Penn State's Undergraduate Research Ambassadors are a team of students with experience in undergraduate research and creative activity in various multi-disciplinary academic fields throughout the Penn State community, from humanities and social sciences to business to visual and performing arts to STEM.
If you would like to have a research ambassador visit your class or student organization, please submit a request form.
Eligibility
- Full-time Penn State second- or third-year undergraduate in good academic standing
- Overall grade point average of 3.0 or greater
- Experience assisting or conducting research at the college level for at least two semesters OR one full summer
- Interest in and ability to share about your research experience at Penn State
- Ability to commit to a full academic year or more
- Ability to participate in the Undergraduate Exhibition in the spring
Responsibilities
This program is a volunteer opportunity. Candidates should have a passion for promoting undergraduate research at Penn State and helping students connect with various research opportunities. Ambassadors are expected to attend five out of the six meetings each semester and participate in the Undergraduate Exhibition in the spring.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
- One-on-one peer advising to help students get involved in research, find research opportunities, and understand the benefits of becoming involved
- Participating in panel discussions and other events
- Developing and leading information sessions and workshops
- Visiting classes and student organizations to describe research opportunities
Ambassadors will help to represent undergraduate research at events coordinated by URFM and by their home units.
Become an Ambassador
Mandatory training for the Ambassadors program will be offered in the fall. Training will be conducted Thursday evenings from 5 - 6 PM, beginning the week of October 10 and concluding the week of November 14. Participants are expected to attend at least five of the six meetings.
Applications are administered through Qualtrics and include the following materials. Research mentors are expected to send their letters directly to the URFM office (urfm@psu.edu).
- Online survey
- 1-2 page cover letter that addresses the following questions:
- What strengths and experiences do you bring to the Undergraduate Research Ambassadors program?
- What are your educational and career goals?
- How will serving as an Ambassador help you prepare for your goals?
- Current version of résumé or CV
- 1 letter of recommendation from your research mentor
Completed applications from campus and World Campus students must be submitted by 12:00 PM (noon) Eastern on Monday, September 4th, 2023.
Current Ambassadors
Hover over a photo to learn more about an ambassador's research interests or click on a photo to learn more about an ambassador's research journey and to schedule a peer advising appointment with them through email or Starfish.
