Undergraduate Research

The Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Experience (UCARE) program at UNL is a paid opportunity to work one-on-one with a faculty research mentor in fields ranging from arts, education, engineering, and humanities to traditional sciences like chemistry, biology, and physics. Through UCARE, you’ll work alongside world-class UNL faculty members conducting cutting-edge research that will shape the future of Nebraska and beyond. Learn More

The First Year Research Experience (FYRE) matches eligible incoming freshman with faculty mentors to learn about research and creative activity in the mentor’s field and to participate in a manageable research or creative project(s) that will keep the students engaged for the academic year. FYRE participants commit to 5-10 hours per week of participation and will attend a monthly seminar by the Office of Undergraduate Research to prepare students for a successful first year at Nebraska. Optional monthly activities will also be led by current Nebraska graduate students and may include lab tours, field trips, industry visits, and more. Learn More

The Undergraduate Student Research Program gives outstanding University undergraduate students the opportunity to conduct research under the direction of an ARD faculty mentor. It is open to junior and senior undergraduates proposing to work with a faculty member who has an ARD appointment. ARD provides up to $2,500 per successful student applicants, with a required 100% match by the participating units and/or ARD faculty mentor. Awardees are selected by ARD based on the quality of the submitted proposal and funding can only be received once per student. Learn More

The INBRE Scholar Program is an NIH-funded summer research program at UNL, UNMC, or Creighton University. UNL sophomores interested in a research career in biomedical sciences are invited to apply. Benefits include two full years (including summer) of scholarship funding, a research experience in Omaha or Lincoln in the first summer with the opportunity to continue projects through graduation, and support for graduate education in Nebraska. Learn More

UNL’s McNair Scholars Program prepares selected undergraduates for graduate study by providing opportunities to define goals, engage in research under the guidance of a UNL faculty mentor, and develop the skills and student/mentor relationships critical to success at the doctoral level. Eight to twelve new McNair Scholars are selected each year to participate in both academic and summer activities. Learn More

The Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) is a gateway to graduate education at Big Ten Academic Alliance universities. The goal of the program is to increase the number of underrepresented students who pursue graduate study and research careers. SROP helps prepare undergraduates for graduate study through intensive research experiences with faculty mentors and enrichment activities. Learn More

The Nebraska Summer Research Program (NE SRP) is a consortium of NSF funded Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) and other summer research opportunities programs (SROP). One unique feature of the Nebraska Summer Research Program is the partnership between the REU and SROP programs and the Office of Graduate Studies. Students benefit in having a community of scholars in which to learn and to share research with. This intensive summer research experience provides mentoring and research experiences while allowing scholars to preview graduate school life. Students with a strong interest in graduate programs are particularly encouraged to apply, as are those from populations traditionally underrepresented in graduate education. Learn More

NSF funds a large number of research opportunities for undergraduate students through its REU Sites program. An REU Site consists of a group of ten or so undergraduates who work in the research programs of the host institution. Each student is associated with a specific research project, where he/she works closely with the faculty and other researchers. Students are granted stipends and, in many cases, assistance with housing and travel. Undergraduate students supported with NSF funds must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions. An REU Site may be at either a US or foreign location. Learn More