Other Campus Programs

Research programs for undergraduates

In addition to the programs hosted by the Undergraduate Research Center, there are more program opportunities available for undergraduate research participants.

Accelerating Success by Providing Intensive Research Experience (ASPIRE)

Accelerating Success by Providing Intensive Research Experience (ASPIRE) offers UC Davis undergraduate students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience conducting state-of-the-art research in the mind and brain sciences. Topics range from the cellular mechanisms of learning in animal models to the effects of poverty on children's social, emotional, and cognitive development.

Each year, we select a diverse group of first- and second-year students to become ASPIRE scholars. They immediately begin conducting research under the direct supervision of a world-class faculty mentor, and they typically continue working with the same mentor until they graduate.

Instead of just learning about past research, ASPIRE scholars have the opportunity to make new discoveries and become knowledge creators. Early in the program, ASPIRE scholars gain substantial background knowledge and learn advanced research skills. By their senior year, they are ready to take a leading role in designing and implementing a novel research project.

Most applicants have no prior research experience. Our goal is to provide you with the opportunity to get that experience! We value your life experience and your ability to make the most of the opportunities that you're given. As one student put it, you don't need to be a "rare genius" to do research; by diving into research, you become a rare genius!

ASPIRE Spring Research Symposia took place in May 2015, June 2016, June 2017, June 2018, and June 2023. Follow the links for photos of these events and details of the research presented.

To apply, see instructions at:

https://aspire.ucdavis.edu/howtoapply

For more information, please visit the ASPIRE page.

Blum Center for Developing Economies

Background

In 2010, UC Davis received funds from a UC multi-campus research program grant to establish the UC Davis Blum Center for Developing Economies. The Blum Center, modeled after the successful UC Berkeley Blum Center, draws upon UC Davis’ unique strengths and history as a leader in research, theory and applied science in Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources, Energy, Public Health, Veterinary Medicine, and Entrepreneurship. See: Blum Center at UC Davis.

Goals

Finding solutions that have a lasting and tangible impact on people living in poverty, through:

• Education - merging theory, critical thinking and practice with hands–on experiential learning.
• Application - encouraging applied research through field work geared at understanding the causes of poverty, its impact and effect while exploring opportunities for change.
• Engagement - partnering with communities, building local capacity and implementing co-generated solutions that are sustainable.

Programs

• Provide high-quality undergraduate and graduate classes that engage UC Davis students and faculty on development issues.
• Convene hands-on labs where students learn about and build alternative energy technologies, complete market research and analyze projects through the "four lenses of sustainability".
• Bring inspirational leaders and practitioners to campus to share their stories and experiences working on developing issues abroad.
• Support innovative technological, financial, business/marketing and social solutions for alleviating poverty through two applied research grants for faculty and graduate students.
• Encourage greater engagement of undergraduate students who receive travel grants to work on practical applications in the field.

Interested in applying to a Blum Center grant or want to get more involved? Click here!

The Edmondson Summer Internship Program

The Hugh Edmondson Summer Research Internship Program provides a unique research opportunity for motivated undergraduate college students who have demonstrated a strong interest in research in the health sciences. The internship program offers research opportunities under the supervision and mentorship of pathology faculty in various pathology laboratories located at the UC Davis campus or at the medical center/health sciences campus in Sacramento.  In addition to research activities, the program offers weekly lectures and problem-based-learning exercises that promote investigative and critical thinking.

EVE Scholars Program

The EVE Scholars Program connects undergraduate students with summer research opportunities in evolution and ecology on the UC Davis campus and the Bodega Marine Lab. Applications open in winter quarter each year.

Click here to learn more about the EVE Scholars Program 

McNair Scholars Program

The McNair Scholars Program is a federal TRIO program funded across the United States and Puerto Rico by the U.S. Department of Education. It is designed to prepare undergraduate students for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities. McNair participants are first-generation college students with financial need who have shown strong academic potential. The McNair Scholars Program is focused on research and is therefore not designed for students who intend to pursue professional degrees such as medicine, law, or business management.

The McNair Scholars Program provides year round services to prepare participants for acceptance into quality graduate programs of their choice.

• Workshops and seminars provide information on such topics as selecting a graduate school, the graduate school application process, graduate financial aid, library research skills, technical writing, strengthening academic skills, Graduate Record Examination preparation and more.
• Faculty research mentors help students formulate their research interests and develop their research skills.
• We provide individualized assistance to help students with their undergraduate academic needs (planning, counseling, tutoring, GRE preparation, and application process.) and to help identify graduate schools and special programs of interest. Also, we assist in admission to graduate programs of choice.
• Networking and making new friends with the same interests. Plus access to information and opportunities that one normally wouldn't hear about.
• A summer research internship for 18 students is provided during each summer. Benefits include working with a faculty mentor, a stipend (up to $2,800 summer research stipend) and up to 3 units of independent study credit.
• Please add this to the website. 

Program Services

• We are happy to offer the following services to UC Davis McNair Scholars:
• Academic advising
• Publication opportunities
• Funding for travel to research conferences
• Pre-graduate school advising
• Research presentation assistance
• Professional development training
• Study area
• Class schedule planning
• Budgeting for grad school assistance
• Basic career counseling
• Mentoring by graduate students and staff
• Assistance in selecting a faculty research mentor
• Technical writing assistance
• Graduate Record Exam (GRE) preparation

Click Here to learn more about the McNair Scholars

UC Leadership Excellence through Advanced Degrees (UC LEADS)

UC LEADS (Leadership Excellence Through Advanced DegreeS) is a two-year program designed to identify educationally or economically disadvantaged undergraduates in science, mathematics or engineering who show promise of succeeding in doctoral degree programs.

The program provides students with educational experiences that prepare them to assume positions of leadership in industry, government, public service, and academia. Additional benefits include: research experience, research stipends, GRE preparation, seminars and advising, and travel to professional meetings.

Click Here to learn more about UC LEADS

For information on adding programs sponsoring undergraduate research to our listing or to discuss possible partnering opportunities, please contact us at [email protected].