Apply to be an Undergraduate Research Ambassador

The goal of the program is to help represent 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 program is a volunteer opportunity. Ambassadors will help raise the awareness of and represent undergraduate research at their home campus to fellow undergraduates, faculty and staff, and alumni.

Eligibility

• Full-time Penn State undergraduate in good academic standing
• Overall grade point average of 3.0 or greater
• Ability to commit to the program for the 2021-2022 academic year
• Participation in undergraduate research or creative activity for at least two semesters OR one full summer
• Interest and ability in sharing their research experience at Penn State
• Willingness to learn about Penn State’s undergraduate research landscape
• Effective public speaking and communication skills
• Ability to provide an encouraging, supportive environment for culturally diverse students

Responsibilities

• Undergraduate Research Ambassadors should have a passion for promoting undergraduate research at Penn State and helping other students pursue undergraduate research and creative activity.
• New Ambassadors will meet Wednesdays, October 20 - November 17, 2021 from 4 - 5:30 PM Eastern via Zoom Web Conferencing for training. New Ambassadors are expected to attend at least four of the five training sessions.

Responsibilities throughout the school year include, but are not limited to the following:

• Meeting individually with fellow undergraduates to help peers in getting involved with research on campus
• Participating in panel discussions and other events
• Visiting classes and student organizations to share their experience with undergraduate research, such as when they got involved, how they found their research mentor, and what research can look like

Application Process

Interested students must submit an online application by 11:59 PM Eastern on August 31, 2021.

A completed application consists of the following:

• Background information
• Cover letter
• Current resume or CV
• Unofficial transcript
• One letter of recommendation from a research mentor that speaks to the student’s experience as a researcher and student leader. Mentors must email the office directly with their letters (urfm@psu.edu).

Questions may be directed to the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships Mentoring at 814-863-8199 or urfm@psu.edu