Undergraduate Research Ambassadors

About Us

What is an Undergraduate Research Ambassador? 

Undergraduate Research Ambassadors (URAs) help students find research opportunities that fit their interests, time, and needs. URAs give workshops and  presentations about research opportunities, first steps in finding research, scientific communication, and other skills that are important for getting started in research. These workshops and presentations can be presented to any club, class, and/or event and are available upon request. URAs also provide one-on-one support to students who would like individualized help in exploring possibilities, communicating with a research mentor, sharing their research ideas, or preparing an application for a research program.

How can I individually meet with an URA?

There are many ways for undergraduate students to receive one-and-one support from URAs at any step of their research journey:

  1. Sign up for a 1:1 meeting! Schedule your appointment through Handshake20-minute virtual appointments are offered Monday - Friday from 5:00 - 6:00 PM AZ Time for this summer. 
  2. Visit us in-person! URAs are located at SECD'S Alcove - Bear Down Building Rm 306. No in-person walk-in hours are offered during the summer. Check back for the Fall 2024 semester!
  3. Send an email! Write any questions, thoughts, or concerns to undergradresearch@arizona.edu.
  4. Check out other SECD resources! The Student Engagement & Career Development (SECD) also provides individualized support on preparing your resume, CV, or cover letter for any applications through Lifelab, which is in Bear Down Building Rm 264 from 12-5PM Monday to Friday!

How do I request a workshop/presentation for my group?

URAs will present to any student clubs, groups, or classrooms on any of the topics listed below: 

  1. Introduction to Research/Finding Research Opportunities
  2. Breaking Down the Walls: Busting the Myths about Research
  3. How to use your Federal Work-Study Benefit to Create your own Paid Research Experience
  4. Communicating with Faculty About Your Research Interests
  5. Dealing with Imposter Syndrome
  6. Communicating your Research: Posters, PowerPoints, and Oral Presentations
  7. Student Researcher Panels
  8. Custom Undergraduate Research Workshop

For more information on each topic listed, please visit our Workshops for Students resources. Invite us to present for your group today!


Meet the 2024-25 Undergraduate Research Ambassador Team!

Desiree Nguyen

Lead Undergraduate Research Ambassador

Neuroscience & Cognitive Science (Neurobiology Emphasis), Psychological Sciences, and Molecular & Cellular Biology Major

undergradresearch@arizona.edu

Peniella Irakoza

Undergraduate Research Ambassador

Microbiology Major

undergradresearch@arizona.edu

Mariam Rana

Undergraduate Research Ambassador

Physiology & Medical Sciences and Public Health Major, Leadership Studies & Practice Minor

undergradresearch@arizona.edu

Soleil Robinson

Undergraduate Research Ambassador

Biochemistry Major, Spanish Minor

undergradresearch@arizona.edu

Simi Saha

Undergraduate Research Ambassador

Computer Science Major, Mathematics Minor

undergradresearch@arizona.edu

Lexi Vance

Undergraduate Research Ambassador

Environmental Sciences Major (Soil, Air, Water Emphasis), Microbiology Minor

undergradresearch@arizona.edu