From funded scholar programs to an annual research conference, the UC Davis Undergraduate Research Center connects students to hands-on research experiences.

Last year, more than 1,000 students participated in the center’s programs, courses, workshops and annual research conference.  With the start of the fall quarter, the center offers new ways students can build skills that go far beyond the classroom — such as learning transferable research skills — and may open doors to career pathways.

Research opportunities at UC Davis 

As the campus hub for undergraduate research, the Undergraduate Research Center connects students to a wide range of opportunities. Each quarter, the center hosts programs, workshops, guest speakers and panel events — both in-person and online.

“UC Davis prioritizes developing research skills in all undergraduates,” said Raynell Hamilton-Starks, director of the Undergraduate Research Center. “Opportunities are available for all majors, regardless of your intended field of study.  Studies show learning research skills sets you up for success!”

Undergraduate Research Fair

Attend the Undergraduate Research Fair Oct. 14 in the ARC Ballroom and Courtyard to find opportunities to get in the lab and learn research skills. The fair facilitates student interactions with researchers, helps them find research positions and connects faculty with eager students. It also provides a pipeline that allows first-year and transfer students an early pathway into the lab. Every year, the fair continues to grow both in research opportunities for students and in faculty participation.

Aggie Scholars Research Initiative

Applications open on Oct. 6 for Tier 1 of the  Aggie Scholars Research Initiative. This program expands access to research opportunities, specifically in the social sciences, arts and humanities. The program offers mentorship, workshops and collaborative learning experiences to help students explore research pathways and develop meaningful projects. The two-tier program focuses on independent research and a cohort-based workshop series. Attend information sessions about the program beginning Oct. 8.

Undergraduate Research Center programs

Opportunities for students to participate in programs such as the California Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, or CAMP, open doorways to success. Applications close Oct. 6. CAMP seeks to increase the number of students matriculating into and successfully completing high-quality STEM degree programs. Emphasis is placed on transforming undergraduate STEM education through innovative, evidence-based recruitment and retention strategies, as well as relevant educational experiences. Students may apply for either the Emerging Scholars or Research Scholars program. Learn more about CAMP

The Mentorship for Undergraduate Research Participants in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences, or MURPPS, funded by UC Davis Undergraduate Education and the College of Letters and Sciences, seeks to increase first-generation students and those with financial need who pursue graduate studies in the mathematical and physical sciences. Applications close Oct. 6. The program offers students the chance to work with professors on research projects related to their fields of study. Students may apply for either the Emerging Scholars or Research Scholars program. Learn more about MURPPS.

Applications close Oct. 31 for the Mentor-Mentee Program in Humanities, Arts, Cultural Studies, and Social Sciences , which pairs graduate student mentors with second-year and above students in good academic standing. The program introduces students to academic research and builds research and analytical skills. This preparation improves undergraduate students’ readiness to work with faculty, pursue independent research projects or write an honors thesis. Learn about the mentor program.

Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities Conference

Visit the center’s events web page to learn about fall dates for workshops and webinars that help students prepare their abstracts for the 37^th annual Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities Conference. The April 24-25 conference provides opportunities to hundreds of participants to design, implement and present research to an academic audience, in a manner similar to national scientific research conferences.

Programs and events offered through the Undergraduate Research Center are open to all students. New opportunities, jobs and funding support are regularly added to the website. Check back often and sign up for the center newsletter. The Undergraduate Research Center, a unit of the Office of Undergraduate Education, encourages and facilitates research opportunities for UC Davis undergraduates.