Resources for Finding Research Opportunities

Handshake

Handshake.com is a great resource for UC Davis students to find jobs and internships. Visit the website here to start searching for available opportunities!

UC Davis Departments

• Undergraduate Research Center
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  The URC is a great place for students to start thinking about research! You can visit the URC at the Student Community Center on campus, or view the website here. Their services include: advising, information sessions and workshops, funding, programming and conferences.
• Career Center
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  The Career Center can help students explore their career interests and offers appointments with many skilled career advisors. Explore the Career Center website here.
• Global Learning Hub
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  Visit the Global Learning Hub's site here to learn more about abroad and remote internship and research opportunities.

Research Institutes

• California National Primate Research Center

• California National Primate Research Center's mission is to help humans and animals live longer, healthier lives through scientific advances and discovery. The center aims to be a valuable and trusted resource for the greater biomedical research community.

  The center offers opportunities for undergraduate students to be part of its research through many UC Davis portals. Check their website to learn more about the research opportunities dedicated to undergraduates.

• Perinatal Origins of Disparity (POD) Center
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  The Perinatal Origins of Disparities Center brings together behavioral science and technology research to better understand – and ultimately intervene in – prenatal and early life factors that affect later life health, specifically factors that are disproportionately present in disadvantaged communities. 

• UC Davis Center for Mind and Brain
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  The Center for Mind and Brain (CMB) is devoted to supporting the collaborative work of world-class scientists from a broad spectrum of disciplines encompassing divergent social, biological, computational and medical perspectives. Find out more about ongoing CMB research projects here.

• UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center

• The Comprehensive Cancer Center offers a variety of opportunities for undergraduate students to be involved in cancer research. The center provides training for students to deepen their knowledge in the field, explore various career options, and connect with experts. To learn more about the center's research and how to apply for the programs, visit their website.

  The center also provides a list of resources for undergraduates to explore further opportunities in the cancer research field.

• UC Davis Genome Center
• The Genome Center faculty play an integral role in the management and research support of five major initiatives on campus. Because of the diverse interests of faculty and staff scientists, the Genome Center serves as an incubator for multidisciplinary research and cutting-edge projects at UC Davis. It supports five primary initiatives, each equipped with advanced research resources to produce high-quality work. To learn more about the faculty involved, the focus of current projects, and upcoming events, visit the Genome Center website.
• UC Davis MIND Institute
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  The UC Davis MIND Institute is a collaborative international research center, committed to the awareness, understanding, prevention, and treatment of the challenges associated with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Visit their website here to see a list of research labs within the center.

Research Internships 

• Health-Related Internships

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  HRI’s are health-related internships offered each quarter in fields including medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, nutrition, and public health. Sign up through the Career Center portal! Spaces are limited each quarter. 

• Emergency Medicine Research Associate Program (EMRAP)

• The Emergency Medicine Research Associate Program (EMRAP) is a unique opportunity for undergraduates to learn about research and healthcare within a busy emergency department.

  EMRAP typically recruits UC Davis students:

  Late January to early February for start in Spring Quarter

  Late August to early September for start in Fall Quarter

  Late October to early November for start in Winter Quarter

• Internal Medicine Student Assistant Researcher Program (IMStAR)

• The Internal Medicine Student Assistant Researcher Program (IMStAR) is a unique opportunity for undergraduate students to learn about clinical research and healthcare within Internal Medicine. IMStAR is a volunteer program and is developed from the established, EMRAP program in Emergency Medicine.

  IMStAR supports the ongoing clinical and epidemiological research within the Department of Internal Medicine. Working in IMStAR affords the opportunity to find out whether students will enjoy working within medicine, clinical research or an ancillary health care profession.

  Volunteering as a Student Researcher, gives students the opportunity to come to clinics with faculty, observe operations of units and services across the hospital, learn from clinical research staff, nurses and other team members impacted by clinical research.

  The internship requires one 3-hour time block shift a week and can commit to more if needed/interested. The internship entails onsite patient visit shadowing and assisting with research administrative tasks. There is no homework element.

  What you might take away from this opportunity:

  - Learning hospital systems and operations
  - Working with infectious disease faculty
  - Learning medical terminology
  - Collecting and processing samples
  - Learning about signs and symptoms of diseases
  - Conducting surveys or performing assessment
  - Upon completion, outstanding volunteers can expect to receive letters of recommendation for excellent service.

  IMStAR application is now open for Fall 2026 cohort, applications are due July 31st. Learn more about the program and the application using this link.

