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Research Opportunities

Want a Research Project Right Now?

Email undergraduateresearch@wichita.edu

UReCA closes the Connect Database two weeks prior to the end of each semester. Students and faculty are welcome to complete surveys during this period; however, UReCA will not distribute Connect Database emails until the start of the following semester.

Connect Database will be unavailable during the following dates:

Closed: November 24, 2025 – Reopens: January 21, 2026

Closed: April 23, 2026 – Reopens: August 18, 2026

If you are seeking a research experience or need assistance connecting with student researchers, please contact undergraduateresearch@wichita.edu for support with any research-related needs.

Connect Database 

Step 1: Connect Survey

Faculty members and students fill out a short Qualtrics Connect Survey.

Step 2: Pairing

The UReCA Hub pairs faculty and students according to their research interests.

Step 3: Matching

The UReCA Hub will inform both the faculty and student via email of their match, and it is their responsibility to schedule an initial meeting.

Campus Research Programs:

FYRE

WSU’s First Year Research Experience (FYRE) program is open to ALL first-year students at Wichita State University. This includes transfer students in their first year as well as traditional freshmen, even those who may have enough credits to be considered a sophomore. Students need not be members of the Honors College but should have a strong interest in STEM fields. The FYRE in STEM program is open to all majors.

Ronald E. McNair Scholars

Wichita State University is proud to host the prestigious Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program, a federal TRIO Program 100% funded by the U.S. Department of Education. This project, also known as the McNair Scholars Program, was established in 1986 by the U.S. Department of Education. The Program identifies and prepares 28 eligible WSU students for graduate studies leading to the Ph.D. by providing research training and early scholarly experiences to high-achieving undergraduates. These experiences give students opportunities to define goals and develop critical skills needed for success at the doctoral level. The Program is named in honor of deceased NASA astronaut and Challenger space shuttle crewmember Ronald E. McNair, Ph.D. Wichita State's Program started in October 1995.

The Program offers research participation, scholarly experiences, and preparation for graduate school. Students are encouraged to pursue graduate study in preparation for careers as college-level professors and researchers. To be eligible for the program, students must meet the following criteria:

K-INBRE

In partnership with the National Institutes of Health, the Kansas Idea Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (K-INBRE) program is designed to inspire outstanding undergraduate students to pursue careers in biomedical research in the State of Kansas. Scholars are supported by grant position wages with an additional laboratory supply budget allocated to their mentor.

Engineering Research Laboratories

Wichita State University is well-equipped with research laboratories that allow students to keep up with the latest developments in their fields. Engineering faculty direct research laboratories where undergraduate and graduate students participate in local and nationally sponsored projects. Interested in completing Engineering Research? Click this link to view Engineering Research Laboratories at Wichita State University. 

LAS History Research

WSU History Department encourages respectful conversations about complicated issues, realizing that our discussions have roots in the past. Studying history allows us to better understand how the interactions have shaped our world today. The Faculty at the Department of History are also students; their research is intimately connected to the classes we teach. Interested in Historical Research? Click this link to learn more about recent projects. 

LAS Political Science Research

Student Research Assistantships are periodically available through faculty members within the department. These positions provide students with the opportunity to actively engage in faculty-led research projects and include a stipend. In some cases, students may also co-present research findings alongside their faculty mentor. Interested in Political Science research? Click this link to visit the department’s webpage.

External Research Programs:

Interested in research opportunities outside of Wichita State University?

STR

Scholars Transforming Through Research (STR) Program is a central focus of CUR’s advocacy efforts at the federal level. STR is a six-month professional development opportunity for undergraduate students and faculty/mentors interested in garnering communication and advocacy skills to leverage the impact of their undergraduate research experience by conveying their story to stakeholder groups such as funding agencies, association partners, elected officials, future employers, the community, and beyond. In addition to the advocacy training, the teams will have scheduled meetings with US government representatives.

Amgen Scholars Program

Amgen Scholars Program  is a national program aimed at increasing research opportunities for students committed to pursuing careers in the sciences.  Students conduct hands-on research in the lab alongside top faculty, participate in seminars and networking events, and take part in symposia with their peers and leading scientists. For information about eligibility, host institutions, and application deadlines, please click here. 

REU

The Research Experiences for Undergraduates program supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by the National Science Foundation. REU projects involve students in meaningful ways in ongoing research programs or in research projects specifically designed for the REU program. For information about eligibility, host institutions, and application deadlines, please click here.

CUR

Council on Undergraduate Research Undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative inquiry is fundamentally pedagogical approaches to teaching and learning. With an emphasis on process, CUR defines undergraduate research as: A mentored investigation or creative inquiry conducted by undergraduates that seeks to make a scholarly or artistic contribution to knowledge. 

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Scholars Program

Explore opportunities in exciting fields like:

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Nuclear Security
  • Energy Security
  • Cybersecurity
  • Environmental Management
  • Research, Technology and Economic Security
  • Emergency Response…and much more!

As a DOE Scholar, you will:

  • Dive into DOE’s mission, culture, and operations to see how your education and skills can make a difference.
  • Use your knowledge and abilities to contribute to projects that matter.
  • Build the skills and experience needed for careers in research, technology, science, and policy.
  • Learn about potential career paths and gain the knowledge and preparation needed to compete for future opportunities that support DOE’s mission and contribute to global innovation and competitiveness
  • Note: U.S. citizenship is required.

Participant Support:

  • Undergraduate student stipend: Minimum of $700 per week.
  • Graduate student and post-graduate stipend: Minimum of $750 per week.
  • Travel reimbursement: Up to $1,000 for participants living more than 50 miles one-way from their assigned hosting site.

The DOE Scholars Program offers multiple opportunities throughout the year to align with the needs and schedules of individual sponsoring offices. Each opportunity will include specific details regarding eligibility requirements, deadlines, and participating offices.

Consider applying to multiple opportunities!

https://orise.orau.gov/doescholars/applicants/current-opportunities.html

Learn More:

Visit https://orise.orau.gov/doescholars or contact doescholars@orise.orau.gov.

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