Undergraduate Research Ambassadors

Penn State's Undergraduate Research Ambassadors are a team of undergraduate students who bring diverse experience in research and creative activity across various academic disciplines within the Penn State community. From the humanities and social sciences to business, visual and performing arts, and STEM fields, our Ambassadors serve as mentors and leaders, guiding peers who seek to engage with research and creative endeavors on campus. This volunteer position presents an exceptional opportunity for student leaders to foster a vibrant community of student researchers while honing essential professional skills, including interpersonal communication, leadership, teamwork, public speaking, and time management. Undergraduate students in their second year and above are eligible to apply.

If you would like to have a research ambassador visit your class or student organization, please submit a request form. 

  • Full-time enrollment status as a second-year undergraduate student or above at Penn State across all majors and campuses 
  • Maintaining a minimum overall grade point average of 3.0 
  • Experience assisting or conducting research at the college level
  • Interest in and ability to effectively communicate about your research experience at Penn State

Our program equips Ambassadors with the tools and support to promote undergraduate research at Penn State and assist fellow undergraduates in navigating research opportunities. Responsibilities include:  

  • Committing to a full academic year or longer  
  • Attendance at mandatory monthly meetings 
  • Leading a minimum of two presentations, events, or webinars per semester  

As an ambassador, specific responsibilities include:  

  • Participation in new ambassador orientation 
  • Shadowing returning ambassadors' presentations and advising appointments 
  • Providing weekly two-hour one-on-one peer advising sessions for undergraduate students   
  • Leading and developing events such as tabling, classroom visits, workshops, exhibitions, and information sessions to promote undergraduate research 

Mandatory orientation for the Ambassadors program will be offered in the fall, typically during the second week of the semester. Ambassadors are expected to attend at least three out of four monthly meetings, with further details provided during orientation. 

Join us in fostering a culture of curiosity, innovation, and collaboration through undergraduate research at Penn State. Apply now to become an Undergraduate Research Ambassador and contribute to the academic community's growth and success! 

Undergraduate Research Ambassador Application

Applications are administered through Google Forms and require the following materials: 

  • Contact information for one research mentor who can speak about your research experiences 
    • URFM will contact your recommenders as part of the application process. 
  • Curriculum vitae or resume  
  • One 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 Undergraduate Research Ambassador help you prepare for your goals? 

Completed applications from all campus students must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on Friday, April 19th, 2024. 

Current URFM Ambassadors