This advice is a bit more UCSB-specific, but many universities offer similar programs, funding opportunities, and grants under different names. Be sure to explore what resources are available at your own institution, as there may be comparable opportunities to support your research and professional development.

Grants (UCSB Specific, but similar grants can exist at your institution!)

• URCA Grant
  • This is one of UCSB’s primary undergraduate research grants, designed to provide up to $750 in funding for an individual student-led project. It is a fantastic opportunity to take ownership of your own research, gain hands-on experience, and develop skills in project management, scientific communication, and presenting your work to a broader audience.
  • Students who receive the grant are able to showcase their research during URCA Week in May through a variety of formats, including poster presentations, oral presentations, research slams, and demonstrations. Applications are typically due toward the end of November, with decisions announced around the end of fall quarter finals week. If selected, students are expected to work on their projects throughout the winter and spring quarters leading up to the presentation period.
  • While this is an individual project grant, you are not expected to complete the work entirely on your own. Many students continue existing research projects and work closely with graduate student mentors or faculty advisors throughout the process. The goal of the grant is to encourage meaningful engagement with your research, while helping you develop skills such as proposal writing, scientific storytelling, and effectively communicating your work to different audiences.
  • This experience is especially valuable because strong science communication is an essential skill for future fellowship, internship, graduate school, and job applications. Students can apply for this grant annually, and group projects may also be eligible for additional funding depending on the number of team members involved. Many students also use this opportunity to support and showcase their senior thesis research.
• Gene and Susan Lucas Undergraduate Fund
  • This is a wonderful opportunity for first-generation STEM students who are looking for additional financial support to pursue research experiences. This fund was established in honor of Executive Vice Chancellor Lucas’s retirement and provides students with both funding support and an opportunity to build community with other undergraduate researchers.
  • Students can apply twice a year—once in the fall and once in the spring for summer research funding. The award can support a variety of research-related expenses, including student stipends, materials and supplies, and travel costs associated with attending conferences.
  • Recipients also have the opportunity to share their experiences through an oral presentation in May, where they discuss the impact that the research opportunity had on their academic and professional growth. Overall, this is a great resource for students looking to expand their research involvement while receiving financial support and mentorship along the way.
• SACNAS Career Pathways
  • The Career Pathways Program provides undergraduate students with funding to pursue career and professional development opportunities, including scientific conferences, graduate school visits, job shadowing experiences, and other career-related events. Selected UCSB students may receive up to $1,200 in support throughout their undergraduate experience to help expand their academic and professional pathways. This grant is reviewed on a rolling basis!
• Hanson Family Conference Travel Grant
  • The Hanson Family Conference Travel Grant is a great opportunity for undergraduate researchers looking for financial support to present their work at academic conferences. The grant provides up to $1,000 in funding for eligible conference-related expenses and is awarded to one student each quarter. The one caveat is that the grant's timing is a bit awkward because it requires you to have been accepted to an upcoming conference before applying.

Fellowships

Long-term Training Fellowships: I won't go into these programs in too much detail, but they are excellent opportunities for undergraduate researchers at UCSB. In addition to providing financial support, they offer valuable mentorship, professional development, and a built-in community of peers who can help you feel more supported throughout your research journey. I highly recommend looking into these programs and applying if you are eligible.

Application timelines vary by program, but many have deadlines around February, so it's a good idea to start researching opportunities early.

• NIH-MARC
• CIRM
• Beckman Scholars Program

External

• Yale PATHS: This 10-month virtual program provides undergraduate students and recent graduates pursuing MD, MD/PhD, or PhD programs in the biomedical sciences with valuable resources, training, mentorship, and support as they prepare for the next steps in their academic journeys. One of the most meaningful parts of the experience is being individually matched with a graduate student mentor whose background and interests align with your goals. I am incredibly grateful for this mentorship component, as my mentor was one of the most thoughtful and inspiring people I have met. They provided invaluable guidance, shared their experiences, and offered advice that helped me feel more confident and supported throughout the process. The program does an excellent job of creating meaningful mentor matches based on each student’s background and goals.

  • Application cycle is typically in spring quarter!

• Stanford AUI: This was one of my favorite programs I participated in as an undergraduate. Beyond learning about the PhD application process, I gained a supportive community and built friendships that I still maintain today. I also found mentors through this program who continue to be a source of guidance and support as I navigate my academic journey.

  • Marco is an incredible mentor who was truly invested in my success and took the time to understand my goals and experiences. I am very grateful to still have the opportunity to connect with them and receive advice along the way. The personalized mentorship was one of the strongest parts of the program — we were matched with a PL who provided individualized CV feedback, conducted mock PhD interviews, and offered guidance tailored to our own paths. This experience gave me valuable preparation, confidence, and a network of people who continue to support me.

• PhD Preview: Generally, these programs are designed to give prospective applicants a better understanding of what each school offers within the specific program they are applying to. They also provide an opportunity to interact with faculty members, current students, and sometimes admissions staff. Most are fully funded, 2–3 day visits that introduce participants to the campus, curriculum, resources, and overall community.

  If you're interested in attending one of these programs, be sure to research them early. Applications are typically due in June or July, as the visits usually take place in early fall. This timing allows students to explore campuses and learn more about each program before finalizing their application plans for the upcoming admissions cycle.

  You can typically find these opportunities by searching for your program of interest followed by "Preview Day," "Preview Weekend," or "Visit Program." Another great way to stay informed is by following Danielle Amaegbo on LinkedIn, who regularly shares preview weekends, application deadlines, and other graduate school opportunities and resources for prospective students.

  • Some Examples:
    • Princeton Mol Bio
      • Great opportunity to also present your research during the department's retreat!
    • Yale GSAS
    • HILS Preview Weekend