southwest through research, training, and community outreach programs in collaboration with the communities we serve. There are several primary Core components, including Research, Outreach and Education. Dr. Francine C. Gachupin is the UA Outreach Core lead.

Benefits: $15.00 per hour for full-time 35-hour schedule for 12 weeks in the summer

Requirements: UArizona undergraduate students who are American Indian or Alaska Natives; U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident status; Interested in exploring a career related to reducing cancer health disparities among Native populations

Application Deadline: Download a NACP Application Worksheet (found at the bottom of the webpage) and follow the directions to submit your final application online via Qualtrics. The deadline is February 1st, of each year at 5:00 PM AZ Time.

Program Dates: May - August (every year)

Contact Jennifer Cubeta, UBRP Director, at cubeta@arizona.edu with any questions.

TIMESTEP Summer Tech Internship Program 

Description: Gain experience in an industry with a local employer while getting paid $5000 for a part-time (20 hrs/week) summer internship! This summer program is a Technical Internships in the Physical Sciences for U. Arizona Students. Positions  will utilize and strengthen skills in (1) building, testing, and using online tools for analytics, (2) soft and/or hardware development, and (3)mechanical design and optimization of instrumentation or robotics.

Benefits: $5000 for part-time position (20/hrs per week) 

Requirements: Enrolled in a STEM Major; No citizenship requirement; have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5+

Application Deadline: March of each year at 5:00 PM AZ Time.

Program Dates: May - August (every year)

Contact Rebecca Lipson at rlipson@arizona.edu with any questions.

Environmental Health Sciences - Research for Indigenous Student Engagement (EHS-RISE)

Description: EHS-RISE is an introductory summer research program which aims to increase the representation of Native Americans in the STEM workforce, while supporting students’ cultural identity. The program is designed uniquely for Native American and Alaska Native freshmen majoring in STEM at UArizona who are seeking a research experience for the summer between their freshman and sophomore year.  EHS-RISE offers participants a full-time, paid 12-week research experience on a project related to environmental health sciences (environmental factors that impact human health) and provides housing, professional development workshops, and spiritual and community activities.  The content and structure of EHS-RISE has been deliberately selected to address the whole person, complementing the Native traditional belief that the body, mind, and spirit are interrelated.

Benefits: Receive free on-campus housing through UArizona Residence Life (double occupancy with another EHS-RISE student) for the summer; $15.00 per hour for full-time (35 hours/week) schedule over 12 weeks (aprox. $6,300 for the summer); continued possible research for the following academic year for either credit, volunteer, or paid

Requirements: Have a cumulative GPA of 2.0+; U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident status; UA freshman or transfer student; identify as Native American and/or Alaska Native; be able to commit to a full-time summer research position (35 hours/week for 12 weeks of Summer 2025) and attend UBRP Orientation in May.

Application Deadline: Download an EHS-RISE Application Worksheet and follow the directions to submit your final application online via Qualtrics. Please note that as part of the application you will also need to upload an unofficial UArizona transcript and a Certificate of Indian Blood or Tribal Enrollment Record. The deadline is February 1st, of each year 5:00 PM AZ Time.

Program Dates: May - August (every year)

Contact Jennifer Cubeta at cubeta@arizona.edu with any questions.

Year-Long Programs

Beckman Scholars Program

Description: The Beckman Scholars Program, funded by the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation, helps stimulate, encourage, and support research activities by exceptionally talented, full-time undergraduate students. The Beckman Scholarship is a prestigious one, providing a total student stipend of $18,200 plus $2,800 for research supplies and travel support over the course of the 15-month experience. Two Beckman Scholars will be selected annually. The UArizona Beckman Scholars Program gives undergraduates funding and support to conduct in-depth research with one of 11 stellar mentors in UArizona’s College of Science on a full-time basis for two consecutive summers, and part-time during the intervening academic year. UArizona Beckman Scholars work on a project of interest in their selected mentor’s lab, engage in professional development activities, such as leading undergraduates in small group discussions, inviting and hosting an eminent scientist to give a seminar at UArizona, meeting with Beckman Mentors, and serving as student leaders within the Undergraduate Biology Research Program, etc.

