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RESEARCH & OPPORTUNITY

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  • RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY! INFORMATION SESSION Mayo Clinic Summer 2025

    Illinois undergraduates interested in a summer of biomedical research at the Mayo Clinic are invited to an information sesswion on October 10, at 6 pm, via Zoom. Up to seven of Mayo Clinic's prestigious Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) are reserved for Illinois sophomores and juniors who are seriously considering a biomedical research career as a PhD or MD/PhD.

    The Illinois preselection period opens Monday, October 7. For more information, including the Zoom link, please see full description.

  • RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY: REU Opportunity with AVIATE on NASA Drones

    The Center for Autonomous Vehicles In Air Transportation Engineering (AVIATE) REU offers the opportunity to work on a NASA grant project to create flying quadcopters for personal transportation.

    This is a paid research experience for Fall 2024, Spring 2025. You must be a US citizen or permanent resident, 18+, and currently enrolled student to participate.

    Deadline to apply: Friday, September 27, 2024.

    For more information and to apply, see full description.

  • RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY: Applied Research Institute - Visual Perception

    The University of Illinois’ Applied Research Institute is pleased to announce a Fall Job Opportunity for the DHS-funded project “Managing ATON Configurations for Optimization of Reliability and Resiliency” (MACORR). 

    This job is part-time (2-5 hours per week) remote position. This is a paid research experience for Fall 2024.

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

  • RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY: NEW NEUROSURGICAL DEVICE DEVELOPMENT

    Saif Lab is seeking a higly motivated and innovative undergraduate student to join their research team in the develpment of a new neurosurgical device. The project involves designing, prototyping, and testing a novel device that, upon success, will be utilized in surgical procedures. This experience is for course credit; compensation may be considered as the project progresses.

    Key qualifications:

    • Affiliation with Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, Bioengineering
    • Interest in mechanics of materials and mechanical design
    • CAD skills
    • Junior or senior academic standing
    • Creativity and problem-solving ability
    • Experience or coursework in electronics is desirable

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


  • RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY: DASLAB -- AGRICULTURAL AND BIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING

    The Distributed Autonomous Systems Lab (DASLAB) is looking for an undergraduate research assistant. This is a 10 hour/week paid position open to Computer Science majors currently in their junior or senior year for Fall 2024. The research project is relevant to computer vision with application in agricultural robotics. For more details about the position and how to apply, please see full description.

  • OUR is Hiring! Now Accepting Applications for Illinois Undergraduate Research Ambassadors!

    OUR is seeking highly motivated and personable undergraduate students from all majors who are eager to guide and support their peers through the Illinois undergraduate research experience. If you have previous experience in research or creative inquiry, whether through coursework, assisting faculty, research staff, or graduate students, or conducting a project of your own, we invite you to apply to become an Illinois Undergraduate Research Ambassador. In this role, you will have the opportunity to help other students navigate their own research journeys.

    Deadline to apply is Monday, March 18, 2024 at 11:59pm.

  • RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY: 2024 Community-Academic Scholars Program

    The Community-Academic Scholars program is a 10-week summer research experience that empowers undergraduates in all majors to address critical issues in Champaign-Urbana. Scholars work with an Illinois researcher and a community organization on a research project designed to directly benefit the community members served by the partner organization. Review the project descriptions and the scholar's role within each project to find projects that best match your strengths and background. Apply by Feb. 6.  This is a Summer 2024 research opportunity.

    For more information and to apply, please see full blog post.

  • Apply for the Aspiring Researchers Alliance

    The Office of Undergraduate Research is now accepting applications for the Aspiring Researchers Alliance, a program to guide and support students through the process of securing an undergraduate research experience. Deadline to apply is Monday, February 5 at 11:59 PM.


  • informational flyer

    Foundations of Academic Research and Creative Activity Course - Spring 2024

    We are excited to showcase a new Spring 2024 course available for Illinois students. The "Foundations of Academic Research and Creative Activity" course is thoughtfully designed for undergraduate students, graduate students, and post-docs across all academic disciplines, including the arts, humanities, social sciences, STEM, and more.

  • Maleiha Carino Foundation Scholarship for Cancer Research Advancement

    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.

  • Research Opportunity - Mechanobiology of metastatic crosstalk in cancer

    Position for an undergraduate researcher available in the Taher Saif lab at MechSE. The project's primary goal is to investigate how mechanical properties of the tumor microenvironment influences metastatic progression. We shall explore the crosstalk between cancer cells and other cells (e.g. cancer associated fibroblasts) in the tumor. 

