Undergraduate Research
NSM offers a wide range of research opportunities for undergraduates at all levels. NSM students conduct research all over campus, as well as at the Texas Medical Center, the UH Coastal Center, and in industry labs. From programming computers, to pure and applied mathematics, to extended field work, wet lab experiments, and even marine research in the Galápagos Islands, NSM students gain valuable experiences that prepare them for medical school, graduate school, and their careers. Many NSM students spend multiple years working with a faculty mentor. NSM and the University offer competitive scholarships to support student researchers.
Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)
The National Science Foundation and NSM offer opportunities for qualified undergraduates to conduct 10 weeks of focused research, after their freshman year, under direct supervision of a faculty member. Stipends are provided. Interested students should apply through the appropriate department.
UH Office of Undergraduate Research
The UH Office of Undergraduate Research provides many additional opportunities for undergraduate students.
The PURS Program
The Provost’s Undergraduate Research Scholarship (PURS) program is a semester-long research program for juniors and seniors that provides a $1,000 scholarship. Throughout the semester, the scholars conduct about seven hours per week of research, which is mentored by a faculty member.
The SURF Program
The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program is a full-time summer research program that provides a $3,500 stipend to students from all disciplines. The 10-week program also includes a weekly lecture series that all SURF participants attend.
Houston Early Research Experience
The Houston Early Research Experience (HERE) is a two-week workshop in May intended to orient rising sophomore and junior undergraduates to the fundamentals of conducting research. UH faculty members and instructors will lead the seminars. HERE students receive a $1,000 fall scholarship for their involvement, and an invitation to join the Houston Scholars program in the fall semester.
Albert Schweitzer Junior Fellowship
The Albert Schweitzer Junior Fellowship is a nine-month mentorship and service program focused on community health and leadership development. Junior Fellows will work with a community partner to identify unmet health care needs in the local community and develop a service project to address those needs. Additionally, Junior Fellows receive a $1,000 grant to fund their service project.
Senior Honors Thesis Program
The Office of Undergraduate Research, under the governance of The Honors College, also administers the Senior Honors Thesis program. The thesis program is a capstone program for graduating seniors from all disciplines, and allows participants to graduate with an honors distinction.