As an undergraduate research assistant, you’ll work closely with a faculty advisor to conduct research on a topic you propose. Together, you and your faculty advisor will draft a research abstract, outlining the expectations the faculty advisor has of you while you hold the assistantship. The Undergraduate Research Agreement will allow you and your faculty research advisor to discuss how progress will be made on the research, and how that progress will be assessed. UCARE programing will supplement research with a number of workshops and seminars on Planning & Preparing to Go to Graduate School, Writing a Research Proposal, and Constructing a Research Poster.

UCARE Program Structure

Summer

  • A ten-week summer research opportunity from June - August.
  • Requires 20 hours work per week.
  • Conduct research under the oversight of your faculty research advisor.
  • Receive a stipend of $2,400.

Academic Year

  • An academic year research opportunity from September - April.
  • Requires 10 hours work per week.
  • Conduct research under the oversight of your faculty research advisor.
  • Receive a stipend of $2,400 ($1,200/semester).

Summer + Academic Year

  • A year-long research opportunity from June - April.
  • Requires 20 hours work per week during the summer, and 10 hours per week during the academic year.
  • Conduct research under the oversight of your faculty research advisor.
  • Receive a stipend of up to $4,800.

Team Proposals

If you will be working in a lab with other students, ask your faculty advisor about a team UCARE application.

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Three things you need to know about the new UCARE Structure

  1. UCARE no longer distinguishes between first and second year researchers. Even if you’ve previously participated in UCARE, you’re still eligible to submit a UCARE abstract for one or all of the available funding cycles.
  2. You must complete a full application, including a research abstract, for each funding period (summer, academic, or both) they wish to conduct UCARE funded research even if you’ve previously participated in UCARE.
  3. If you’ve previously participated in UCARE and wish to submit a research abstract for one or all of the available funding cycles, you may choose to work with the same research advisor OR you may choose a new project and a new research advisor.

Applying for UCARE?

If you're interested in applying for UCARE, you're responsible for identifying a faculty research advisor who will supervise your research work. To find a faculty advisor:

  • Check the list of opportunities.
  • Speak with professors whose classes you've enjoyed, and look at departmental websites to consider current research. (See: Find a Research Advisor)
  • Make appointments to speak with the faculty members to learn more about their work and if they'd consider working with you as a UCARE undergraduate researcher.

Once you've found a faculty advisor to supervise your research work, you'll be responsible for completing the proposal. Consult with your faculty research advisor along the way. You may work on an independent project or on a small project that plays a role in your faculty research advisor's larger research project. The UCARE proposal and the requirements can be found here.

Your Responsibilities as an Undergraduate Research Assistant

If you apply for an undergraduate research assistantship and your proposed project is funded, you are expected to:

  • Maintain high academic standards.
  • Complete Responsible Conduct of Research training.
  • Demonstrate research progress across the course of the research term (academic year or summer).
  • Show progress through benchmarks established by their faculty research advisor.
  • Participate in at least two UCARE sponsored events during the award.
  • Present work at either the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium in August (Summer Award) or the annual Undergraduate Research Conference in April (Academic Year Award).

UCARE undergraduate research assistants are required to meet specific expectations, listed on our website and also included in the Undergraduate Research Agreement. An award may only be applied to work with the faculty member identified in the UCARE application, with the exception of when a faculty advisor leaves the university and another faculty member agrees to work with the student. In that event, a new Undergraduate Research Agreement must be drafted and filed with both the UCARE office and the department.

Assistantship Stipend

As a UCARE undergraduate research assistant funded through the Pepsi Endowment, you'll receive your award stipend on a monthly basis. Awards are disbursed by the department and are approved by the UCARE office. Your faculty research advisor will determine whether you've satisfied the expectations outlined in the Undergraduate Research Agreement.

Failure to meet these expectations will end your UCARE funding.

Remember, research requires a major investment from both yourself and your research advisor. Be sure to check in with your advisor on a regular basis, set manageable goals, and discuss your project's progress. Learn more about how to have a rewarding mentor/mentee relationship.

Pre-Purchase Approval Form

UCARE students who have received an award for 2012-2013 can apply for consumable materials to be used on their research projects. A maximum of $400 of the award can be used for these purchases. Students must complete a Pre-Purchase Approval Form, sign the form and get their research advisor's signature, and return the form to UCARE in 1100 Seaton Hall. UCARE will contact the student and departmental financial contact concerning approval. Receipts must be submitted to the departmental financial contact after purchase in order for the student to be reimbursed.

Pre-Trip Request for Travel Authorization

2012-13 UCARE students can apply for funds to support their travel to conferences or to complete research. A maximum of $400 of the award can be used for these purchases. Travel and reimbursement must occur during the time that the student has received the award. Students must complete a Pre-Trip Request for Travel Authorization  . Sign the form and get their research advisor's signature, and return the form to UCARE in 1100 Seaton Hall. UCARE will contact the student and departmental financial contact concerning approval. Receipts must be submitted to the departmental financial contact after purchase in order for the student to be reimbursed. All travel must follow UNL guidelines.

lab research

Departmental Financial Contact

The departmental financial contact files paperwork for the UCARE undergraduate researcher. Listed here are the contacts for your department and applicable contact information.