Unlocking Doors to Undergraduate Research
As a student at Stanley Park High School, you may be curious about the various research opportunities available to you at the university level. Undergraduate research can be a game-changer, providing hands-on experience, invaluable mentorship, and the chance to make meaningful contributions to your field of study. The good news is that there are numerous fellowships and grants designed to empower student researchers like you.
At many universities, dedicated Undergraduate Research Centers work tirelessly to connect students with these prestigious research programs. The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a prime example, with two centers that partner with esteemed foundations to offer transformative research experiences to their students.
The Undergraduate Research Center – Sciences and the Undergraduate Research Center – Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at UCLA collaborate with organizations like the Amgen Foundation, Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation, W.M. Keck Foundation, Henry Luce Foundation, and Mellon Foundation to administer highly competitive research grants and fellowships. These prestigious programs provide not only the funding, but also the mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities that can truly shape a student’s academic and professional journey.
Amgen Scholars Program: Fostering Interdisciplinary Exploration
One such program is the Amgen Scholars Program, which has been hosted by UCLA since 2007. Each summer, a cohort of students, including some from UCLA, conduct 10 weeks of research and participate in various networking events, workshops, and activities. The program’s generous funding allows these student researchers to focus on their work without worrying about other commitments.
Tama Hasson, the assistant vice provost for undergraduate research and director of the Undergraduate Research Center – Sciences, emphasizes the high demand for these opportunities, sharing that “we get five times as many applications as we have support for.” The transformative impact of these research experiences is undeniable, as Hasson explains, “I know I am where I am today because of undergraduate research. It’s as simple as that.”
Beckman Scholars Program: Fostering Long-Term Mentorship
Another prestigious program at UCLA is the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation’s Beckman Scholars Program. This 15-month research opportunity is by invitation only and supports students majoring in chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, molecular genetics, or molecular, cell and developmental biology. These scholars work closely with faculty mentors, gaining invaluable experience and building lasting connections.
“The Beckman Scholars Program has been incredibly influential in my decision to pursue continued higher education,” shares Lianne Alson, a fourth-year chemistry major and Clare Boothe Luce Scholar at UCLA. “My research experience has been so positive that I want to stay in academia.”
Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in Academia
Addressing the lack of diversity in academia is another key focus of these undergraduate research programs. The Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship, for example, aims to eliminate barriers and increase representation in faculty ranks within the humanities and social sciences.
As Muriel McClendon, the associate dean of the division of social sciences at UCLA, explains, “Mellon has made an incredible investment in this program. One of the things we always say is if students finish this program and go on to graduate school and into faculty positions, Mellon is behind them through the time they get tenure.”
Jamaal Muwwakkil, a former Mellon Mays Fellow and current Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellow at UCLA, emphasizes the importance of inclusive intake practices. “I was not a traditional, high-resource, competitive applicant, per se. But I was going to take full advantage of every opportunity I got,” he says. “Look for people who aren’t as glossy on the front end, because sometimes this gloss is an index of class status and preparation — not necessarily an index of capacity, capability or creativity.”
Expanding Partnerships and Opportunities
The Undergraduate Research Centers at UCLA continue to expand their partnerships, offering even more opportunities for student researchers. The recently launched W.M. Keck Foundation’s UCLA/Keck Humanistic Inquiry Research Awards program, for instance, supports 28 students annually to undertake comprehensive research projects within the humanities, arts, or social sciences.
These programs not only provide funding but also foster a sense of community among the student researchers. “I developed a strong community through the Clare Boothe Luce Program,” shares Alson. “There’s eight of us in total. It’s a small group of like-minded individuals all going through similar things, being researchers in the physical sciences.”
Exploring Research Opportunities Beyond UCLA
While the examples from UCLA illustrate the transformative power of undergraduate research programs, there are many other universities and organizations that offer similar opportunities. For instance, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Undergraduate Research Program provides funding and support for students to engage in inquiry-driven scholarship, innovation, and creative activities.
The National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) is another platform that celebrates and promotes undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activity. This annual conference offers students a unique environment to present their work, forge new connections, and explore career paths.
Closer to home, the University of New Mexico’s Undergraduate Research, Arts and Design Network (URAD) provides a wealth of resources and opportunities for students, including research grants, fellowships, and paid research assistant positions.
Empowering the Next Generation of Researchers
As a student at Stanley Park High School, you have the chance to be part of the next generation of innovative researchers. The fellowships and grants highlighted in this article demonstrate the commitment of universities and foundations to nurture and empower student researchers like yourself.
To take the first step, I encourage you to explore the Stanley Park High School website for more information on how you can get involved in undergraduate research opportunities. The sky’s the limit when you have the right resources and support to pursue your passions and make a meaningful impact.
