First-year and transfer students often assume research is something to pursue “later,” but starting early can help students build confidence and momentum from the start. Early exploration helps demystify research and shows that discovery and creative inquiry are for students at every stage.
Research involvement introduces students to hands-on learning beyond the classroom, strengthens critical thinking and communication skills, and connects coursework to real-world questions. Early research experiences can also foster meaningful mentoring relationships with faculty, staff, and peers—connections that support sense of belongingness, persistence and success, especially during the transition to a new campus.
At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the Office of Undergraduate Research & Fellowships (https://uraf.unl.edu) empowers and guides Husker undergraduates in their pursuit of meaningful research experiences. Our programs include two campuswide undergraduate research programs for all majors -- the signature Undergraduate Creative Activities & Research Experiences (UCARE) program, and the First Year Research Experience (FYRE) program.
The First Year Research Experience (FYRE) Program (https://uraf.unl.edu/undergraduate-research/first-year-research-experience/) supports full-time, degree-seeking, first-year students with opportunities to gain meaningful experience on an entry-level research or creative project. FYRE students are matched with faculty mentors who have projects appropriate to support first-year student learning, requiring little to no prior coursework in the major field.
For incoming 2026-27 first years, two types of FYRE participation are available:
Paid FYRE employment experiences may be arranged for students who would like to support a research or creative activities job with Federal Work Study awards (a type of financial aid) or funding from the TRIO/Student Support Services program.
Unpaid FYRE research or creative activities may also be arranged for students who would like to enroll in a for-credit or zero-credit course meeting Experiential Learning requirements for degree completion.
To support their learning and success, both paid and unpaid FYRE participants have access to the same services at the Office of Undergraduate Research & Fellowships, including:
- Matching services (e.g. staff match incoming students with an appropriate mentor and project)
- Monthly research skills or professional development workshops
- Personalized advising services
- Presentation opportunities
- Monthly newsletters for FYRE student researchers
FYRE begins recruitment each summer, alongside New Student Enrollment. The FYRE application is open annually from early June through mid-July. For the Fall 2026 FYRE cohort, the student application deadline is July 15, 2026.
New transfer students and continuing students may also be interested in the Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Experience (UCARE) program (https://uraf.unl.edu/undergraduate-research/ucare-undergraduate-research/). UCARE is a paid opportunity to work alongside a world-class UNL faculty mentor and conduct cutting-edge research that will shape the future of Nebraska and beyond. UCARE student applicants write a proposal to conduct a research or creative project under the guidance of a faculty mentor.
Students may apply to UCARE annually from mid-November to mid-February, and results are announced annually in mid-to-late April. There is only one application cycle each year, whether students want to do a UCARE project in summer, fall, or spring.
New students who plan to pursue application to UCARE next spring should aim to earn a 2.75+ GPA, and complete at least 30 credit hours of undergraduate work by May 2027. Moreover, application to the program is competitive, especially in recent years. Advisors can encourage interested students to develop a competitive applicant profile. New students can use their first-year coursework to identify questions or issues in their fields of interest and build relationships with faculty in their area of interest.
Current UCARE Scholars are encouraged to speak with advisors about opportunities to receive experiential learning credit for their undergraduate research experiences.
Advisors should also be aware that, while the Office of Undergraduate Research & Fellowships coordinates the UCARE and FYRE programs specifically, there are many other ways for Husker undergraduates to engage in research on or off-campus. To help students navigate their options, our team curates a list of other opportunities on our website (https://uraf.unl.edu/undergraduate-research/other-opportunities/). UNL staff may email ucare@unl.edu to list new or additional UNL-affiliated programs.
New or continuing students with questions about undergraduate research opportunities are welcome to book an advising appointment (https://uraf.unl.edu/about/advising-appointments/).
Whether students are exploring a future career, considering graduate study, or simply seeking deeper engagement in their education, undergraduate research can help them develop purpose and direction. Advisors can make a lasting impact by encouraging students to begin exploring these opportunities early.
More details at: https://uraf.unl.edu