• PREP@UC Davis

• The program prepares postbaccalaureate students to succeed in PhD programs in the biomedical sciences. 

  PREP@UCD creates a community of faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and PREP Scholars. The program provides scholars with research tools and hands on experience in conducting biomedical research, develops their professional communication skills, and offers an environment where scholars can grow and prepare for a career in science.

  It is a one year paid program. Participants spend about 75% of their time working as Junior Specialists in research labs and the remaining 25% participating in program specific seminars, workshops, and academic coursework. To learn more about the program, application and the benefits check this website

• Research Experience in Surgery (RESURG)
• Research Experience in Surgery is a selective clinical research internship based in the UC Davis Medical Center's Department of Surgery.  As a RESURG Clinical Research Assistant with RESURG, you will learn about and engage in clinical research, work with clinicians, observe surgical procedures, and gain valuable professional skills.
• UCD Maternal Child Health Careers/Research Initiatives for Student Enhancement-Undergraduate Program (MCHC/RISE-UP)
• The RISE Up Program is a summer program held at UC Davis that provides opportunities for students to develop public health leadership skills and receive training in maternal and child health. The program introduces students to public health principles and evidence based practices through hands on learning and training activities. The program offers a stipend and housing options for participants. To learn more about the eligibility requirements, application deadline, and program topics, visit the RISE Up Program website.
• UC Davis Prep Médico
• The program, called Preparando Estudiantes Para Ser Medicos, or Preparing Students to Be Physicians, (“Prep Médico” for short) is a program that aims to reduce disparities in the medical field and prepare first generation students to become part of the healthcare workforce. The program provides guidance, support, and exposure to careers in healthcare for students who are interested in pursuing a future in medicine. To learn more about the program and its opportunities, visit the Prep Médico website.
• UC Davis School of Medicine: Student-Run Clinics

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  Student-Run Clinics train students in delivering primary care services while simultaneously improving access to care in underserved communities.

  All student-run clinics have an application process for interested undergraduate students. Please visit their websites to learn more!
  
  Bayanihan Clinic | Culturally sensitive care to an extraordinarily diverse community
  Clinica Tepatí | Primary care services for the Latino community
  Gender Health Clinic
  Hmong Lifting Underserved Barriers (HLUB)
  Imani Clinic | Healing begins with faith
  Joan Viteri Memorial Clinic | Health care for high-risk populations
  Knights Landing One Health Center
  Nadezhda Clinic
  Paul Hom Asian Clinic | Commitment to the Asian community
  RIVER Pediatric Clinic
  Shifa Clinic | Culturally sensitive care for an ethnically diverse community
  The Willow Clinic | Serving people without homes
  VN Cares

• Washington Program

• The Washington Program offers students a one quarter experience to live in the heart of the capital while learning and engaging in classes of their interest. It allows students to find opportunities that align with their majors and future career goals and connects them with experts in the field. Opportunities are available every quarter, including summer. Learn more about the program through the website.

   

Animal Research Opportunities

• UC Davis Department of Animal Science Facilities
• The Department of Animal Science provides a list of facilities that conduct research on animals across a variety of topics. The list includes facilities that work with animals and provides links to each facility’s website, where students can learn more about ongoing research projects, their focus areas, and opportunities to get involved. Students can also find information about faculty members to contact if they are interested in participating in a specific research project. To access the list of facilities, visit the following link.
• UC Davis Department of Animal Science Programs and Centers
• The Department of Animal Science provides a list of the many programs and institutes affiliated with the department. These lists include a variety of laboratories and centers that conduct research involving animals and provide links for students who are interested in learning more or potentially participating in research projects. To learn more about the available programs, labs, and application processes, visit the following link.
• School of Veterinary Medicine Research Centers and Institutes
• The School of Veterinary Medicine provides a list of affiliated research centers that conduct research on animals. These centers can serve as valuable resources for students interested in animal health and may provide a strong starting point for students who wish to pursue research in this field. To explore the list of centers and learn more about each center’s research focus and work, visit the following link.
• School of Veterinary Medicine Research Labs
• The School of Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis has compiled a list of laboratories that are open to having undergraduate students and providing hands on research experience. These opportunities allow students to gain practical laboratory skills and exposure to research in animal health and veterinary science. A list of participating labs, along with descriptions of their research focus and application requirements, can be found through this link. 

