Getting involved in research can be a daunting task, the info below is intended to help you navigate what can be a sea of information. Below, you can read about the two main ways that you can obtain research opportunities and the available fellowships for U of I students. If you need help with any components, reach out to the office of undergraduate research!
This page last updated: June 5th, 2023
This page last updated: June 5th, 2023
Approach 1
Reach out directly to faculty. To take this approach, you’ll need to first identify faculty whose research is of interest to you. Once you have done this, you’ll need to email them to inquire about a research opportunity.
Here are two links of websites with helpful tips and example emails you can draft. If you’re not sure which faculty you would like to work with, the Office of Undergraduate Research U of I Faculty Postings page is a good place to start. A list of faculty actively seeking new undergraduates is available here.
Here are two links of websites with helpful tips and example emails you can draft. If you’re not sure which faculty you would like to work with, the Office of Undergraduate Research U of I Faculty Postings page is a good place to start. A list of faculty actively seeking new undergraduates is available here.
Approach 2
Apply for research fellowships. These are positions that typically go through the summer and provide students with financial support and professional development opportunities. Only one fellowship of those listed below is not a summer program, IHHE REEU is instead a year-long program (read more details about it below).
Deadlines for these fellowships vary, so make sure to keep an eye out and check back in frequently. Some common application components for fellowships are transcript, resume, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Deadlines for these fellowships vary, so make sure to keep an eye out and check back in frequently. Some common application components for fellowships are transcript, resume, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Fellowships and their deadlines
- January (dates vary) - NASA SARP
- Open to students interested in study of the Earth system, any STEM major encouraged to apply. Strong preference given to current juniors. Program runs from June to August. Each award pays $5000, funding for travel to California along with housing and transportation costs for the duration of the program are included.
- February 15th for Summer funding - IHHE REEU
- Also before November 1st for the following Spring, before May 1st for the following Summer or Fall
- One year program open to undergraduate students enrolled in any major. Must have completed coursework for the first year of major, with a minimum of 16 credit hours of STEM-based courses. Applicants must be working with a faculty or industry mentor to develop and submit a research proposal focused on plant, animal or human health in complex, managed ecosystems. Each award pays $7000 for stipend + research support along with travel funds for a summer research internship.
- February (dates vary) - SURF
- Open to students from all disciplines. Program runs from June to August. Each award includes a $4000 student fellowship given as a stipend and $1000 in research funds.
- November 2nd - Idaho INBRE
- Open to students interested in biomedical research. Program runs from June to August. Each award pays up to $7200 for the summer.
- November (dates vary) - Hill Undergraduate Research Fellowships
- Supports undergraduate research for students working with faculty in the College of Science. Fellowship includes a research grant of approximately $1500 and a $1500 scholarship award. Recipients have the spring semester and the following academic year to complete their projects.
- Varying Deadlines - NSF REU
- Open to students in any area of research funded by the National Science Foundations. Deadlines and financial support vary for each REU. Visit their REU site list to search for research opportunities of interest. These are posted from around the US, so you can also search for REUs in particular states.