Welcome to the Office of Undergraduate Research & Fellowships (URAF)! Our staff team is committed to advancing undergraduate student participation in purposeful research and fellowship community experiences.
Our Programs
We support two funded undergraduate research programs and comprehensive advising for national and international fellowships applicants. Our staff promote undergraduate research participation and fellowship experiences to all undergraduate majors, with services available from the first year to graduation.
Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Experience (UCARE)
UCARE is a paid opportunity to work alongside a world-class UNL faculty mentor and conduct cutting-edge research that will shape the future of Nebraska and beyond. UCARE student applicants write a proposal to conduct a research or creative project in any major or field under the guidance of a faculty mentor. The Office of Undergraduate Research & Fellowships supports student researchers with professional development workshops, two annual research symposium events, and access to travel or supplies funding. UCARE is funded in part by gifts from the Pepsi Quasi-Endowment and Union Bank and Trust.
Current UCARE Scholars: Summer 2024 UCARE projects end on August 8, 2024. Academic year UCARE awardees will conduct research or creative projects in Fall & Spring semesters, from August 30, 2024 to May 1, 2025.
Prospective UCARE applicants: UCARE applications are currently closed. The next annual UCARE application will launch in mid-November 2024. Proposals for projects in summer 2025 or academic year 2025-26 will be due in mid-February 2025.
First Year Research Experience (FYRE) Program
FYRE allows eligible full-time, degree-seeking, first-year students to use federal work-study (a type of need-based financial aid) for employment on a research or creative project. Students are employed by the Office of Undergraduate Research & Fellowships or the TRIO/Student Support Services program and are matched with an undergraduate research assistant position on campus.
Current FYRE applicants: The 2023-24 FYRE application was due July 29, 2024. First-year students who submitted an application will receive updates and/or notifications of a match by August 21, 2024. FYRE undergraduate research activities will begin on September 3, 2024.
Nebraska Summer Research Symposium
The Summer Research Symposium is an opportunity for undergraduate scholars to present their research to peers and campus community members. Held at the conclusion of UCARE’s summer term as well as the Office of Graduate Studies’ Nebraska Summer Research Program, students gather over one day to present work across transformative research topics, including health equity, quantum materials, digital legal research, and more!
Presenters and Guests: The 2024 symposium will be held August 6 from 1:00 – 3:00 pm in the Nebraska Union and is open to the public.
National & International Fellowships
A fellowship is a supportive community of scholar-leaders with similar values and interests, sponsored by a university or off-campus organization (such as a government agency or nonprofit foundation) in order to provide fellows with the necessary resources for educational and professional success.
Our office promotes approximately 30 supported fellowships opportunities to students. Popular fellowships include the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship, Fulbright U.S. Student Program, and National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship.
We encourage students to develop competitive fellowship application materials and reflect on career-relevant skills through personalized advising.
Current fellowship applicants: Please consult our Canvas modules for detailed advice and internal timelines and/or Schedule a Fellowship Appointment.
Prospective fellowship applicants: Please check out our calendar of upcoming information sessions and events and/or Schedule a Fellowship Appointment.