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

  • Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program Apps are Due this Friday, October 6!

    The application for URAP @ UI, our Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program, is now open. Deadline for applications is October 6, 2023 at 11:59 pm.

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

    The application for URAP @ UI, our Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program, is now open. Deadline for applications is October 6, 2023 at 11:59 pm.

  • Apply for the Aspiring Researchers Alliance

    The Office of Undergraduate Research is now accepting applications for the Aspiring Researchers Alliance, a pilot program to guide and support students through the process of securing an undergraduate research experience. Deadline to apply is Wednesday, September 13 at 11:59 PM.


  • 2023 Summer Programs at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA)

    The National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) is seeking undergraduate applicants for two summer 2023 student programs. Please share with your students. See full post for more information.

  • OUR is Hiring Undergraduate Research Ambassadors!

    OUR is seeking highly motivated and personable undergraduate students who are eager to guide and support their peers through the Illinois undergraduate research experience. If you have previous experience in research, whether through coursework, assisting faculty, research staff, or graduate students, or conducting a project of your own, we invite you to apply to become an Illinois Undergraduate Research Ambassador. In this role, you will have the opportunity to help other students navigate their own research journeys.

    Deadline to apply is Monday, February 6, 2023 at 11:59pm.

  • RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY: Genomics/Physiology of Nitrogen Metabolism and Photosynthesis

    The Brooks lab is looking for an undergraduate research assistant who is interested in gaining experience in plant 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.

  • 2023 Mayo Clinic SURF | Illinois pre-selection closes Nov. 7

    If you are interested in pursuing a career in the biomedical sciences as a PhD or MD-PhD, Mayo Clinic’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship is an excellent opportunity to work alongside scientists at one of the world’s leading biomedical research centers. Up to seven fellowships are reserved for sophomores and juniors nominated by a University of Illinois selection committee.

    Apply by Nov. 7 to be considered for this special pre-selection process.

    Get details and apply: https://go.illinois.edu/SURF

  • Undergraduate Research Support Grant Deadline is Friday, October 14

    The deadline for applications to the Fall 2022 Research Support Grant competition is Friday, October 14, 2022.

  • Applications to Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program Due Thursday!

    Applications for the Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program is due October 4, 2022 at 11:59 pm.

  • International Internship Opportunity in the Humanities

    Are you looking for an internship opportunity?

     

    Consider applying for the Electronic Textual Cultures Lab (ETCL; etcl.uvic.ca) which has been approved to host two twelve-week undergraduate Mitacs Globalink Internships for May–July 2023.

     

    Applications are due to Mitacs on September 22nd, 2022, via their website

     

    • Digital Scholarship Internship: Open Scholarship and Digital Humanities
    • Digital Scholarship Internship: Canadian Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) Commons and Digital Humanities Training

     

    For successful applicants, Mitacs provides round-trip airfare to Canada; stipends for housing, food, and incidentals; and health insurance, among other supports.

  • Undergraduate Research Support Grant and Conference Travel Grant - Applications being Accepted

    The Office of Undergraduate is now accepting student applications to the Research Support and Conference Travel Grants for the Fall 2022 semester. For more information including how to apply for funding, please view the full article.

  • RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY: NCSA SPIN Program Fall 2022

    The National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) has a history of nurturing innovative concepts, and some of the best ideas have come from highly motivated, creative undergraduate students. The Students Pushing INnovation (SPIN) internship program was launched to provide University of Illinois undergraduates with the opportunity to participate in hands-on research and contribute to interdisciplinary projects covering focused research areas in Culture and Society, Earth and Environment, Bioinformatics and Health Sciences, Material and Manufacturing, Data and Computational Sciences, Physics and Astronomy, and Digital Agriculture. 

    The deadline for applications is September 4, 2022.

  • OUR's Director Elected Division Councilor to Council on Undergraduate Research

    OUR's Director -- Dr. Karen Rodriguez'G -- has been elected as an Undergraduate Research Programs Division Councilor for the Council on Undergraduate Research. She will serve from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2025.

  • RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY - WRITING ACROSS ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE

    The Writing Across Engineering and Science (WAES) research group is looking for undergraduate research assistants (https://publish.illinois.edu/waes/). We support engineering and science faculty and graduate students as they learn, incorporate, and adapt practices from writing studies research in ways that enrich both their technical learning objectives and their students’ communication skills. We also research the effectiveness of this support.

