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. This volunteer position is a great opportunity to be part of a community of student researchers while mentoring peers who are looking to engage with research and creative activity on campus. Ambassadors develop professional, interpersonal, communication and leadership competencies, while strengthening resume-building skills such as 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.
Eligibility
- Full-time undergraduate student, second year and above, in good academic standing
- Overall grade point average of 3.0 or greater
- Experience assisting or conducting research at the college level
- Interest in and ability to share about your research experience at Penn State
- Able to dedicate at least one full academic year to the program
Responsibilities
This program offers a chance for Ambassadors to promote undergraduate research at Penn State and assist undergraduate students in finding research opportunities. Research Ambassadors will be representing the URFM office and:
- Must commit to a full academic year or more
- Must attend four events per semester and mandatory monthly meetings
- Must lead at least one presentation, event, or workshop per semester
As a Research Ambassador, responsibilities include:
- Attending training sessions include shadowing the current ambassadors’ presentations and advising appointments
- Providing one-on-one peer advising for students to get involved in research, find research opportunities, and understand the benefits of participation
- Leading and developing events such as tabling, classroom visits, workshops, and information sessions regarding undergraduate research
- Participating in the Undergraduate Exhibition in the spring
The total time commitment for a Research Ambassador is approximately 6-8 hours per month. This includes peer advising appointments, trainings, presentations, and events.
Become an Ambassador
Mandatory meetings for the Ambassadors program will be offered in the fall and spring semesters. For the 23-24 academic year, a mandatory orientation training will be conducted during the week of September 11, and monthly meetings will follow until the last week of November. Participants are required to attend at least four events per semester and monthly meetings. Details will be further discussed at the orientation.
Applications for the upcoming year are NOW OPEN and include the following materials:
- Online application
- Current version of applicant's résumé or CV
- One letter of recommendation from your research mentor
- Research mentors should send their recommendation letters directly to the URFM office at urfm@psu.edu.
- One page cover letter that addresses the following questions:
- What strengths and experiences would 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?
Completed applications must be submitted by 12:00 PM (noon) Eastern on Monday, September 4, 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.
