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.

Getting Started in Research Workshops

In-Person and Online
Weekly, Aug 21 - Nov 17, 2026

This interactive workshop is open to all undergraduates and will guide you in taking the first steps in starting a research experience at UNM. We will cover how to narrow down/select a topic, how to find a faculty mentor with similar interests and how to write professional correspondence. You will leave the workshop with (1) a better understanding of how to get involved in research at UNM, (2) increased confidence in contacting faculty members and (3) an email that you will draft to send to prospective faculty. View the entire schedule and register here.

Global & National Security Policy Institute (GNSPI) 2027 Fellowship

Applications due November 20, 2026

The Global & National Security Policy Institute (GNSPI) at the University of New Mexico (UNM) announces its 2026-2027 GNSPI Fellowship, organized around the theme of “Practical Deterrence and Global Stability during Strategic Transition.” The Fellows will include a cohort of 24 fellows across three levels—Non-Resident Research Fellows (12), Graduate Fellows (5), and Junior Undergraduate Fellows (7)—who will workshop their research, engage in mentoring/coaching, and work throughout the year (with initial strategy meetings in late 2026) on a theme relevant to national security priorities. The work produced will form the basis of the Global & National Security Symposium in late August, after which the Fellows will finalize their work for publication in an anthology (aka edited volume). Each year, the theme will be different, covering substantive issues of high importance. For the 2027 GNSPI Research Fellowship, the theme will be “Practical Deterrence and Global Stability during Strategic Transition.” Please visit their website and reach out to Prof. Phil Hultquist, philhult@unm.edu, with any questions.

UNM Undergraduate Water and Climate Science Communication Fellowship

November 15, 2026

Selected fellows work with mentors (faculty, research scientists, graduate students, etc.) to create a communication project to educate the public on a water or climate science related issue that is currently being researched. The research used to produce the communication project can either be the student’s own or the research of their faculty mentor. Students select their own communications venues (paintings, podcasts, videos, etc.) and work together as a cohort to develop and refine their individual projects. Projects are then presented at the UNM Undergraduate Research Opportunity Conference (UROC) in the spring semester and are posted on UNM websites. Read more about the fellowship and apply online by November 15. Reach out with any questions to Dimitri Kittrell, dmtrkttrll2027@unm.edu.

Homeland Security Professional Opportunities for the Student Workforce to Experience Research (HS-POWER)

Applications due December 2, 2026

HS-POWER is a unique opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students majoring in a broad spectrum of homeland security related science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines as well as DHS mission-relevant research areas, including the social sciences.

Each intern will be paired with a mentor at DHS headquarters, a DHS component, or a DHS laboratory, providing them the opportunity to network with DHS professionals and researchers.

Over the course of their internship, students will work toward cutting edge research that directly supports the Department’s national security mission and goals. Internships typically last 10 weeks during the summer, starting in June, with flexible start dates. All interns receive a stipend and a housing allowance. Graduate students receive $1,000.00 per week, and undergraduate students receive $800.00. The participant housing allowance is $500.00 per week for both academic levels.

Graduate and undergraduate students from across the United States and its territories are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is December 2, 2026.

Visit Homeland Security Professional Opportunities for Student Workforce to Experience Research Program to apply.

Undergraduate Fellowship on Native American Health Research

Applications due December 4, 2026

Are you passionate about research that can help shape the future of public health and healthcare with Native American communities? The UNM Center for Native American Health, in partnership with the UNM Research, Arts & Design Network, provides an opportunity to help you explore your future!

If you are pursuing a career in the health professions, public health or public health policy, health science, medical research, Native American Studies, or a related field, we invite you to apply for this UNM undergraduate fellowship. As a Research Fellow, you will learn and demonstrate your knowledge of the critical factors influencing Native American health, healthcare, public health, and health research. Visit their website (linked to Are you passionate about research that can help shape the future of public health and healthcare with Native American communities? The UNM Center for Native American Health, in partnership with the UNM Research, Arts & Design Network, provides an opportunity to help you explore your future!

If you are pursuing a career in the health professions, public health or public health policy, health science, medical research, Native American Studies, or a related field, we invite you to apply for this UNM undergraduate fellowship. As a Research Fellow, you will learn and demonstrate your knowledge of the critical factors influencing Native American health, healthcare, public health, and health research. Visit their website to read more and to apply online by December 4, 2026.

National Council on Undergraduate Research Conference

Abstracts accepted through December 4, 2026

Undergraduate researchers from across the country will gather in Grand Rapids, Michigan, April 12–14, 2027, for NCUR, the National Conference on Undergraduate Research. NCUR is a premier conference celebrating undergraduate research across disciplines. It gives students the opportunity to present their work to a diverse audience of fellow undergraduate researchers, mentors, and higher education professionals. Read more about the conference and submit your abstract online.

Summer 2027 REU searching resources

Applications typically due between Dec and March

Summer REUs (research experiences for undergraduates) are paid, intensive, full-time, 8-10 week programs, offered all across the country, in which undergraduate students conduct hands-on research under the guidance of a mentor. If you are in the STEM fields, you might use NSF's search engine. If you are interested in biostatistics or biomedical research, you might use a database created by a UNM alum to help students find programs. The NIH also offers summer opportunities.