Undergraduate Resources

In addition to the Institute’s research award programs, undergraduate students can pursue research opportunities through other offices at UConn. Many of these programs provide students with funding for their work, a faculty mentor, and experience presenting their research on campus and at professional conferences.

Below are selected examples. Find more UConn undergraduate research funding opportunities on the Office of Undergraduate Research's website.

Funding Opportunities

These funding programs are administered by the Office of Undergraduate Research. 

Health Research Program

The Health Research Program offers a pathway into undergraduate research for students with interests in health and the biomedical sciences. This program connects students with UConn Health researchers and offers the opportunity to engage in a research project at the Farmington campus.

Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) Conference Presentation Awards

OUR Conference Presentation Awards provide undergraduate researchers with up to $500 for expenses associated with presenting their research or creative projects at professional conferences. Recipients may use the award to pay for conference registration and travel expenses, where permitted by University policy. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and awards are made until funds are exhausted. (In other words, apply early!) 

Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) Travel Awards 

OUR Travel Awards offer undergraduate researchers up to $500 for travel to conduct research, where permitted by University policy. Recipients may use the award to pay for travel, parking, meals, and lodging while away from UConn. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and awards are made until funds are exhausted.  

Summer Undergraduate Research Fund (SURF) Awards

SURF Awards of up to $4,500 support full-time undergraduate students in summer research or creative projects. SURF project proposals are reviewed by a faculty committee and are awarded through a competitive process. Projects must be supervised by a UConn faculty member. 

UConn IDEA Grant Program 

UConn undergraduates in all majors at all campuses can apply for UConn IDEA Grants individually or as part of a small group. Awardees receive up to $4,000 per student to fund self-designed work on a topic, project, problem, artistic product or performance, or other entrepreneurial or creative idea of their choice. The project does not need to be tied to a student’s major or minor, but it should reflect the student’s academic and career goals. 

Mentoring and Training Programs

Beckman Scholars Program 

Administered by the Department of Physiology and Neurobiology  

The Beckman Scholars Program supports outstanding undergraduate student researchers in biology, chemistry, and psychological sciences. This highly selective program offers students an opportunity to pursue a 15-month independent research project under the guidance of an approved faculty mentor. Students earn a stipend that supports their research, supplies, and travel. 

Holster Scholars Program 

Administered by the Honors Program

The Holster Scholars Program is a selective enrichment opportunity available only to first-year Honors students. The program supports a small number of motivated students who pursue independent research, design, or creative projects during the summer following their first year.

Learning by Experiencing and Applying Principles (LEAP) Mentoring Program 

Administered by the Department of Physiology and Neurobiology 

The LEAP Mentoring Program is a two-year program that provides early-career biology majors with a unique opportunity to maximize their academic potential. Participants receive faculty mentoring and begin research training as first-year students. 

Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Program 

Administered by the Institute for Student Success 

The Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Program, funded by the National Science Foundation, supports historically underrepresented students in STEM fields. Enrollees are a select and highly committed group of students with a declared major in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or pre-health professions. 

Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) Training Program 

Administered by the Department of Physiology and Neurobiology 

Funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the MARC Training Program provides participants from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds with an extended opportunity to engage in research. Undergraduates gain hands-on research experience in an immersive educational program, guided by faculty mentors who are active in biomedical science research. 

McNair Scholars Program 

Administered by the Institute for Student Success 

The McNair Scholars Program prepares talented, highly motivated UConn undergraduate students for doctoral studies in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines. McNair is open to low-income, first-generation college students or those from populations underrepresented in STEM graduate fields who wish to pursue a Ph.D. degree. 

Mentoring Aspiring Graduate Students and Building an Inclusive Community (MAGIC) Program

Administered by Psychological Sciences 

The MAGIC Program connects underrepresented and first-generation students with a network of mentors who help them succeed in their graduate school applications and beyond. Mentors include UConn faculty members, graduate students, and post-doctoral fellows. They provide one-on-one advice through video chats on topics like choosing a graduate program, preparing applications and CVs, and more. Mentees also have access to a range of resources, CV and personal statement examples, and fellowship information. Eiling Yee directs the MAGIC program.