Benefits: Student stipend of $18,200 plus an additional research and travel stipend of $2,800 over the 15-month experience (aprox. $1,387 per month); student leadership position in the Undergraduate Biology Research Program (e.g. summer workshop leader and peer faciliator); presentation at the Annual Beckman Symposium, held in Irvine, CA, for two consecutive summers (in-person travel and hotel support provided)

Requirements: have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0+; be a UA sophomore or junior, with graduation date May 2025 or later; be a UA full-time undergraduate student majoring in biological or chemical sciences; U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident, or hold DACA status; commit two consecutive summers (full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks) and the intervening academic year (part-time) to working on a research project.

Application Deadline: Download and complete the 2025 Beckman Scholars Application Cover Page and additional application materials detailed under the "Application Process" (found at the bottom of the webpage). Submit all application materials to Quinn Reilly at qreilly@arizona.edu by the deadline: Friday, March 7th every year at 12:00 P.M. AZ Time. 

Program Dates: May - August (every year)

Contact Jennifer Cubeta at cubeta@arizona.edu with any questions.

Environmental Health Sciences – Transformative Research Undergraduate Experience (EHS-TRUE)

Description: The UA Environmental Health Sciences Transformative Research Undergraduate Experience (EHS-TRUE) program is a prestigious, National Institutes of Health-funded (NIH) undergraduate research training program, targeting students from backgrounds under-represented in the sciences, that will pay you to conduct environmental health science research with some of the leading experts in this exciting area. The program offers each participant two years of paid year-round (15 hours/week during the academic year and 35 hours/week in summer) training and research experience in EHS-TRUE faculty mentors’ research groups to help develop an understanding of environmental health sciences, to apply classroom learning to research in environmental health, and to aid in deciding on a career path. Students take an introduction to environmental health sciences course and an introduction to biomedical research careers course during their two years in the program and participate in activities (workshops, retreats, scientific conferences) to expand their research experience. The goal of EHS-TRUE is to prepare undergraduates from underrepresented backgrounds to enter graduate programs in the environmental health sciences.

Benefits: Involvement in paid and/or credit-hour research for 12 weeks full-time in summer and part-time in academic year; development of a scientific project that can presented at scientific conferences; possibility of being published as a co-author

Requirements: Any major; rising UA sophomores or juniors; have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0+; from an under-represented racial and ethnic groups, with disabilities, from socially, culturally, economically disadvantaged backgrounds as defined in the NIH's "Populations Underrepresented in the Extramural Scientific Workforce"; be an American Citizen or Permanent Resident of the United States

Application Deadline: February 1st, every year at 5:00 PM AZ Time. Please download the EHS-TRUE Application Workshop (found on the website at bottom of the page) to start your application.

Program Dates: Summer (every year)

Contact Jennifer Cubeta at cubeta@arizona.edu with any questions.

Summer-Long Programs

Undergraduate Biology Research Program (UBRP)

Description: The Undergraduate Biology Research Program (UBRP) is an educational program designed to teach students science by involving them in biologically related research. Students are paid for their time in the lab, where they develop an understanding of the scientific method, receive a realistic view of biological research, and are mentored by faculty. They also acquire the tools necessary to be successful in post-graduate studies in biology should they choose careers related to biology or research. Students begin UBRP with a full-time summer research apprenticeship, and then have the option to continue in UBRP on a part-time basis during the academic year, to accommodate classes.

Benefits: $15.00 per hour for full-time schedule (35 hours/week) for 10- to 12- weeks during the summer; continued part-time involvement in matched research lab in the following academic year; opportunity to present at the Annual UBRP Conference; opportunity to be a student leader in the UBRP program (e.g. UBRP Ambassadors, peer faciliator, summer workshop leaders)

Requirements: Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0+; interest in biological research; U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident, or have work visa (if student is from a foreign country); commit to a full-time summer research position (35 hours/week for 12 weeks of Summer 2025) and attend UBRP Orientation in May 2025.

Application Deadline: Download a UBRP Application Worksheet and follow the directions to submit your final application online via Qualtrics. The deadline is 5:00 p.m. Arizona Time on February 1st, every year.

Program Dates: May - August (every year)

Contact Jennifer Cubeta at cubeta@arizona.edu with any questions.

ASPET Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (ASPET SURF)

Description: Each summer, five UBRP students are selected to receive an American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics’ Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (ASPET SURF).  These students conduct research in the areas of pharmacology, drug discovery, and drug development with faculty mentors who are members of ASPET, and are partially funded by ASPET.  ASPET SURF students participate in all UBRP activities, but additionally enjoy free student membership in ASPET (which entitles them to apply for travel funds to present at ASPET meetings as well as other benefits) as well a summer networking lunch with fellow ASPET students and mentors.

