College of Letters & Science Research Opportunities
Faculty Research Assistance Program (FRAP)
The Faculty Research Assistance Program (FRAP) allows undergraduates to gain valuable research experience, work with leading UCSB researchers, and simultaneously earn academic credit through special research assistance courses, 99/99RA or 199/199RA. If you are interested in FRAP, please visit the FRAP Directory. This directory provides relevant information about current research projects, the faculty and senior researchers conducting their research, and academic or other preparations necessary to participate in these projects.
http://www.duels.ucsb.edu/research/frap
Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Grant (URCA)
The Office of Undergraduate Education encourages undergraduate students conducting independent research projects or creative activities to apply for funding to support these efforts. The funding for Undergraduate Research and Creative Actvities (URCA) grants comes from university, federal, and private sources and is intended to cover a project’s expenses, including research-related domestic travel. To qualify for an URCA grant, you must meet the general requirements described via the website below and submit a completed proposal online by the application deadline. The maximum award is $750 per project. If you receive an URCA grant, you will be expected to present your work at the Undergraduate Research Colloquium in May. If you are unavailable during the event or do not submit an entry for the Colloquium, we require a report on the progress and outcomes of your research of no less than 10 pages.
Undergraduate Research Colloquium
The Office of Undergraduate Education invites UCSB undergraduate students to present their research project or creative activity at the campus-wide Undergraduate Research Colloquium. Held annually, this poster and creative exhibition recognizes the scholarly achievements of undergraduates and offers an opportunity to share their hard work with the campus and community members. Undergraduates at any level who are enrolled at UCSB at the time of the Colloquium will be considered. Work presented may be completed or ongoing projects from that current academic year. All Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) and Transfer Student Research Award (TSRA) grant recipients must present at this event, or at the Undergraduate Research Slam.
http://www.duels.ucsb.edu/research/colloquium
Undergraduate Research Slam
The Undergraduate Research Slam offers students the chance to give dynamic, 3-minute oral presentations of their research or creative activity to a panel of judges. All UCSB undergraduates participating in research during the current academic year are eligible. The top 3 students will earn research awards ranging from $1500-$2500.
https://urca.ucsb.edu/urca-week
Other Research Opportunities
As a public research university, UCSB is committed to providing a variety of research opportunities for our undergraduate student population. Explore other research-related programs and endeavors across campus through the website provided below. The Office of Undergraduate Education also encourages students to visit their departmental faculty and TA's during office hours to establish a solid foundation and interest in pursuing research efforts.