Congratulations to our New UROP Fellows!

UROP is pleased to announce that 340 undergraduate student researchers received recognition and/or funding through our spring and summer Calls for Proposals.  

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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 Workshop or watch the workshop recordings to learn about your options.  Then use these tools to help you choose:

2. Review the UROP Opportunities webpage

3. Stop by Drop-In Hours or come to the office if you have specific questions.

Meet with an Advisor

Completed the steps above and still need help? 

Schedule an appointment with one of our UROP Advisors today!

Ready to get started?

Student Spotlight

Fill out a survey to be considered for a future UROP Student Spotlight

Julie Loritsch

For Neurobiology major, Julie Loritsch, being involved with research has broadened her interest in her academic classes. Through her experience, she has learned so much about the brain and Alzheimer’s Disease, and yet is still acutely aware of how much more there is to learn and discover. Julie has demonstrated her passion for undergraduate research by serving as a 2022–2023 UROP Ambassador.

What advice would you give to a student interested in pursuing a faculty-mentored undergraduate research project or creative activity?

“Find a project that you’re passionate about! Pursuing an undergraduate research project is a big task, so make sure that you are willing to dedicate your time and skills to this endeavor.”

Faculty Spotlight

Fill out a survey to be considered for a future UROP Faculty Spotlight

Professor DeWayne Williams

As an undergraduate researcher, DeWayne Williams, professor of Psychological Science, gained great insight into the importance of diversity in science: “we can make great progress due to young and innovative minds, working together to solve a common or similar problems.” As a result, Professor Williams is highly enthusiastic about mentoring undergraduate researchers..

What do you look for and what are your expectations of undergraduates you select to conduct research under your guidance?

“It is important that they are motivated, determined, curious, and honest. My expectation is that undergraduates gain the necessary experience in my lab to be the best possible candidate for their preferred graduate or medical programs.”

What recommendations and advice would you give students embarking on undergraduate research or creative projects?

“Be courageous in your exploration of research, and feasible in the search for your own independent work.”