Research Discovery Program
The Research Discovery Program (RDP) prepares undergraduates academically, professionally, and personally to conduct research at some point during their academic studies at UCI. Undergraduate participants (Mentees) attend workshops and group and individual meetings and complete assignments during the winter and spring quarters. Mentees are matched with graduate students (Mentors) to support and guide them through the process.
We are seeking approximately 100 undergraduate students and 25 graduate students from any majors to join us as RDP Mentees and Mentors.
Mentee Information
What You Will Gain:
- Mentorship: Mentees receive guidance from a graduate student mentor.
- Community: Build community at UCI by connecting with fellow undergraduate researchers, graduate students, and faculty.
- Professional development: Attend workshops on career readiness, research skills, and student researcher and faculty panels.
- Funding: Mentees receive $200 upon completion of the program at the end of spring quarter.
Application Deadline: November 13, 2022, at 11:59 pm
Hear from previous participants about their experience in the program:
Details and Requirements
Who Should Apply?
- First-year UCI undergraduates (freshmen or transfers) from any major with no college-level research experience.
- Students who are committed to diversity and have overcome significant challenges are strongly encouraged to apply!
Program Requirements:
- Commit two hours per week during the winter and spring quarters (excluding spring break and finals week).
- Attend eight workshops, four each in winter and spring quarters.
- Meet with your Mentor in both group and individual settings.
- Complete reflection assignments in Canvas.
- Volunteer and attend all or part of the Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium in mid-May 2023.
- Complete program evaluation(s).
- Attend the closing certificate ceremony at the conclusion of the program.
- Goal: Submit at least one UROP or SURP (summer) proposal during your undergraduate studies at UCI.
Evaluation:
- The Mentors will not grade assignments; however, Mentees are expected to complete all program requirements within specified deadline to successfully complete the program.
- Upon successful completion of the program, Mentees will receive a Certificate of Completion and $200 at the end of spring quarter.
Application Instructions:
- Complete the online application by Sunday, November 13, 2022, at 11:59 pm.
Mentor Information
What You Will Gain:
- Mentoring experience: Develop your skills while giving back by mentoring undergraduate students and helping to create a community of researchers.
- Professional development training: Facilitate meetings focused on leadership and research skills.
- Funding: Mentors receive $1,500, divided into two equal payments at the end of winter and spring quarters.
Application Deadline: November 13, 2022, at 11:59 pm
Details and Requirements
Who Should Apply?
- Graduate students who have not served as Research Discovery Program Mentors.
- Graduate students from any major who have completed the Mentoring Excellence Certificate Program (MEP) within the last two years.
- Graduate students who are committed to diversity and have overcome significant challenges are strongly encouraged to apply!
Program Requirements:
- Commit two hours per week during winter and spring quarters (excluding spring break and finals week).
- Host group discussions with four mentees after each of the eight workshops, four each in winter and spring quarters.
- Meet with each Mentee individually at least twice per quarter.
- Meet as a group with the other Mentors and UROP staff at least twice per quarter.
- Volunteer and attend all or part of the Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium in mid-May 2023.
- Complete program evaluation(s).
- Attend the closing certificate ceremony at the conclusion of the program (if your schedule allows).
Application Instructions:
Complete the online application and upload your CV by Sunday, November 13, 2022, at 11:59 pm.
Donor Information
Help us increase the diversity of students participating in undergraduate research at UCI! Hear from previous participants about their experience in the program.
See more student testimonials below.
Contact Information
Read more about the program on this webpage and contact us with questions:
Program Information:
Sharon Parks, UROP Director
sparks@uci.edu
(949) 824-5456
Make a Gift:
Matthew Princetta, Director of Development
UCI Office of the Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning
mprincet@uci.edu
(619) 318-1544
Student Testimonials
Participating in this program inspired me to talk to one of the Information & Computer Science professors, and we decided to discuss doing research together. Through this program, I met the UROP staff and was able to volunteer at the Undergraduate Research Symposium!
After hearing how many resources there were for research with no idea where to start, I joined the Research Discovery Program to learn more about what it truly means to get involved in research and build a strong network of supporters in my research journey!
My mentor was very supportive and seemed to understand what I was going through. She was the first person in her family to pursue a career in STEM, was of Hispanic background, and was part of the LGBT+ community, which I think helped me a lot.