The UC Davis Undergraduate Research Center recently launched a new initiative to support arts, social sciences and humanities undergraduates with $1,000 stipends and research mentorship. Applications close Feb. 27. 

“This initiative addresses a gap in research opportunities that contribute to critical issues in society, culture and the humanities,” said Raynell Hamilton-Starks, director for the Undergraduate Research Center. “Designed to foster equitable participation in research, the program focuses on empowering underrepresented students in the social sciences, arts and humanities disciplines.”

Making research accessible to undergraduate students is the top goal of the UC Davis Undergraduate Research Center. The center supports undergraduates by connecting students with faculty-sponsored research, providing several research programs and activities and offering research-related awards, such as the new Aggie Scholars Research Initiative. 

The program supports both independent and collaborative research. The Independent Research Program, running winter and spring quarters, targets students who identified a faculty mentor and research topic. These participants engage in independent research supported by workshops and bi-weekly check-ins over the two quarters. 

A Spring Cohort-Based Workshop, or Tier 2, targets students exploring research pathways without a defined topic or mentor. This program also includes workshops and bi-weekly support; however, participants work collaboratively on team-based projects. 

With limited research opportunities typically available in the arts, social sciences and humanities, the new initiative is one backed strongly by Michael Bradford, vice provost and dean for UC Davis Undergraduate Education and an award-winning director, producer and playwright. 

“I began writing plays early on and the ability to use the arts to reflect back onto society is a muscle I continue using in my work as the dean of Undergraduate Education,” Bradford said. “Seeing the world through the lens of the social sciences, arts and humanities broadens our perspectives and improves how we engage in truly impactful ways.”

Hamilton-Starks said the programs are designed to provide meaningful results for all students.

“Whether they complete an independent research project or present a collaborative project, these students receive hands-on research experience in skill areas such as research design, analysis, academic writing and public presentation,” she said. “These are transferable skills for either graduate school or in a future career.”

Applications for the inaugural Aggie Scholars Research Initiative close Feb. 27 for both independent and collaborative research. 

The Undergraduate Research Center, a unit of the Office of Undergraduate Education, encourages and facilitates research opportunities for UC Davis undergraduates in all majors and class levels.