Research Component
The key component of the Undergraduate Research Program is for students to conduct a scientific research project with a faculty member of the University of Maryland College of Computer, Natural, and Mathematical Sciences, A. James Clark School of Engineering, or College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

During this research experience, participants perform original research, prepare scientific reports, and present their research at the end of the academic year. Students will be encouraged to give oral and poster presentations at outreach initiatives and conferences.

To find a research project, students may contact CMNS, ENRG or AGNR faculty whose research interests complement the student’s research interests. The URP will assist students in finding faculty that they can work with throughout the undergraduate research program. The areas of research URP participants will explore while conducting a research project throughout the academic year include:

• Selecting a Research Topic
• Choosing an Advisor/Research Mentor
• Formulating a scientific research reports
• Preparing Oral/Written Presentations

The goal of the research component is to equip students with the necessary tools to successfully complete a research project in their desired fields of study and present it to a range of audiences.

Graduate School Preparation Component
Another important aspect of the undergraduate research program is the graduate school preparation component. One of the objectives of the URP is to encourage students to pursue advance degrees in the STEM fields. This component will prepare students for graduate school by introducing and covering topics including:

• The Graduate School Application
• Personal Essays
• Letters of Recommendations
• Curriculum Vitas
• Graduate School Financial Support (Fellowships, Assistantships, Grants)
• Graduate School Timelines
• General Record Examinations (GRE)
• These topics will be addressed in workshops and seminars

The goal of the graduate school preparation component is to show students how to prepare for graduate school and submit a complete and thorough application highlighting their undergraduate achievements and aspirations.

Personal and Professional Development Component
The LSURF program recognizes that world-class research requires more than technical proficiency; it requires a resilient, well-rounded leader. This component focuses on the holistic growth of our fellows through four strategic pillars:

● Individualized Holistic Advising: Strategic one-on-one and cohort sessions with LSURF staff and professionals to align your academic trajectory with your long-term personal and career ambitions.

● Professional Mastery Workshops: Intensive training designed to sharpen your technical acumen and professional identity, preparing you for the rigors of both advanced research and industry leadership.

● Integrative Wellness & Resilience: Evidence-based mindfulness and wellness practices to build the mental fortitude required to sustain excellence and prevent burnout in demanding professional spaces.

● Socially Conscious Leadership & Advocacy: Development of the social awareness and ethical influence needed to advocate for equity on campus and lead with impact within the diverse global community.

The goal of this component is to ensure that LSURF fellows graduate not just as elite researchers, but as resilient, socially aware professionals ready to solve the most complex challenges facing our world today.

Learning Community and Outreach Initiatives
The Undergraduate Research Program will offer a strong and supportive learning community of students, faculty, and staff collaborating to develop and enhance leadership, professional, and communication skills. As a Undergraduate Research participant, you will have access to other undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty that will assist you in your research project and studies. This community will also offer ongoing career and academic guidance. Students are encouraged to meet with the LSURF-URP coordinator once a semester.

• Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Conduct research with a University of Maryland, College Park faculty member in the College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences; A. James Clark School of Engineering; or the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Devote about 8-10 hours a week to the research project
• Produce and submit a written research project report, approved by the faculty advisor, at the end of each semester and present research at the culminating symposium
• Participate in all URP activities and workshops
• Participate in seminars or colloquia given by the College of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, A. James Clark School of Engineering or College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

• Devote about 25-30 hours a week to the research project
• Conduct research with a University of Maryland, College Park faculty member in the College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences; A. James Clark School of Engineering; or the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Produce and submit a written research project report, approved by the faculty advisor, at the end of each semester and present research at the culminating symposium
• Participate in all URP activities and workshops
• Participate in seminars or colloquia given by the College of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, A. James Clark School of Engineering or College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

All applicants are expected to identify and secure a research position with a professor. The URP does not match students with research advisors. However, the program coordinator can provide assistance with connecting with professors. Please visit the Maryland Center for Undergraduate Research website for tips on how to find research opportunities.

*** Non-UMD applicants should e-mail the program coordinator for a list of faculty advisors

Academic Year URP

• Full-time student at the University of Maryland, College Park, Sophomore, Junior or Senior in the College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences, A. James Clark School of Engineering, or the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

Summer URP

• A full-time student attending one of the following schools" University System of Maryland Participant Schools (UMDCP, UMES, UMBC) Frostburg University, Towson University, any Community College in the State of Maryland and University of Puerto Rico
• ***Priority will be given to Community College students interested in transferring to UMDCP
• Rising Sophomore, Junior, or Senior UMDCP students must be in the College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences, A. James Clark School of Engineering, or the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Community College students must be majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) fields
• Undergraduate college students at the University of Puerto Rico (Mayaguez or Rio Piedras campuses) must be majoring in STEM fields
• U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8

Important Funding & Eligibility Notice
Please Note: For the current academic cycle, LSURF-URP is operating under a strategic funding mandate specifically for engineering. Consequently, eligibility is currently restricted to Engineering majors only.

As our funding portfolio adapts to the changing climate and we transition back to our traditional support structures, including the National Science Foundation (NSF), we anticipate reopening enrollment to the full spectrum of STEM disciplines (including CMNS and AGNR). We appreciate your understanding as we navigate this targeted funding phase.

Summer Application Opens in March!

Requirements:

1. Personal Essay Statement (500 words max.): Why should you be chosen as an LSURF Undergraduate Research Program participant? What are your expectations of the program? What are your academic and career goals, and how can the LSURF Undergraduate Research Program help you accomplish your goals?
2. Research Interests Statement (500 words max.): If you could conduct research in any area or on any topic, what would you choose? Include your motivation behind doing this research, how you would go about executing the research, and how this research would contribute to the scientific community? 
3. Two Letters of Recommendation: Each recommendation must be submitted separately from the online application by the recommender using the following link: Recommendation Form
4. Resume
5. Unofficial Transcript
6. Citizenship documentation (one of the following: Copy of US Birth Certificate, US Passport, or US Permanent Residency Card)
7. Summer 2026 Estimated Courseload List (if applicable)

*** Only complete applications will be considered

SUMMER APPLICATION LINK

Summer: Students will be given a $6,000 (taxable) stipend for research.

Fall & Spring: variable taxable stipend, above minimum wage per hour