Benefits: $15.00 per hour for full-time schedule (35 hours/week) for 10- to 12- weeks during the summer; continued part-time involvement in matched research lab in the following academic year; opportunity to present at the Annual UBRP Conference; opportunity to be a student leader in the UBRP program (e.g. UBRP Ambassadors, peer faciliator, summer workshop leaders); free mentorship in ASPET

Requirements: Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0+; interest in biological and/or pharmacology research; U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident, or have work visa (if student is from a foreign country); commit to a full-time summer research position (35 hours/week for 12 weeks of Summer 2025) and attend UBRP Orientation in  May 2025.

Application Deadline: Download a UBRP Application Worksheet and follow the directions to submit your final application online via Qualtrics. In the UBRP Application, mark the ASPET interest box. The deadline is 5:00 p.m. Arizona Time on February 1, every year. 

Program Dates: May - August (every year)

Contact Jennifer Cubeta at cubeta@arizona.edu with any questions.

Biology Research Abroad: Vistas Open! (BRAVO!)

Description: The Biology Research Abroad: Vistas Open! Program, administered through the Undergraduate Biology Research Program (UBRP), provides University of Arizona (UArizona) undergraduate students who have at least six months of prior research experience the opportunity to gain a global perspective through a 10- to 12-week summer international research experience. BRAVO! is designed to enhance participants’ scientific and professional skills, and to develop international collaborative relationships. Unlike traditional study abroad experiences where students take academic courses, BRAVO! participants have an independent and immersive experience, living as a visiting researcher and working in the host country.

Benefits: Travel and research stipend of $8,000; placement in a host family; mentorship with foreign research mentor of selected country

Requirements: UA undergraduates with expected graduation date of December 2025 or later; minimum of at least six months of research experience with their UA mentor at the time of application; priority given for students with limited travel experience and/or limited ability to travel internationally without support (e.g. students who are financially challenged, first-generation, have never been outside the U.S., etc.)

Application Deadline: Deadline has passed; check again next year!

Program Dates: May - August (every year)

Contact Jennifer Cubeta at cubeta@arizona.edu with any questions.

Data Sciences Academy / UBRP Fellowships

Description: The Data Sciences Academy and UBRP are partnering together to provide research experiences to undergraduates whose interests are in the life sciences and whose academic background has a strong data science component, including mathematics, statistics, and/or computer science. DSA/UBRP provides its participants with a privileged glimpse into the future of science by giving them hands-on experience in biological research grounded in data sciences. Explore the research our DSA/UBRP fellows are conducting their research website.

Benefits: $15.00 per hour for full-time schedule (35 hours/week) for 10- to 12- weeks during the summer; continued part-time involvement in matched research lab in the following academic year; opportunity to present at the Annual UBRP Conference; opportunity to be a student leader in the UBRP program (e.g. UBRP Ambassadors, peer faciliator, summer workshop leaders); free mentorship in ASPET

Requirements: Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0+; interest in biological and/or pharmacology research; U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident, or have work visa (if student is from a foreign country); commit to a full-time summer research position (35 hours/week for 12 weeks of Summer 2024) and attend UBRP Orientation (Monday, May 13, 2025 from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.).

Application Deadline: Download a UBRP Application Worksheet and follow the directions to submit your final application online via Qualtrics. In the UBRP Application, mark the DSA interest box. The deadline is February 1st, every year at 5:00 PM AZ Time. 

Program Dates: May - August (every year)

Contact Jennifer Cubeta at cubeta@arizona.edu with any questions.

Environmental Health Sciences - Research for Indigenous Student Engagement (EHS-RISE)

Description: EHS-RISE is an introductory summer research program which aims to increase the representation of Native Americans in the STEM workforce, while supporting students’ cultural identity. The program is designed uniquely for Native American and Alaska Native freshmen majoring in STEM at UArizona who are seeking a research experience for the summer between their freshman and sophomore year.  EHS-RISE offers participants a full-time, paid 12-week research experience on a project related to environmental health sciences (environmental factors that impact human health) and provides housing, professional development workshops, and spiritual and community activities. The content and structure of EHS-RISE has been deliberately selected to address the whole person, complementing the Native traditional belief that the body, mind, and spirit are interrelated.

