Two people working in a laboratory, focusing on their tasks.

Undergraduate Research Initiatives Program

A chance to grow your research skills

With the College of Health Solutions Undergraduate Research Initiatives Program, you have the opportunity to engage in hands-on research alongside expert faculty. Whether you're exploring public health, biomedical science, data analytics or behavioral research, this program will equip you with valuable skills, mentorship and practical experience while also obtaining academic credit.

This is a year-long research experience, and new cohorts begin each fall at the start of the academic semester. This program is open to undergraduate students in the College of Health Solutions.

Before submitting your application make sure you know how it works.

Submit the program application

Key dates for fall 2026 cohort:

Monday, Feb. 9 Student application opens.
Friday, Feb. 27 Student application closes.
Monday, March 2 Faculty review of student applications (interviews optional) opens.
Friday, March 27 Faculty review of student applications closes
Fall 2026 Students start their projects under faculty mentorship.

How research experience can help you

How it works

Step 1: Log in to the MyCHS Opportunities database and explore the list of research opportunities. To view the list of faculty-led projects, navigate to “Type” and filter by “Research.” You can save multiple research opportunities to your profile.

Step 2: Find the link to the URIP application in the “application instructions” section of all project postings on the MyCHS Opportunities database. Use the link to apply for the program.

Step 3: Your application will be reviewed by the program committee.

Step 4. Faculty will reach out to students to conduct interviews. This is optional depending on faculty preference and project requirements.

Step 5: Students will receive an email confirming their research project match and next steps in the course enrollment process. If you do not receive an initial project match, you will have the option to be placed on a waitlist.

Step 6: Your academic advisor can assist with course planning and degree related questions. For all other questions, contact the Experiential Learning team at [email protected].

Step 7: Once the fall semester starts, you begin your research project with your faculty mentor.

Explore research projects

The College of Health Solutions Undergraduate Research Initiatives Programs span a wide variety of subjects with many projects led by expert faculty mentors to choose from. Check out the research projects available on the MyCHS Opportunities database.

Questions?

Reach out to the Experiential Learning team by email at [email protected].