    For more information, please see full blog post.

  • RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY: LLVM RESEARCH GROUP

    We are looking for skilled and motivated undergraduate students to work on several projects in the LLVM Research Group. We are a group in the Illinois CS Department led by Prof. Vikram Adve, and we focus on building compilers for heterogeneous parallel systems and novel hardware. We are currently looking for multiple students to work on a variety of projects. All these projects are open projects, and we are looking for students who are interested in working with us long term. As such, we require a commitment of 15 hours per week for Fall and Spring terms, and 40 hours per week for Summer. The pay will be based on seniority level with an average of $17.00/hour.

    For full description, including how to apply, please see full posting.

  • Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship at Purdue

    Applications for the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) at Purdue University are still open!

    Deadline to apply is February 15, 2022 (less than two weeks away)!

    This is a paid research opportunity (summer stipend). 

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

  • RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY: Undergraduate Research Assistant in Railroad Safety and Data Analysis

    The Rail Transportation and Engineering Center (RailTEC) Rail Safety and Risk Group is looking for undergraduate research assistants who excel in programming (Python, R, Matlab, VBA, SQL), ArcGIS, machine learning techniques, and statistics skills, to assist in various railroad safety, risk, and data analyses projects.

    This is a paid position. Opportunities for Spring, Summer, Fall 2022.

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

  • RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY: Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute

    The Community-Academic Scholars Initiative matches undergraduate students with an academic mentor and a community partner to collaborate over the summer on a project designed to directly benefit community members served by the partner organization.

    This is a paid research experience. For more informationabou the Initiative and how to apply, see full posting. 

    Deadline is February 10, 2022.

  • RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY: NRES - Environmental Justice Undergraduate Research Position

    [In]Secure Landscapes lab is hiring for Spring and Summer 2022!

    Join a multidisciplinary research project to study equity in the transition to renewable energy in Illinois. Focuses incude policy, infrastructure, mapping, and economics. Open to all majors.

    For more information, see full posting. Deadline to apply is January 30, 2022.

  • Undergraduate Research Fellowship - Mayo Clinic Summer 2022

    Interested in pursuing a career in the biomedical sciences as a PhD or MD-PhD? Mayo Clinic’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) is an excellent opportunity to work alongside scientists at one of the world’s leading biomedical research centers. This is a Summer 2022 opportunity. 

    Application deadline is November 7, 2021. For further details, please see full blog post.

  • RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY: Establishing Foundations of Meta-Learning

    Establishing Foundations of Meta-Learning

    An essential capability of human intelligence is being able to learn “how to learn” (meta-learn) and thus being effective at transferring to novel tasks (with few data examples) by leveraging prior experience. Meta-learning is a new rich field to solve this domain, however, in light of recent evidence it is unclear when and where meta-learning methods should work. The task for this project will be to explore this and eventually use this knowledge to improve the progress in the field of meta-learning

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

  • RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY: Study on Gender, Culture, and Fieldwork in India

    Dr. Goodnight is looking for an undergraduate research assistant to help complete a qualitative study exploring the role of gender in conducting fieldwork in India. Specifically, this research examines Indian women’s experiences in collecting data on the quality of primary education in rural villages.

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

  • RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY: Synthetic Biology and Photosynthesis Engineering

    Undergraduate Research -- Synthetic Biology and Photosynthesis Engineering - Algae and Crops

    Would you like to practice your molecular biology skills while discovering new ways to engineer photosynthesis? The Leonelli Lab is looking for creative and committed undergraduate students to join our team of researchers.

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

  • RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY: Plant Genomics/Physiology

    Part-Time Undergraduate Research Assistant Position in Plant Genomics/Physiology

    The Brooks Lab is looking for an undergraduate research assistant who is interested in gaining experience in plant 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.

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

  • RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY: MechSE

    We are the Saif Lab in MEL 2210. Our project investigates the role of tumor stiffness and cell forces on metastatic progression in colorectal cancer. We perform traction force microscopy (TFM), RNAseq, PCR and other experiments to study the cross-talk between cancer and stromal cells. The student will perform cell culture, make polyacrylamide gels for TFM, prepare samples for RNAseq or PCR etc. We have recently developed a new sensor for measuring cell forces in 3D matrices. The student is likely to assist in that project as well. Students who are familiar with cell culture are preferred.

