Mentorship for Undergraduate Research Participants in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Funded by UC Davis Undergraduate Education and the College of Letters and Sciences, the Mentorship for Undergraduate Research Participants in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences, or MURPPS, is designed to increase the number of first-generation students and those with financial need who pursue graduate studies in the mathematical and physical sciences. The program offers students the chance to work with professors on research projects related to their fields of study.
The mentorship program aims to recruit and retain students in mathematical and physical sciences, facilitate their academic success and encourage their transition to graduate study. Faculty-mentored research experiences play a large role in the program and scholars actively participate in research for 30 or more hours a week during the summer and 10 hours a week throughout the academic year.
MURPPS at UC Davis offers two pathways for students as either Emerging Scholars or Research Scholars. The application below applies to both programs.
MURPPS Research Scholars
Students accepted as Research Scholars receive stipends to conduct research with a faculty mentor. Stipend amounts range
from $500 to $3,500 for the summer (determined based on options for summer programming) and up to $1,000 per quarter during the academic year. Research activities take place during the academic year or the summer.
Research Scholars with an active research position must conduct research, attend weekly professional development workshops, and meet regularly with the MURPPS Administrative Director for advising.
MURPPS Emerging Scholars
Students accepted as Emerging Scholars do not receive research stipends but participate in MURPPS program activities such as workshops, seminars, and field trips.
Program benefits
Faculty research mentors help students formulate their research interests and develop their research skills. Faculty also write letters of recommendation for students applying to graduate school.
- Students gain extensive, year-round research experience, including help choosing a faculty research mentor.
- Students receive information on topics such as scientific communication, creating a scientific poster, and enhancing educational and communication skills through academic and professional development workshops and seminars.
- MURPPS provides students with individual academic and holistic advising and coaching several times throughout the quarter.
- Students gain leadership, communication, and presentation skills.
- Students build their identities and research profiles in mathematics and the physical sciences.
- Community-building experiences are offered to students with similar academic, personal, and professional interests.
- The summer research program offers students the opportunity to work closely with a faculty mentor during the summer.
- Scholars may receive quarterly and summer research stipends (MURPPS Research Scholars only).
- Students participate in the Undergraduate Research Conference and other conferences and symposia.
- Participants are invited to attend graduate school field trips.
Program eligibility
To qualify for the MURPPS program, students must meet the following criteria:
- First-generation college students (neither parent nor legal guardian earned a bachelor’s degree)
- Past participant in a “pre-college” outreach program (e.g., Upward Bound, EAOP, STEP)
- Declare a mathematics or physical science major
- Test into Math 12 or higher
- Be a full-time, second-year or above UC Davis student in good academic standing (current UC Davis transfer students encouraged to apply)
- Have and maintain a 2.70 UC cumulative GPA
- Interested in research (previous research experience not required to apply)
Priority consideration provided to:
- Students with demonstrated financial need
- Students who intend to pursue a master's or Ph.D. degree
- Transfer students from a community college
This program is not open to students who intend to pursue professional degrees such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, management, or law.
Expectations
The MURPPS program sets high expectations for scholars. We offer extensive academic and research support throughout the year so students can maximize their potential and successfully reach their educational goals.
Scholars are expected to:
- Actively participate in all workshops, seminars, and assignments; utilize individual support services as appropriate; and maintain at least a 2.7 UC cumulative GPA or better and a full-time course load during the academic year.
- Spend a minimum of 10-12 hours a week in a research lab each quarter during the academic year and 30-35 hours a week during summer (if applicable).
- Present at the UC Davis Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities Conference, and the Research Scholars Symposium (summer scholars).
- Conduct themselves in a manner that fosters collegiality, honesty, safety, and respect for self and others in accordance with the university’s Code of Academic Conduct and aspire to the goals outlined in the Principles of Community. Through active participation, students are expected to adhere to MURPPS guidelines and be seen by faculty and their peers as models of excellence and personal integrity.
Information Sessions
Join us to learn more about the programs:
- Tuesday, September 30, 2025 | 1:10-2:00 p.m. | Meeting Room E, SCC
- Wednesday, October 1, 2025 | 5:10-6:00 p.m. | Meeting ID: 987 1321 3205
Zoom Link: https://ucdavis.zoom.us/j/98713213205
2025-26 application information and deadlines
Applications for the academic year are due semiannually, in February and October.
The application is due by 11:59 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6. Application materials include:
- MURPPS online application
- Personal statement
- College transcripts required for new, entering fall transfers only
- Letter of recommendation, required for Research Scholar applicants only, due Oct. 10.
For more information about MURPPS, email Faculty Director Annaliese Franz, Administrative Director Lolita Adkins, the Undergraduate Research Center, or visit the Undergraduate Research Center, Room 2300 in the Student Community Center.