As the 2026–2027 UCARE cycle approaches, the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships invites faculty to post project opportunities and attend an upcoming virtual information session on Nov. 4 from 9-10 a.m. Whether you're a seasoned UCARE mentor or exploring the program for the first time, now is the perfect time to connect with students seeking hands-on learning and mentorship.
Through UCARE, undergraduate students gain career-relevant skills, build meaningful mentor relationships, and deepen their understanding of research and creative inquiry. This summer, senior UCARE participants Anna Newcome and Tyler Babica led independent research projects — Newcome in plant genetics and Babica in soil health — with faculty mentors Professor Jeff Mower and Professor Humberto Blanco, respectively. Newcome reflected that UCARE allowed her to take full ownership of project design, troubleshooting, and analysis, while Babica progressed toward first-author publication under mentorship. Both scholars plan to continue their education in graduate school.
UCARE provides financial support through stipends or Federal Work-Study funding, available to full-time students with a minimum GPA of 2.75. UCARE proposals are student-authored, with mentors playing a pivotal role by offering project guidance, proposal feedback, and ongoing support throughout the full UCARE cycle.
The Nov. 4 information session will focus on the upcoming application cycle, including recent application trends, insights into proposal competitiveness, and outreach tips for engaging potential undergraduate researchers. You’ll also hear suggestions for supporting both individual and team-based proposals. Whether you’re a longtime UCARE mentor or brand new to the program, all are welcome. The session will be recorded and posted on the UCARE website.
UCARE accepts applications annually between mid-November and mid-February, with the deadline for the next cycle on Feb. 10. Students eager to participate can find detailed application information on the online, along with current project listings and tips for crafting successful proposals. They can also make an advising appointment with Kali Patterson to discuss the program and application process in detail.
Contact the UCARE team at unl.ucare@nebraska.edu with any questions. Join us in continuing to foster a spectacular culture of undergraduate research and creative activity in Nebraska and beyond.
More details at: https://uraf.unl.edu