Undergraduate research would not be successful without the support and commitment of our faculty mentors. It is a wonderful opportunity to influence the next generation of scholars by sharing your knowledge and experience and scaffolding their research experience.
Tips for Getting Started as a Mentor
Submit a research opening with the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity
The Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship maintains a database of research opportunities via Handshake. Students can easily locate research openings relevant to their field and apply directly through the site. Paid, for credit, and volunteer positions are all eligible to be added to the database.
Apply for an Interns-to-Scholars intern
Each year in February, faculty can submit requests for undergraduate interns to assist with their research for the following academic year. The Interns-to-Scholars program is a way for students to gain an introduction to research and is geared toward lower division students with little to no experience in a research setting, second-semester freshmen and sophomores. The program is funded through the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity with support from participating colleges.
Encourage your students to apply for a Jean Shuler Mini Grant
The Jean Shuler Research Mini Grants are designed to encourage research, scholarly, and creative activities between undergraduate students and faculty mentors. Undergraduate students may submit a proposal for a student-led research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Jean Shuler Research Mini Grants provide financial support up to $500 for consumable materials, training expenses, and/or travel expenses related to completing the project. Learn more about Jean Shuler Research Mini Grants. Application deadlines are October 1 and March 1.
Encourage your students to apply for a student-led research award:
Hooper Undergraduate Research Award
Are your students working on a research project for class or have a great idea they would like to pursue? Encourage them to apply for a Hooper Undergraduate Research Award. Students can receive up to $5,000 (for 1-2 students) or $7,500 (for three or more students) in support of a student-led research project. Applications are accepted from February 1 to March 1 and will be awarded for the following academic year.
Student-led Projects in the Arts, Creative Activity, and Scholarship (SPArCS) Award
Are your students working on a research project for class or have a great idea they would like to pursue? Encourage them to apply for a Student-led Projects in the Arts, Creative Activity, and Scholarship Award. Students can receive up to $5,000 (for 1-2 students) or $7,500 (for three or more students) in support of a student-led research project. Applications are accepted from February 1 to March 1 and will be awarded for the following academic year.
Urdea Undergraduate Research Award
The Urdea Undergraduate Research Awards fund interdisciplinary projects between students in the College of Engineering, Informatics, and Applied Sciences and the College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences. Teams of 2-5 students may apply to receive up to $7,500 to support their work. Learn more about the Urdea Undergraduate Research Award. Applications are accepted from February 1 to March 1 and will be awarded for the following academic year.
Encourage your students to participate in the annual NAU Undergraduate Symposium
NAU’s Undergraduate Symposium is an opportunity for students to learn about research, scholarship, and creative activities taking place across campus. Each year, hundreds of students present their work from the past year. The event is held annually on a Friday in late April.
Do your research
Check out the online resources and professional development opportunities available through the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity for tips on how to be an effective mentor to undergraduate students. You are also strongly encouraged to join the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR). As an institutional member, registration is free for all NAU faculty, staff, and students. CUR provides current articles on best practices of undergraduate research, presentation opportunities, and an open discussion forum among its members.