May 21, 2025
New opportunity for early-career undergraduates to engage in research
Undergraduate Academic Affairs is delighted to announce the Undergraduate Research Collective, a new paid opportunity for undergraduates with no prior research experience to connect to research in their first and second years at the University of Washington. Leaders in the Office of Undergraduate Research are the program’s visionaries, architects and builders. Startup funding is provided in part by the Ana Mari Cauce Fund for Undergraduate Research, a new giving opportunity to honor President Cauce for her leadership in and support of undergraduate research.
Undergraduate research is one of the most impactful experiences available to students, benefiting students during their time at the UW and well beyond graduation. Students who participate in research often report it reinforced what they are learning in the classroom; increased their ability to think critically; engendered a sense of pride and purpose in being involved in work that contributes to the public good; and built a foundation for their future careers. As one of America’s leading public research institutions, the UW offers first-in-class opportunities for undergraduate research.
Students showcasing their research across a variety of fields at the Undergraduate Research Symposium. Students participating in the Undergraduate Research Collective will present their research at the end of their second year in the program.Photo by David Ryder
“We see the way students light up when they connect with research — many share that their experiences were transformative,” says Sophie Pierszalowski, director of the Office of Undergraduate Research. “That said, research opportunities can be competitive and challenging to access for early career students without prior experience. These students are the future of research — our legacy of research excellence starts with them.”
The Undergraduate Research Collective is a cohort-based, two-year program designed for first- and second-year students and first-year transfer students with no prior research experience. It aims to improve systems and increase access to research for early-career undergraduates. Additionally, students in the Collective receive an $8,000 scholarship over the two years of the program.
In the first year, students develop relationships with their cohort; receive advising from the Office of Undergraduate Research; participate in a weekly seminar focused on research preparation and community-building; and are matched with and develop an onboarding plan with their faculty mentor. More than 20 faculty mentors from across disciplines have signed on to support undergraduates through the Undergraduate Research Collective.
In the second year of the program, students work on a research project with their faculty mentor for five to 10 hours per week; participate in cohort-based professional development workshops and events; and present their project at the Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Startup funding is key and is provided by the Mary Gates Endowment and the Ana Mari Cauce Fund for Undergraduate Research. The Mary Gates Endowment is one of the University’s largest endowments for undergraduates. The Ana Mari Cauce Fund was established by friends, colleagues and admirers of the outgoing UW president to honor and recognize her long-standing commitment to undergraduate research. Throughout her decades-long career at the UW, President Cauce has mentored and been influenced by undergraduate researchers and is a stalwart champion of broadening access to undergraduate research opportunities.
“Undergraduate students involved in research have the opportunity to consider questions and problems that matter,” said Ed Taylor, vice provost and dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs. “The experience begins with finding their passion, thinking critically about important issues, then applying those insights toward resolving real problems. Guided by mentors and inspired by the legacy of President Cauce, UW students involved in research push the boundaries of knowledge and contribute directly to improving the lives of individuals, communities and our society writ large.”
The pilot phase of the program will support 20 students. According to Pierszalowski, “The Office of Undergraduate Research envisions a future where capacity and infrastructure for early career undergraduate research programming at the UW continues to grow. We hope to partner with departments, research centers, individual donors and other research organizations who understand the value of this work and want to help grow this interdisciplinary effort to engage early career students in research through supportive and accessible pathways.”
Applications for students to participate in this first cohort are open through July 21. Visit the Office of Undergraduate Research’s website to learn more and apply.
The Undergraduate Research Collective two-year pilot is largely funded by donations made to celebrate President Cauce’s leadership and legacy. Visit our fundraising page to learn more about how you can support this program.