Current Student Opportunities

Empowering Creativity, Celebrating Achievement

Welcome students! The Undergraduate Research, Arts and Design Network is dedicated to bringing you more opportunities to create and showcase amazing scholarly work. Check back often to learn about exciting programs, courses and other opportunities.

UROC (UG Research Opportunity Conference) Info Sessions

Online via Zoom
Start Date: Weekly from 1/27 to 2/19

Are you curious about UROC? Do you have questions about what it looks like, how to present or how to prepare? Come to any one of the 4 drop-in sessions on Zoom to learn more and get all of your questions answered. If you'd like the Zoom link emailed to you, just complete this brief survey.

Hulsman Undergraduate Library Research Award

Application workshops
January 30, 11 am - 12 pm
February 5, 3 pm - 4 pm

The Jim and Mary Lois Hulsman Undergraduate Library Research Award program recognizes excellence in undergraduate research that incorporates the use of University Libraries resources and demonstrates sophisticated information literacy skills.

Student award winners receive a cash prize – $500 for 1st place, $300 for 2nd place, $200 for 3rd place – and recognition for their outstanding efforts. Applications are submitted online via the UNM Digital Repository and are due Feb 16. Visit the website for more details.

UPN (Undergraduate Pathways Network)

Applications due February 1, 2026

The UNMHSC Undergraduate Pathways Network (UPN) program is an umbrella program that brings together undergraduates conducting summer biomedical research across the UNMHSC campus with the goal of cultivating students' interest in research while helping them attain skills needed to apply for and succeed in post-baccalaureate education. The program provides the opportunity for approximately 50 scholars to choose from several areas of research at the University of New Mexico's Health Sciences Center.  The UPN Program period covers 10 weeks in the summer and scholars participate in the program full time (35-40 hr/wk). The program awards each scholar a summer experience package, which includes housing, tuition, activity fees, some meals, and a $6000 research stipend. Visit the website to learn more and apply by 2/1.

McNair Scholars & Research Opportunity Program Info Session

February 5, 2026

11am-12pm
Mesa Vista Hall, 3rd floor, NW Corner, Suite 3019

The application for Fall 2026 McNair & ROP scholars is now open! Come join the information session, 11am-12pm on Thu, 2/5 to learn more about the program, how to apply and hear what former and current scholars have gained from participating. The info session will be in the McNair & ROP offices, 3rd floor, NW corner of Mesa Vista Hall. Reach out to mcnair@unm.edu with any questions.

PREP (Postbaccalauraete Research Education Program)

Applications due February 6, 2026

PREP@UNM is an NIH-funded post-baccalaureate education program, designed to enhance the ability of individuals in the biomedical sciences to gain entry to and succeed in nationally-recognized PhD programs and research careers. PREP is intended for individuals who have recently earned a bachelor's degree but need additional laboratory research experience or other education to improve their credentials for entering graduate school. We consider all applications, and encourage individuals from all identity groups in the sciences to apply. Visit their website for more information and to apply

2026 National Research Conference at Brown University

Start Date: Applications due February 21, 2026 (early consideration due January 21)

The second annual National Undergraduate Research Conference at Brown University isscheduled for April 4th, 2026! We are inviting projects from any STEM field, such as but not limited to those in biology, chemistry, physics, public health, engineering, clinical research, behavioral sciences, and computational applications.

The conference will be hosted on Brown University's campus in Providence, RI, bringing together 200 talented students from across the nation. This conference will serve as an opportunity to secure yourself a conference poster or oral presentation to demonstrate your research excellence, which is critical in your applications to medical school, graduate school, and beyond. This year's keynote will feature Dr. Harvey Alter, the 2020 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine. Abstracts will be reviewed on a rolling basis with limited spots available (200 poster presentations and 20-30 oral presentations). Submit your application by 1/21 for early consideration or 2/21 here.

UROC Intend to Present Form

Due online by February 23, 2026

Are you interested in presenting a research project you have been involved in or a class project at this year's UROC on 4/17/26? Please plan to submit your Intend to Present form by 2/23 so you can have a presentation spot secured. Visit UROC's website to submit today and mark your calendars that abstracts will be due on 3/9.

QU-REACH (Quantum Undergraduate Research Experience at CHTM)

Applications due March 7, 2026

The QU-REACH Program at the University of New Mexico is a ten-week paid summer undergraduate research program run by the Center for High Technology Materials (CHTM) and academic departments on UNM’s Main Albuquerque campus. The 6th annual QU-REACH program will be held May 26 - July 31, 2026. No specific background is required. We expect most students will have completed between one and three years of undergraduate coursework in a physics, chemistry, or engineering major by the time they start the program. It is helpful if you have taken the general physics and calculus series as well as a few more advanced courses in your discipline (e.g. modern physics, electromagnetics, instrumentation, physical chemistry, etc.), but no specific prerequisites are required. If you are unsure if you have the right background, we encourage you to apply anyway. Visit their website to apply by March 7.