Benefits: Receive free on-campus housing through UArizona Residence Life (double occupancy with another EHS-RISE student) for the summer; $15.00 per hour for full-time (35 hours/week) schedule over 12 weeks (aprox. $6,300 for the summer); continued possible research for the following academic year for either credit, volunteer, or paid

Requirements: Have a cumulative GPA of 2.0+; U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident status; UA freshman or transfer student; identify as Native American and/or Alaska Native; be able to commit to a full-time summer research position (35 hours/week for 12 weeks of Summer 2025) and attend UBRP Orientation in May 2025.

Application Deadline: Download an EHS-RISE Application Worksheet and follow the directions to submit your final application online via Qualtrics. Please note that as part of the application you will also need to upload an unofficial UArizona transcript and a Certificate of Indian Blood or Tribal Enrollment Record. The deadline is February 1st, every year at 5:00 PM AZ Time.

Program Dates: May - August (every year)

Contact Jennifer Cubeta at cubeta@arizona.edu with any questions.

Partnership for Native American Cancer Prevention Program (NACP) 

Description: A paid internship designed to facilitate the entry of Native Americans into biomedical research and healthcare professions while engaging communities in research and training relevant to their needs. The Partnership for Native American Cancer Prevention (NACP) is a collaboration between Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona Cancer Center, funded through the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI). Partnerships to Advance Cancer Health Equity (PACHE) U54 mechanism. The mission is to alleviate the unequal burden of cancer among Native Americans of the Southwest through research, training, and community outreach programs in collaboration with the communities we serve. There are several primary Core components, including Research, Outreach and Education. Dr. Francine C. Gachupin is the UA Outreach Core lead.

Benefits: $15.00 per hour for full-time 35-hour schedule for 12 weeks in the summer

Requirements: UArizona undergraduate students who are American Indian or Alaska Natives; U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident status; Interested in exploring a career related to reducing cancer health disparities among Native populations

Application Deadline: Download a NACP Application Worksheet (found at the bottom of the webpage) and follow the directions to submit your final application online via Qualtrics. The deadline is February 1, every year at 5:00 PM AZ Time.

Program Dates: May - August (every year)

Contact Jennifer Cubeta, UBRP Director, at cubeta@arizona.edu with any questions.

Academic Year-Long Programs 

College of Education FREADOM Directed Research Program

Description: Funded by the National Institutes of Health, the FREADOM (Family Routines Enhancing Adolescent Diabetes by Optimizing Management) study investigates how we can best empower adolescents with type 1 diabetes to be in control of their own health. Our team is researching ways to improve the lives of children with type 1 diabetes through a randomized clinical trial examining a sleep intervention compared to a family support condition. We examine family factors; school impact (including obtaining data from teachers and school records); physical activity, and diet; sleep using home-based polysomnography (PSG), actigraphy, and self-report questionnaires; behaviors and resiliency across settings; salivary biomarkers; and continuous glucose monitoring. The faculty Principal Investigator is Dr. Michelle Perfect (mperfect@email.arizona.edu), and our team is interdisciplinary, including school psychology, pediatric psychology, psychology, nursing, pulmonology, endocrinology, and education. We are specifically looking for students who are interested in gaining experience with data management, processing, and analysis. Opportunities to learn more about the interface of active data collection, participant data tracking, biomedical devices, and statistical software packages.

Benefits: Paid, credit, and/or volunteer research involvement for the academic year (e.g. one semester, two semester, etc); opportunities for student leadership in chosen research lab; letter of recommendation from VIP Principal Investigator/Team Leader; continued opportunity for research during the following summer

Requirements: Interest in data management, processing, and analysis. No prior research experience needed for applying!

Application Deadline: There is no application deadline. Review of applications and interviewing will begin immediately after submission of your application.

Program Dates: Spring - Fall (each year)

Contact Vicky Mullins at mullins1@arizona.edu for any questions.

Beckman Scholars Program

Description: The Beckman Scholars Program, funded by the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation, helps stimulate, encourage, and support research activities by exceptionally talented, full-time undergraduate students. The Beckman Scholarship is a prestigious one, providing a total student stipend of $18,200 plus $2,800 for research supplies and travel support over the course of the 15-month experience. Two Beckman Scholars will be selected annually. The UArizona Beckman Scholars Program gives undergraduates funding and support to conduct in-depth research with one of 11 stellar mentors in UArizona’s College of Science on a full-time basis for two consecutive summers, and part-time during the intervening academic year. UArizona Beckman Scholars work on a project of interest in their selected mentor’s lab, engage in professional development activities, such as leading undergraduates in small group discussions, inviting and hosting an eminent scientist to give a seminar at UArizona, meeting with Beckman Mentors, and serving as student leaders within the Undergraduate Biology Research Program, etc.

