The Fall Calls for Proposals are Open!
UROP provides recognition and funding to UCI students from all disciplines in support of research or creative activities under the guidance of UCI faculty members. Students become UROP Fellows and present their projects at the annual UCI Undergraduate Research Symposium offered each May.
Application Deadlines: November 4 and 8, 2024. Learn more.
What is UROP?
The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), housed within the Office of the Vice Provost of Teaching and Learning, assists undergraduate students from ANY academic discipline to find research and creative on-campus opportunities with UCI faculty, or off-campus opportunities with industrial partners, national labs, and other universities. We also provide grants to support UCI faculty-mentored undergraduate research projects and creative activities during the academic year and summer.
Getting Started
New to UROP? It’s easy to get started by doing the following:
1. Attend a Get Involved in Research Information Session to learn about your options. Then use these tools to help you choose:
- How to Get Involved in Research Worksheet
- Faculty Profile System and Google Scholar
- Sample Faculty Email and Guide to Emailing Faculty Video
2. Review the UROP Recognition and Funding webpage
3. Stop by Drop-In Hours or come to the office if you have specific questions.
Meet with an Advisor
Schedule an appointment with one of our UROP Advisors today!
Ready to get started?
Student Researcher of the Month
Fill out a survey to be considered for a future UROP student spotlight
Ruby Lapeyre
Ruby Lapeyre, a Music Theatre major, has found that research has given her the opportunity to put into practice parts of theatre she had learned about in her classes. “I want to be a jack-of-all-trades in theatre and with my hands-on research I get to try my hand at everything. I’ve now directed, performed, prop designed, set designed, all because of my research.” Ruby has demonstrated her passion for undergraduate research by serving as a 2023–2024 UROP Ambassador.
What advice would you give to a student interested in pursuing a faculty-mentored undergraduate research project or creative activity?
“If you have something that interests you, a passion or a question, just dive into it and apply!”
Faculty Mentor of the Month
Fill out a survey to be considered for a future UROP faculty spotlight
Professor Cynthia Bassham
Drama professor Cynthia Bassham has always been interested in mentoring students with research and creative projects, saying that “it’s important to learn skills in a classroom setting, but then they need a practical application. This is where the work is integrated.”
What do you look for and what are your expectations of undergraduates you select to conduct research under your guidance?
“Students need to be proactive, self-motivated, and passionate.”
What recommendations and advice would you give students embarking on undergraduate research or creative projects?
“Start small and dream big. And stay determined.”