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

  • RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY: Gene Editing and Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders

    The Gaj Lab (https://gaj-lab.bioengineering.illinois.edu/) is looking for an undergraduate research assistant who will work on assessing the effects of gene editing technologies on spatial memory and reference learning in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s Disease. We are seeking a highly motivated undergraduate student to assist a PhD student and to be involved in harnessing the potential of one of gene technology’s sharpest tools: CRISPR systems. The only qualities the candidate requires are interest in our research and the motivation to learn multiple lab techniques. This research opportunity is open to any major and level of expertise.

    This is an ongoing opportunity, including Spring and Summer 2021. For more information, please read full post.

  • RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction in a mouse model of aging

    TIME SENSITIVE: The research opportunity involves behavioral and biochemical experiments in a project aimed at studying postoperative cognitive decline in aged mice and in a novel mouse model of hippocampal aging. The student would do molecular biological, biochemical and behavioral experiments to study cognition in genetically modified mice. Experience in a life sciences lab would be an advantage. Willingness to work with mice. Students with majors in biology, psychology or related subjects may apply. This opportunity is for two months full-time in the summer, e.g. July and August 2021. The hourly rate is $11.00 per hour. The PI plans to apply to a NIH program to provide this salary support. A biosketch of the student would have to be included in the application. Therefore, interested candidates are invited to contact the PI by e-mail (urudolph@illinois.edu) as soon as possible, at the latest by April 6, 2021.

    For more information, please see full post.

  • Four Days Left - Apply NOW to Present at 2021 Virtual Undergraduate Research Symposium!

    Make sure to apply soon for the opportunity to present at the 2021 Virtual Undergraduate Research Symposium (URS), set to be on display April 26 - April 30, 2021. The URS is the signature event of Undergraduate Research Week (April 25 - May 1), and brings together students, faculty, and staff from all disciplines on the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus to learn more about undergraduate research and its potential to change the world. During the week, we will host pre-recorded oral and poster presentations, including creative performances, through our online symposium platform. Students will have the opportunity to engage with the campus community to discuss their findings through a built-in forum.

    All undergraduate students currently involved with research are eligible to present. For more information on URS, including answers to frequently asked questions, please visit: http://undergradresearch.illinois.edu/symposium.html

    The deadline for applying to the Virtual URS is March 19, 2021, at 11:59 pm. No late submissions will be accepted.

  • RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY: Community-Academic Scholars Initiative Projects Announced

    The Community-Academic Scholars Initiative matches undergraduates with a faculty mentor and a community partner to address issues affecting our community. Students will be able to read through project descriptions to identify the projects on which they think they can have the greatest impact. This year’s program will include fourteen powerful projects from faculty across the University of Illinois that address a range of topics, including the impacts of COVID-19, poverty and social inequality, nutrition, physical activity, social-emotional learning, LGBTQ health, technology and aging, racial disparities, Veterans’ issues, and the role that forest preserves play in community and individual health. This is a Summer 2021 research opportunity.

    For more information and to apply, please see full blog post.

  • Spring 2021 - Undergraduate Research Support Grant and Conference Travel Grant - Applications being Accepted

    The Office of Undergraduate is now accepting student applications to the Research Support and Conference Travel Grants for the Spring 2021 semester. For more information including how to apply for funding, please view the full article.

  • RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY: Info Session for 2021 Community-Academic Scholars, 11/11/2020

    The Community-Academic Scholars Initiative is a 10-week summer program that empowers undergrads to pursue community-based research in Champaign County. Scholars will learn about and rank their preferred projects during the application process. Join us Wednesday, Nov. 11, 6 - 6:45 p.m. to learn more about the program and application process, hear examples of past projects, and find out how scholars are matched with projects. The info session will be recorded, so please be sure to register even if you can't make it. We will notify you when the recording is available. Learn more about the program and register: http://go.illinois.edu/communityscholars

    For more information, see full post.

  • RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY: Undergraduate Research Opportunity Analyzing Shedd Aquarium Water Samples

    The NRES Fish ecophysiology lab (http://fishlab.nres.illinois.edu) is partnering with researchers at the Shedd Aquarium to better understand if water samples can provide information on the health of fish. Water samples from the aquarium have been collected for further analysis. We are seeking a motivated ACES undergraduate to assist a master’s student and to be involved in this exciting research project. This opportunity can be conducted online or in-person in the Spring (in-person preferred). Ideal candidate will have an interest in pursuing graduate school. Experience in R and lab work is a plus, but not required

    For more information and to apply, see full post.

  • RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY: Undergraduate Research Assistant in Railroad Safety and Data Analysis

    The Rail Transportation and Engineering Center (RailTEC) Rail Safety and Risk Group is looking for 1-2 hourly and paid undergraduate research assistants who excels in programming (Python, R, Matlab, VBA, SQL), ArcGIS, and statistics to assist in various railroad safety, risk, and data analyses projects. This is a position that will continue as long as the student is studying at the university as the RailTEC has been continuously taking on projects and thus will always need help from talented students.

    For more information and to apply, see full post.

  • RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY: Illinois pre-selection for 2021 Mayo Clinic SURF | Apply by Nov. 8

    If you are interested in pursuing a career in the biomedical sciences as an PhD or MD-PhD, Mayo Clinic’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship is an excellent opportunity to work alongside scientists at one of the world’s leading biomedical research centers. Up to seven fellowships are reserved for sophomores and juniors nominated by a University of Illinois selection committee. Apply by Nov. 8 to be considered for this special pre-selection process.

  • Publishing Opportunity: Seeking manuscript submissions for "Service Learning and Community-Based Research in a Time of Disruption" special issue (UJSLCBR)

    The Undergraduate Journal of Service Learning and Community-Based Research is requesting submissions for a special issue of the journal entitled Service Learning and Community-Based Research in a Time of Disruption. How do students respond to disruption while participating in service learning or community-based research? This Special Issue of the Undergraduate Journal of Service Learning and Community-Based Research seeks to address students’ experiences with service learning and community-based research in a time of disruption. This Special Issue on disruption will focus on how disruptive events like the pandemic affect service learning and community-based research projects. Disruptive situations present new and unforeseeable challenges for students and can be associated with a variety of situations such as the current pandemic (COVID-19), civic engagement related to societal issues, natural disasters, and tragic events. The objective is to provide a bigger-picture view of disruption and consider strategies for addressing multiple intersecting concerns that inevitably exist within the context of any single situation (personal and societal). This is an opportunity for students to discuss and reflect on the challenges they faced, including failure to complete projects, as well as unique opportunities that may have presented themselves as the disruption unfolded during a service learning or community-based research experience—the disruption and response. For more information, please see full post.

  • Fall 2020 - Undergraduate Research Support Grant and Conference Travel Grant - Applications being Accepted

    The Office of Undergraduate is now accepting student applications to the Research Support and Conference Travel Grants for the Fall 2020 semester. For more information including how to apply for funding, please view the full article.

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

    The application for URAP @ UI, our undergraduate research apprenticeship program, is now open. Deadline for applications is October 9, 2020 at 11:59 pm.

  • Virtual 2020 Undergraduate Research Symposium

    The 2020 Undergraduate Research Symposium will take place April 27 through May 1 and will be hosted through Compass2g. Our annual symposium celebrates undergraduate excellence and innovation in research at the University of Illinois and provides a great opportunity for the campus community to learn from our student scholars. 

    While we have been quite challenged by the scale of moving such a large event into a virtual medium, we are also inspired by the dedication of the Illinois community in supporting our students at such a historical moment.  We hope this online space, at the very least, honors the essence and integrity of our in-person event.

    When: Student video presentations will be on display April 27 through May 1. We will be hosting a 1-hour Zoom presentation to kick off the 2020 Undergraduate Research Symposium from 12pm - 1pm on Monday, April 27. Link will be posted below once it is available.

    Where: The 2020 URS will be hosted through Compass2g. To access the symposium, please follow the instructions at: https://go.illinois.edu/Accessing2020URS to enroll in the symposium "course". This will allow you to see the student presentations and provide feedback to presenters.

    Thank you for your continued support of our office and its symposium.

  • RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY: Discovery and Engineering of Biomolecules by Synthetic Biology

    The Zhao lab in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering is currently seeking undergraduate students who are interested in synthetic biology. They are offering a research assistant position mainly for natural product discovery and biomolecular engineering and will offer 3 or 4 credit hours (hours negotiable) for this position. Sophomores and juniors with GPA 3.8 and above are welcomed for application. Please email hren6@illinois.edu with your CV attached if you are interested.