UTC Undergraduate Research Work-Study program

Program Overview

The UR Work-Study Program is intended for UTC undergraduate students who hold a Federal Work-Study Award (FWS) or an Academic Service Scholars Program Award. The program requires a one-year commitment (fall and spring semesters). During the fall semester, program participants engage in research and professional development training. In spring, student scholars continue research activities, and present findings at the UTC Spring Research and Arts Conference.
The UR Work-Study program experience involves intensive research and career training to prepare students for graduate school, medical school, and professional careers. The program introduces students to the academic research culture through hands-on participation in research or creative projects, professional development training, and community building. Under the direction of faculty mentors and program administrators, student scholars engage in mentored-research activities, job training, and build skills for future professional endeavors. Students across all disciplines are encouraged to apply. Students with a strong desire to pursue research centered careers at the doctoral level are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Questions? Contact the URaCE Director, Dr. Lisa Piazza.

How It Works

The Undergraduate Research Work-Study program focuses on intensive, hands-on research work experience, and career training preparation. Students interested in gaining a competitive advantage for graduate school, medical school, and professional careers are encouraged to apply. Under the direction of faculty mentors and program administrators, student scholars complete a research project, participate in work and research training, and build skills for future professional endeavors. Students across all disciplines are encouraged to apply. Students with a strong desire to pursue research centered careers at the doctoral level are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Eligibility

This program is open to students who hold an FWS award OR an Academic Service Scholars Program award and will be enrolled for the 2025-2026 academic year (Fall 2025, Spring 2026). In addition, applicants must meet the following minimum eligibility criteria:

Federal Work Study Award Applicants:

• Must hold a FWS award for the 2025-2026 academic year (Fall 2025, Spring 2026).
• Be current, degree seeking undergraduate students in good academic and judicial standing.
• Must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours.
• Must maintain a minimum GPA requirement: 2.0

Academic Service Scholars Program Award Applicants:

• Must hold an Academic Service Scholars Program Award for the 2025-2026 academic year (Fall 2025, Spring 2026).
• Be current, degree seeking undergraduate students in good academic and judicial standing.
• Must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours.
• Must maintain a minimum GPA requirement: 3.0

*This eligibility criteria reflects the requirements for the 2024-2025 cycle and is subject to change. Finalized information regarding eligibility will be posted in Spring 2025.

How to Apply - Before Starting an Application

• Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements above.
• Make certain you are interested in a year-long, intensive research and job training experience.
• Should you be selected for the program, you must complete the hiring process in early August prior to the start of the fall 2025 semester. The Financial Aid Office will reach out in late summer to discuss this process.
• If you are selected for this program, you must be available to participate in program activities during the fall 2025 and spring 2026 semesters.

How to Apply

Steps in the application process.

1. Submit the program student application. Follow this link to submit an application.
2. Schedule a meeting with the Office for URaCE director. After you submit an application, you will be contacting by the Office for URaCE to schedule a meeting to discuss program responsibilities and expectations.
3. Interview with one or more UTC faculty who are hiring students for research. The Office for URaCE will coordinate these meetings.
4. Complete the Financial Aid URWSP position application in Job X in early August.

STEP ONE: Submit the URWSP Student Application Form

Application Materials
You will submit the three documents listed below with the application. Gather these documents before starting an application.

1. URWSP Interest Statement. Save the document as PDF or Microsoft Word file. Download and review the URWSP Interest Statement Guide. Statements that do not follow the criteria and instructions outlined in the application guide will not be reviewed.
2. A copy of your CV or Resume. Save the document as PDF or Microsoft Word file. Download the CV template.
3. Professional References List. Use this worksheet to record contact information for 2 professional references. Professional references may include high school teachers or counselors, UTC faculty, staff or academic advisors, or current or former supervisors.

Follow this link to submit an application.

STEP TWO: Schedule a meeting with the URWSP Director
After you submit an application, you will be contacting by the Office for URaCE to schedule a meeting  with the Office for URaCE Director, Dr. Lisa M. Piazza. During the meeting you will be provided with additional details about the program including participant expectations and responsibilities. You will also discuss your research preferences, and prospective research mentors.

STEP THREE: Interview with a prospective undergraduate research mentor(s). After you meet with Dr. Piazza, and it has been determined that you are a good candidate for the program, you will interview with one or more professors to discuss available positions.

STEP FOUR: Complete the Financial Aid URWSP position application in Job X. Once you have completed steps 1-4, and you have been invited to participate in the program, you will submit the UTC Financial Aid research campus job application (via the Job X system) .

2024-2025 Undergraduate Research Work-Study program Cohort

Excerpts from student reflection essays:

…the privilege to be involved in this program is giving me vital assistance to follow my passion for research and develop the skills necessary to excel at it, and connect to my campus community through my faculty.

Undergraduate research can be a monumental step for anyone interested in pursuing a career in research. It can help you focus on topics that interest you and also expose you to new things…It is important for developing skills and achieving early goals that will be utilized in future career paths.

… With my mentor’s invaluable perspectives, I can receive insights that will reinforce my strengths, weaknesses, and problematic areas of skill that I need to improve. I am looking forward to the wonderful journey ahead of me filled with all the uncertainties and intricacies that research entails. It will be one of the most remarkable experiences of my lifetime.

The opportunity to do research this early in my career will make me marketable to an employer. I am excited about this new learning experience as it  will push me to a competitive spot in my field of future work.

Being an undergraduate researcher to me, isn’t necessarily about trying to change the world, it’s about growing as a person and a professional. It means that I get to develop my own skills and get a leg up when it comes to my career.

This experience is more than just a job to me, it is a steppingstone toward a future career. I am honored to have been given this chance, and I am committed to making the most of it.

2023-2024 Undergraduate Research Work-Study program Cohort