Benefits: Student stipend of $18,200 plus an additional research and travel stipend of $2,800 over the 15-month experience (aprox. $1,387 per month); student leadership position in the Undergraduate Biology Research Program (e.g. summer workshop leader and peer facilitator); presentation at the Annual Beckman Symposium, held in Irvine, CA, for two consecutive summers (in-person travel and hotel support provided)

Requirements: have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0+; be a UA sophomore or junior, with graduation date May 2026 or later; be a UA full-time undergraduate student majoring in biological or chemical sciences; U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident, or hold DACA status; commit two consecutive summers (full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks) and the intervening academic year (part-time) to working on a research project.

Application Deadline: Download and complete the 2024 Beckman Scholars Application Cover Page and additional application materials detailed under the "Application Process" (found at the bottom of the webpage). Submit all application materials to Quinn Reilly at qreilly@arizona.edu by the deadline: Friday, March 7th every year at 12:00 P.M. AZ Time. 

Program Dates: May - August (every year)

Contact Jennifer Cubeta at cubeta@arizona.edu with any questions.

Summer-Long Programs 

CAT Vehicle 

Description: The CAT Vehicle Program is a 10-week research for Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program that focuses on autonomous ground vehicles, controls, communications, vehicular security, machine learning, and algorithms. This REU site will support 10 students over the summer. Students will participate as researchers for the summer, working side by side with graduate researchers and faculty who are experts in cognitive radio and autonomous ground vehicles. A research experience in autonomous driving and its many applications.

Benefits: Travel allowance up to $600; summer stipend of $6,000; free on-campus housing; obtainment of letter of recommendation (LOR) from faculty mentors

Requirements: No prior research experience needed for applying!

Application Deadline: There are two steps to the application; please begin at the first step of the application and follow its directions carefully. Applications are due in March. Applications open in January. 

Program Dates: June - August (every year)

National Summer Undergraduate Research Project

Description: NSURP is a matchmaking program to connect underrepresented undergraduate students (e.g. BIPOC and Latine) in STEM with mentors (PIs, or their designated lab members) in the Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology Sciences who will supervise those students in a remote-work summer research project. Students in the program will be expected to attend the seminar speakers and online lectures focused on professional development. Students will be expected to work full time (40 hours per week) and will make $600 dollars per week. Roughly 40 students are accepted into this program. 

Benefits: Stipend of $600/week over the 8 week program (aprox. $4,800 for the entire program)

Requirements: Be both a first-generation college student AND low-income student OR be a student who comes from a background(s) that is underrepresented in graduate education (Latine, Native American/Alaskan Native, Black/African American, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander)

Application Deadline: No information provided.

Program Dates: July - August (every year)

Contact the NSURP Program Coordinator at NSURP@arizona.edu for any questions.

Programs Spanning Multiple Semesters

Vertically Integrated Projects (VIPs)

Description: VIP engages undergraduate and graduate students in long-term, large-scale, multidisciplinary project teams that are led by UArizona faculty or staff. Students participate in hands-on learning, research, and creative inquiry that crosses disciplines, semesters, and academic years. VIP has 50+ teams in Fall 2024, based in more than a dozen UArizona colleges. Find out more about teams currently accepting students on VIP’s Explore Teams page. Students interested in applying for a team can check the Application Process section at the bottom of the team page. If no application information is provided, fill out the VIP Interest Form to indicate interest to the team leader. Most teams enroll students for credit; some may offer pay-based positions on their teams.

Benefits: Credit, paid, and/or volunteer research/design/creative inquiry involvement for one or more semesters; opportunities for student leadership in chosen VIP team; possible letter of recommendation from VIP Team Leader; possible continued opportunity for research during the following summer

Requirements: Requirements will be based on the individual team that the undergraduate student is applying to. No prior research experience needed for some VIP teams!

Application Deadline: Rolling admission until teams are full. For best results, express interest when registering for the next semester (for example, in April for the following Fall)

Program Dates: VIP Teams run during each academic year; at the team leader’s discretion, they may continue through the summer.

Contact the VIP Program Coordinator at vipprogram@arizona.edu with any questions.