Catalyst Research First
First-generation, incoming first year and transfer students are invited to jump start their undergraduate career by applying to participate in Catalyst Research First. The comprehensive Catalyst Research First program provides students with the opportunity to engage in research, alongside a cohort of peers and mentors, for their first 2 academic years – equipping them with the confidence, skills, and relationships to thrive in their coursework and achieve their academic and career goals. The immersive experience of working closely with a faculty mentor right out of the gate, and collaborating with a team of peers with a diversity of lived experiences, allows students to build a wrap-around support system. Catalyst students will also have opportunities to present their research at national conferences, co-author peer-reviewed publications, and participate in professional development and social events to foster the skills, confidence and sense of belonging to excel in their undergraduate studies and beyond.
The program will accept 20 incoming undergraduates from all disciplines and schools.
Eligibility
To be eligible to participate in Catalyst Research First you must...
- Be an incoming first year or transfer student
- Be a first-generation college student
Benefits
- Part-time research assistantship during your first academic year: 6-10 hrs/wk for 28 wks, $20/hr*
- Full-time research experience during the summer after your first year: 40 hrs/wk, 10 wks, $6000 stipend, free campus housing*
- Participation in professional development events
- Participation in community-building events
- Enrollment in PHYS 294: Catalyzing College Success
- Conference travel funds: $1000
- Supplies for the project: $1000
- Eligibility to apply to continue the program for a 2nd year
*Students have the option to apply for only academic year research or only summer research if they are unable to do both
Get a head start in undergraduate research!
How to Apply
Priority Deadline: April 22, 2026
Regular Deadline: June 5, 2026
Students who apply for the Catalyst Research First by the priority deadline will be notified of acceptance to the program prior to the deposit deadline (May 1, 2026). Students who apply to the regular deadline will be notified of acceptance to the program by June 20, 2026.
The application will ask the following questions (with 500 word limits on responses):
- Why are you interested in participating in Catalyst Research First?
- What skills and lived experiences will you bring to the group?
- What are your career goals? How will the program help you achieve these goals?
- Select your top three fields of research interest from the list below:
- Which opportunity are you interested in (select one)?
- Academic Year + Summer Research: 10 hrs/wk + 1 unit course both semesters + 10 weeks full-time summer research
- Academic Year Research: 10 hrs/wk + 1 unit course both semesters
- Summer Research: 10 weeks full-time summer research