Catalyst Research First
First-generation, 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 10 current undergraduates in their first semester at USD from all disciplines and schools in Fall 2026.
Eligibility
To be eligible to participate in Catalyst Research First you must...
- Be in your first semester at USD
- Be a first-generation college student
Benefits
- Part-time research assistantship during the spring semester of your first year: 6-10 hrs/wk for 14 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: Catalyst Research First
- 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 summer research if they are unable to do academic year research
Get a head start in undergraduate research!
How to Apply
Deadline: October 2, 2026
Students who apply for Catalyst Research First will be notified of acceptance into the program by October 30, 2026.
The application will ask the following questions (with 2500 character 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?
- Which opportunity are you interested in (select one)?
- Spring Semester + Summer Research: 10 hrs/wk + 1 unit course in spring semester + 10 weeks full-time summer research
- Summer Research: 10 weeks full-time summer research
- Select your top five research projects from the provided lists: