Illinois Office of
Undergraduate Research

blog posts

• RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY: Impact of Climate Change on Plant Carbon-Nitrogen Balance (Genomics/Physiology)

  Dec 11, 2025 1:30 pm

  The Brooks lab is looking for an undergraduate research assistant who is interested in gaining experience in physiology and genomics. Work in the lab is aimed at understanding how photosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism are coordinated and how these processes will respond to climate change. 
   
   Duties will include growing plants, helping carry out experiments, analyzing data, and assisting with general laboratory maintenance. Specific techniques that are used in the lab are RNA/DNA extractions, PCR, cloning, and measuring nitrogen and photosynthetic traits by various techniques. 

  This is a paid research experience, and is ongoing.
   
   For more information, including how to apply, please see full blog posting.

• Illinois Undergraduate Research Ambassadors - Call for Applications

  Dec 11, 2025 11:00 am

  Want to inspire and support the next generation of undergraduate researchers at Illinois? The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) is looking for motivated and personable undergraduate students in all majors who are excited to introduce and support peers through the Illinois research experience as an Illinois Undergraduate Research Ambassador (IURA). If you have participated in a research project, be it through coursework, assisting faculty, research staff, or graduate students, or conducting a mentored project of your own, we invite you to apply to become an Ambassador and help other students along their research journeys.  We are particularly interested in adding students in humanities, arts, business, and education to our team of Ambassadors.  

  This application is for Ambassador positions for AY 2026–27 (Fall 2026 and Spring 2027). Ambassadors are paid $15 per hour and are expected to work 30 hours per semester. Selected ambassadors are expected to be able to commit to working both semesters. During Spring 2026, new hires will undergo onboarding and orientation where they will receive all necessary training on being an Ambassador as well as be expected to work 4 hours at the Undergraduate Research Symposium on April 30, 2026 (times to be scheduled). 

  
  

  For more information, including how to apply, please see full description.

  
  

• Maleiha Carino Foundation Scholarship for Cancer Research Advancement

  Oct 24, 2025 10:45 am

  The Maleiha Carino Foundation Scholarship for Cancer Research Advancement recognizes outstanding contributions made by undergraduate researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the field of cancer research. This encompasses various aspects of cancer research, including basic, translational, clinical, and social/cultural dimensions.

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  Students & Families, You're Invited! 2025 Undergraduate Research Showcase

  Oct 20, 2025 9:30 am

  We invite students and their families and friends to attend the Undergraduate Research Showcase and a guided tour of the Beckman Biomedical Imaging Center. Scheduled over Dads Weekend, this event celebrates the incredible undergraduate research happening across campus. An invited and featured cohort of students will present their research projects spanning science, engineering, humanities, and the arts. It’s a great opportunity to support your peers, explore diverse research topics, and connect with OUR staff and student researchers. For families, it is also a chance to see the outstanding research enterprise and types of opportunities that are available at Illinois. Light refreshments will be served. 

  See the full post for information on how to register for these events.

• Accepting Applications to First-Gen Scholars Research Program

  Sep 15, 2025 1:00 pm

  The First-Gen Scholars Research Program (FGSRP), now entering its second year, offers first-generation college students who are federal work-study eligible the opportunity to engage in paid, hands-on research with a faculty mentor while building skills, confidence, and community. Participants work 10 hours per week, earn $17/hour through Federal Work-Study, and take part in cohort activities that support their academic and professional growth.

  Applications for the 2025–26 cohort are due Monday, November 3, 2025, at 5:00 PM.

  Learn more about the program, application requirements, and upcoming informational sessions on our website: go.illinois.edu/FGSRP.

• Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program (URAP @ UI) - Undergrad Applications

  Sep 8, 2025 7:00 am

  The application for URAP @ UI, our Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program, is now open. Deadline for applications is October 10, 2025 at 11:59 pm.

• Stay Connected with Undergraduate Research at Illinois

  Aug 22, 2025 9:00 am

  It is now easier than ever before to stay notified! Sign up for the Office of Undergraduate Research monthly email newsletter to receive occasional emails about research programs, events, opportunities, and helpful information for current and aspiring undergraduate researchers. Students are encouraged to sign up at: go.illinois.edu/subscribeOUR

• 2025 Undergraduate Research Symposium Award Winners!

  May 20, 2025 9:15 am

  Congratulations to our 2025 Undergraduate Research Symposium award winners! 

• RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY: Saif Lab -- Cancer Mechanobiology

  May 2, 2025 1:45 pm

  Join Cutting-Edge Cancer Mechanobiology Research! 
   
  The Saif Lab is seeking a motivated and curious Undergraduate Research Assistant to join our lab for Summer 2025! 
   
  Our research focuses on Cancer Mechanobiology, a field that explores how mechanical forces and stiffnesses influence cancer progression and the microenvironment. We are developing high-throughput systems capable of performing multiple biological assays to accelerate drug discovery and viability assays. 

  This is a Summer 2025 opportunity for course credit.

  For more information and how to apply, please see the full description.
   
   

• RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY: DIVISION OF NUTRITIONAL SCIENCES--Arabic Video & Survey Creation

  Apr 21, 2025 12:15 pm

  Arabic-speaking undergraduate students sought to join a research project focused on developing culturally tailored online content for a weight loss program. Students will help convert educational materials into short, engaging videos using PowerPoint or Canva, record audio in Arabic, and assist in building related surveys using REDCap (training provided). 
   
  This opportunity is available now through the summer, with the possibility of continuing into the fall. Students can earn 1 credit hour for their participation. The expected time commitment is around 1 hour per week. 
   
  For more information including how to apply, please see full description.