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Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)

Application deadline: February 9, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

A close up of a student researcher smiling and working in a lab

The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) is Nevada INBRE’s flagship undergraduate summer research program where continuing junior and senior level students work in a research lab for 10 weeks and complete an independent research project.

The Nevada INBRE UROP provides an award of up to $7,200. This award is paid out as a summer student worker salary and UROP mentors will receive $1,000 to defray the cost of lab supplies. This program expects students to be engaged in full-time research during the program. If outside employment or coursework interferes with the lab research and project, a conference must be held with the Nevada INBRE administrative core, including the student and mentor, prior to the start of the research period. Failure to dedicate adequate time and effort to the research project may result in termination of the award.

Program guidelines

  • Research projects will begin in early June and include 10-weeks of full-time, independent research. The mentor must be present during the entire program or the student may become ineligible.
  • Students are required to attend an orientation which includes a required laboratory safety class.
  • Students are required to attend a series of seminars and workshops focused on assisting students planning to pursue biomedical research careers.
  • All students will present their research project at an undergraduate poster session and the Nevada INBRE statewide annual meeting in August.
  • Students will receive pay of up to $7,200 for the summer (paid as hourly student worker wage over the working dates of the program).

Eligibility

Students must meet all of the following eligibility requirements:

  • U.S. citizenship or have a valid employment authorization document (EAD) permitting you to work in the U.S. (DACA students are eligible).
  • Continuing junior and senior undergraduates enrolled in classes for the upcoming fall semester. You are not eligible if graduating in spring or summer or if you already hold a bachelor's degree or higher in a STEM field.
  • 2.0 minimum GPA
  • Undergraduates enrolled at UNR, UNLV, NSU, CSN, GBC, TMCC, or WNC, or students from western IDeA states (Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico or Wyoming).
  • Priority is given to underrepresented/educationally disadvantaged students.
  • Preference will be given to applicants who have not received a Nevada INBRE UROP award in the past.

Program dates

June 3, 2024 - August 9, 2024

Poster symposium

TBD, early August 2024

Acceptance of this award may impact a student's income level to a degree that could affect eligibility for student loans and other scholarship/fellowship opportunities. If an applicant has any concerns in this area, it is the student's duty to consult with a campus financial aid advisor. The University does not provide tax advice. If you have questions about possible tax liabilities, .

Before you begin your application

Please read this information carefully before applying!

  • Once you begin the online UROP application, you can save it and go back to it to add information.
  • You will need the name and email for your mentor. The application will automatically send them a link to the reference form to fill out. All references need to be submitted directly by the mentor by the application deadline. Your references will not receive the link to the reference form until your application is fully submitted. Please be sure to allow enough time for your references to complete the reference form. If your reference does not receive the link, please contact Christy Song and she will send them a link directly. If you list your own email in the mentor recommendation section, your application will not be considered.
  • Before you begin, you must have your personal statement, project proposal (if applicable) and unofficial transcript in a single PDF format to upload.

Application uploads

All UROP applicants must upload a personal statement, research proposal (if applicable), and copy of unofficial transcripts (in this order)

Personal statement

Required for all UROP applicants.

UROP applicants must write and submit a personal statement. The personal statement should be no longer than 2 pages, 12pt font, 1-inch margins, Times New Roman or Arial, and double-spaced.

Your personal statement should:

  • Describe your educational journey (you may include some personal accomplishments or setbacks, fun facts or hobbies too!)
  • Describe your research background thus far, and also include what your research interests are and why
  • Describe any expectations you may have about this program, and the type of experience you hope to gain by the end of the program

Research proposals

Required for students at the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ; University of Nevada, Las Vegas; or Nevada State University with a selected mentor and research project.

UROP applicants must write and submit a research proposal. The research proposal should use 12pt font, 1-inch margins, Times New Roman or Arial. Your research proposal should be reviewed and approved by your faculty mentor.

Your research proposal should include the following sections:

  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Objectives
  • Methods

Please contact Christy Song at cmsong@unr.edu with questions.