Program Overview
The Office of Undergraduate Research and Major Awards
The Office of Undergraduate Research and Major Awards offers various programs to support undergraduate research and academic excellence.
OURMA Programs
- Houston Early Research Experience (HERE)
- Houston Scholars
- Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)
- Provost's Undergraduate Research Scholarship (PURS)
- Energy Scholars Program
- Mellon Research Scholars Program
- Research for Aspiring Coogs in the Humanities (REACH)
- FrameWorks
- Undergraduate Research Travel Fellowship
Programs
HERE
The Houston Early Research Experience (HERE) program is designed to provide undergraduate students with hands-on research experience in small groups led by a faculty mentor. Each year, the program focuses on a specific theme.
HERE Cohorts
- 2025: Clutch City Sports
The 2025 HERE program topic is "Clutch City Sports". Students will develop a research proposal for a topic or problem related to the overarching program theme, including sports medicine, economic and cultural impacts, infrastructure and stadium design, ethics and diplomacy, technological innovations, and more.
- Faculty Mentors: Gulin Aksu, Dan Burleson, Marc Hanke, Kelly Hopkins, Nick Jacobsen, Rita Sharp, Marina Trninic, Lesli Vollrath
- 2024: Space City Houston
Houston has a rich legacy of space exploration, research, and industry. Students will develop a research proposal for a topic or problem related to the overarching program theme, including diplomacy and ethics, advancements in exploration, commercialization and privatization, sustainability, exploration narratives and science communication, sociocultural impacts, and more.
- Faculty Mentors: Gulin Aksu, Dan Burleson, Marc Hanke, Kelly Hopkins, Nick Jacobsen, Rita Sharp, Marina Trninic, Lesli Vollrath
- 2023: Food Systems: Culture, Security, and Sustainability
The 2023 HERE program focused on the topic Food Systems: Culture, Security & Sustainability. Students developed a research proposal related to a contemporary topic or problem, with themes ranging from diversity and culture, sustainability, food industries, food insecurity, and more.
- Faculty Mentors: Christiana Chang, Marc Hanke, Kelly Hopkins, Olivia Johnson, Abdul Khan, Marsha Kowal, Marina Trninic, Lesli Vollrath
- 2022: Energy: Where Does Houston Go from Here?
2022's theme was Energy: Where Does Houston Go From Here? Students explored the challenges and opportunities associated with the rapid changes affecting Houston's relationship to energy. In small groups led by a faculty mentor, students developed research proposals related to a contemporary problem, with topics ranging from energy sustainability, poor infrastructure, alternative fuels, environmental justice, and more.
- Faculty Mentors: Dan Burleson, Charles Becker, Christiana Chang, Marc Hanke, Kelly Hopkins, Olivia Johnson, Rita Sirrieh, Marina Trninic
- 2021: Inequality
For the 2021 program, students examined various aspects of inequality in Houston. Students explored the challenges and opportunities associated with the rapid changes affecting the city. In small groups led by a faculty mentor, students developed research proposals related to a contemporary problem, with topics ranging from income disparity, poor infrastructure, lack of access to affordable healthcare, racial discrimination, and more.
- Faculty Mentors: Charles Becker, Christiana Chang, Marc Hanke, Kelly Hopkins, Stacey Louie, Monique Mills, Rita Sirrieh, Lesli Vollrath
- 2020: Urbanization
For the 2020 program, students examined various aspects of urbanization, including infrastructure, policy, demographic patterns, emergency preparedness, and the long-term impacts on affected communities.
- Faculty Mentors: Marc Hanke, Rita Sirrieh, Lesli Vollrath, Kelly Hopkins, Charles Becker, Christiana Chang, Amin Kiaghadi
Other Programs
- Houston Scholars
- Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)
- Provost's Undergraduate Research Scholarship (PURS)
- Energy Scholars Program
- Mellon Research Scholars Program
- Research for Aspiring Coogs in the Humanities (REACH)
- FrameWorks
- Undergraduate Research Travel Fellowship
Undergraduate Research Day
The Undergraduate Research Day is an event where students can present their research projects.
About
The Undergraduate Research Day is an opportunity for students to showcase their research projects and receive feedback from faculty and peers.
Present at URD
Students can present their research projects at the Undergraduate Research Day.
Honors Thesis
The Honors Thesis is a research project that students can undertake to demonstrate their academic excellence.
About
The Honors Thesis is a research project that allows students to demonstrate their academic excellence and showcase their research skills.
How to Apply
Students can apply for the Honors Thesis program by following the application process.
College-Specific Information
Each college has its own specific requirements and guidelines for the Honors Thesis program.
Timeline
The Honors Thesis program has a specific timeline that students must follow.
Defense and Graduation
Students must defend their Honors Thesis and meet the graduation requirements to complete the program.
Forms
Students can access the necessary forms for the Honors Thesis program.
Information for Thesis Directors
Thesis directors can find information and resources to support their students in the Honors Thesis program.
Thesis Awards
The Honors Thesis program offers awards for outstanding research projects.
Fellowships
The Fellowships program provides students with opportunities for research and academic excellence.
About
The Fellowships program provides students with opportunities for research and academic excellence.
Apply for Awards
Students can apply for fellowships and awards to support their research projects.
Fellowship & Award Recipients
The Fellowship program recognizes and rewards outstanding students who have received fellowships and awards.
Outstanding Fellowship Mentor Awards
The Outstanding Fellowship Mentor Awards recognize faculty members who have demonstrated exceptional mentorship and support for their students.
National Honor Societies
The National Honor Societies recognize and reward academic excellence and achievement.
Faculty Resources
The Faculty Resources program provides faculty members with support and resources to mentor and guide their students.
About
The Faculty Resources program provides faculty members with support and resources to mentor and guide their students.
Undergraduate Research Mentor Awards
The Undergraduate Research Mentor Awards recognize faculty members who have demonstrated exceptional mentorship and support for their students.
List Your Research Opportunity
Faculty members can list their research opportunities to attract students to their projects.
Poster and Easel Reservation
Faculty members can reserve posters and easels to showcase their students' research projects.
Alumni
The Alumni program provides opportunities for alumni to stay connected and engaged with the university.
About
The Alumni program provides opportunities for alumni to stay connected and engaged with the university.
Alumni Spotlights
The Alumni Spotlights recognize and showcase the achievements and successes of alumni.
Publications with Undergrad Co-Authors
The Publications with Undergrad Co-Authors recognize and showcase the research achievements of students and faculty members.