First Year Research Experience Applications Open!

First Year Research Experience Applications Open!

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. Moreover, research engagement advances students’ career development, strengthens communication and teamwork, fosters curiosity and initiative, and enhances technical abilities.

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 First Year Research Experience (FYRE) Program matches incoming first-year undergraduate students with faculty mentors who have projects appropriate to support first-year student learning.

FYRE projects require little to no prior coursework in the major field. In fact, FYRE research may be used to complete experiential learning courses, allowing students to get a head start on degree requirements. Moreover, some FYRE applicants may qualify for hourly paid positions, if the student has a federal work-study award (a type of need-based financial aid) or is a member of the TRIO Student Support Services program.

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. For details on how to apply, please visit the FYRE website, or contact ucare@unl.edu for support.

More details at: https://uraf.unl.edu/undergraduate-research/first-year-research-experience/