What is the Undergraduate Research Fellowship?

Undergraduate Research Fellowships (URF) provide a research experience for University of Iowa undergraduate students and assist staff in the Division in conducting research projects in support of student success. Students in the fellowship are expected to work approximately 10 hours a week and will be given a $2,400 stipend. A fellowship is not considered student employment and will not be counted toward the 20-hour employment restriction. You can find a list of URF opportunities here.

If you have any questions, please email Teri Schnelle.

What students can expect

Students should complete an application for the project they are interested in working with. The selection process includes an application review and may include a brief interview with the project mentor. Students will be notified if they are accepted (or not) into the URF program.

Once the semester starts, students will attend an orientation that outlines general expectations, logistics, and further details about the fellowship. After orientation, students and their mentor(s) will meet and work together to create timelines, project goals and expectations, and outcomes for their specific project.

At the end of the fellowship, students will present their work to the project stakeholders and have the option to participate in OUR's poster presentation event.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Articulate a clear objective and/or research question for the project.
  • Identify and demonstrate appropriate methodologies and know when to use them, including practicing scholarly ethics and responsible conduct.
  • Know the existing body of relevant research, literature, artwork, etc. to their topic and explain how their project fits.
  • Know and apply problem-solving skills to constructively address any challenges or setbacks.
  • Work both autonomously and collaboratively with others in an effective manner, using listening and communication skills.
  • Synthesize their research, creative, academic, and/or professional interests and goals by reflecting on their research or creative work, identifying lessons learned, strengths, and ways to improve.
  • Explain their work to others in the field and to broader audiences (informally and formally), articulating its relevance to their studies and/or professional future.

What Staff Mentors Can Expect

The Assessment, Improvement, and Research (AIR) staff will solicit projects from interested staff members. Staff members will work with AIR staff to select applicants. Once the semester starts, mentors will attend an orientation with their fellow that outlines general expectations, logistics, and further details about the fellowship. After orientation, mentors will meet with their student(s) to create timelines, project goals and expectations, and outcomes. At the end of the fellowship, students will present their work to project stakeholders in a format that is determined by the mentor/fellow.