For Students
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.
Research Assistant
College of Pharmacy
Start date: ASAP
The lab of Dr. Roberto Moto Alvidrez, is looking for 2 undergraduate researchers to join his lab. Prior research experience is NOT needed, but strong motivation and a desire to have a future profession related to health care is. The lab's work involves applied molecular genetics and molecular imaging aimed at therapeutic targeting of hyperglycemia in diabetes with common comorbidities like atherosclerosis. Clinical and translational interventions in diabetic vasculopathy and health disparities. An article on his work and background on him and the department is here. If you are interested, please reach out directly to Dr. Alvidrez, RMotaAlvidrez@salud.unm.edu
Research Assistant
School of Medicine, Department of Neuroscience
Start date: ASAP
Dr. Shahani Noor’s lab on North Campus (UNM School of Medicine) at the Department of Neuroscience is looking for highly-motivated undergraduate students interested in graduate school (either PhD or MD/PhD or a premed student interested in a long-term lab commitment of at least 2 years). We are a very small lab which means there is a lot of opportunity for getting poster presentations / publications if one is willing to put in the time and effort. It is a neuroimmunology lab so we have previous projects working with prenatal alcohol exposure and the effects of chronic pain in mice models and we are working on some exciting pilot projects. Commitment expectations are around 20-28 hours per week to be most productive with the pace of a project. If students are interested in earning Honors for their major this is a great way to get a start on it as well. If you are interested, please email the undergraduate student research assistant, Ariana Pritha, apritha@salud.unm.edu with your CV / resume. Based on your experience and whether you have work study we can also arrange for a student employment position.
Project Assistant
Immediate Start Date for Fall 2023 term
The Center for Advancement of Spatial Informatics Research & Education (ASPIRE) is seeking an undergraduate with experience operating unoccupied airborne systems (UAS), to conduct flights for the collection of aerial imagery. Compensation is $16-22/hr depending on experience. Please see document linked to Project Assistant title above for full details of eligibility and how to apply.
Undergraduate Fellowship: Introduction to Indigenous Environmental Health
Applications accepted on a rolling basis until January 5, 2024
Are you envisioning a career in medicine, health professions, public health policy or health research with Native American communities? If so, you are invited to apply to this paid UNM undergraduate fellowship for the Spring 2024 term. As an Undergraduate Fellow, you will explore important environmental factors influencing health in Native American communities, and share your reflections with UNM peers and the public.
Research Exploration Connection (REC)
Application deadline January 31, 2024

Research Exploration Connection (REC) provides UNM undergraduate students with paid opportunities to engage in brief research projects led by Master’s and Doctoral students. These projects are designed to introduce undergraduates to various research methods and approaches, and to provide potential pathways for undergraduate and graduate students to further partner on the research.
Undergraduate students who participate in REC should expect to spend between 6 to 24 hours on their project and receive between $100 and $400 for participating, with the actual amount depending on the time commitment involved in participating on the project.
GEOG 2115: Information Design in Science & Society
Spring 2024 1st Half course, M, W, F: 1-3pm

Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship (MMUF)
Applications due December 4, 2023
MMUF seeks to recruit undergraduate students from historically underrepresented backgrounds who have a strong desire to pursue a Ph.D. in an eligible field (in the Humanities and Social Sciences).
Biomedical Research Summer Opportunities - Nationwide
Application deadlines vary, generally in Jan and Feb, check each school for specific dates. This is a comprehensive list of paid summer research experiences for undergraduates (REUs) in the Biomedical sciences all across the country.
Humanities and Social Sciences Summer Research Opportunities
Application deadlines vary, generally in Jan and Feb, check each school for specific dates.
This is a comprehensive list of paid summer research opportunities across the nation, aimed at undergraduate students studying in the Humanities and Social Sciences.
Undergraduate Pipeline Network
Application due February 1, 2024
Hulsman Undergraduate Library Research Award
Applications due February 12, 2024

Are you an undergraduate student who conducted research as part of a class or independent study at UNM main campus in 2023? Then consider applying for the Hulsman Undergraduate Library Research Award. Applications will be due Feb 12, 2024, but attend an online workshop to prepare your application on Jan 31 or Feb 6, 2024.
Student Team Research Concept Competition
Applications due March 1, 2024

You are invited to collaborate with at least 1 other undergraduate student in a different major, to compete in the Student Team Research Competition. Your goal is to pitch an interdisciplinary problem that you are interested in researching. The winning team will be awarded $2000 (to be split among team members) at UROC (Undergraduate Research Opportunity Conference) on April 12, 2024. Reach out to Tim Schroeder, timschroeder@unm.edu with any questions.
Search Open Positions at UNMJobs
Ongoing
Departments will list paid student positions (e.g., Research Assistant, Lab Assistant, etc.) on UNMJobs. You will apply directly on UNMJobs for any positions of interest.
McNair Scholars & Research Opportunity Program
Application for the 2024-25 cycle will open on Jan 1, 2024
The mission of the University of New Mexico’s Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program and the Research Opportunity Program (ROP) is to prepare high achieving undergraduate students for admission into graduate school to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees. The McNair/ROP programs offer eligible students the opportunity to conduct faculty-mentored research as well as travel opportunities and support during the graduate application process. Please visit for more details and eligibility.
Departmental Seminars
Ongoing
Many departments host regular seminars, brown bags or lectures throughout the academic year for students to learn more about the research and happenings in that department. Check out this list to see all of the departments across campus offering such events.