Plant and Environmental Research Opportunities

• Agricultural Sustainability Institute
• The Agricultural Sustainability Institute at UC Davis offers opportunities for students interested in sustainable agriculture, food systems, and environmental stewardship. Students can learn about ongoing research projects, programs, and internships related to agricultural sustainability and community engagement. To explore the available opportunities and learn more about their work, visit the institute’s website.
• AI Institute for Next Generation Food Systems (AIFS)
• Through education and outreach, the AI Institute for Food Systems (AIFS) aims to equip the next generation with the skills and knowledge needed to enter the AI, food, and agriculture workforce. The programs offered also help build collaborations and broaden societal understanding of AI technologies in agriculture. To learn more about the various opportunities offered and how to get involved, visit their website.
• Department of Environmental Science & Policy

• The department offers opportunities in environmental sciences for students interested in research and related projects. They provide a spreadsheet that lists available undergraduate research opportunities, as well as another spreadsheet that includes faculty researchers, their research topics, and contact information for students who are interested in reaching out. You can find the links to both spreadsheets below.

  Opportunities spreadsheet: Undergraduate Research Opportunities in Ecology and the Environmental Sciences 

  Faculty researchers spreadsheet: ESP and LAWR Faculty Research

• UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden
• UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden offers the Learning by Leading internship program, which provides students with a leadership experience while addressing topics such as environmental sustainability, restoration, and related environmental issues. These internships are offered year round. To learn more about the internship descriptions and application process, visit the Learning by Leading webpage.
  The Arboretum also offers students the opportunity to be involved in nursery management and gain hands on experience in a variety of activities related to plant care and operations. To learn more about these opportunities, visit the Nursery Management webpage.
• UC Davis Botanical Conservatory
• The Botanical Conservatory offers internships for UC Davis students interested in gaining practical experience in plant care, propagation, and greenhouse management. Interns work directly with a variety of plants to learn the basics of plant handling, conduct research on different plants, and get involved in plant care activities. To learn more about the internships offered, you can visit their website.
• UC Davis Center for Plant Diversity Herbarium
• The Center for Plant Diversity Herbarium offers opportunities for UC Davis students interested in gaining experience in plant identification, specimen preservation, and botanical research. Students can work with plant collections to learn basic herbarium practices, assist with specimen preparation and documentation, and learn more about plant diversity. To learn more about the available opportunities and how to get involved, you can visit their website.
• UC Davis Department of Plant Science 
• The UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences offers a wide variety of opportunities for UC Davis students interested in a career in plant health. The linked website provides a list of current opportunities, along with details about internships, their requirements, and contact information. To learn more about the available opportunities, visit the Department of Plant Sciences Internship page.
• UC Davis Institute of the Environment
• The Institute of the Environment aims to advance research excellence in applied environmental and climate research by engaging the next generation of scientists who are interested in the topics studied at the institute. Students can explore opportunities to participate in research and related activities that support environmental and climate studies. To learn more about the opportunities offered and ways to get involved, visit their website.
• UC Davis Plant Breeding Center 
• The UC Davis Plant Breeding Center hosts the Student Collaborative Organic Plant Breeding Education (SCOPE) project, a student led collaboration where students work with faculty, staff, and local organic growers to improve crop varieties for organic farming systems in California. Students participate in field based plant breeding projects developing crops such as tomatoes, wheat, spinach, celtuce, and zinnias while learning about plant breeding, organic farming methods, and project management. To learn more about the program and its activities, visit the SCOPE webpage.

Non-UC Davis Research Opportunities 

• AAMC Summer Undergraduate Research Programs List
• The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) provides a list of summer research programs for undergraduate students interested in medical research. The list includes many opportunities along with information about program requirements, application deadlines, and application processes. To explore the available programs, visit the AAMC Summer Undergraduate Research Programs List.
• PREP@UC Berkeley
• PREP at UC Berkeley is a paid one-year research experience that aims to provide hands-on lab research training opportunities to recent graduates with limited research experience. The goal of the program is to prepare scholars for successful Graduate School application within a year. To learn more about the eligibility requirements, application deadline, and the program benefits, visit their website: PREP at UC Berkeley
• PREP@UC San Francisco 
• PREP at UC San Francisco is a one-year paid research program designed to support recent graduates in gaining research experience and preparing for graduate school. Participants have the opportunity to gain hands on research experience, connect with experts in their field, and build the foundational skills needed to succeed in graduate school. To learn more about eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and program benefits, visit the PREP at UCSF website.
• NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP)
• The program is designed for students interested in exploring careers in research and healthcare. It offers a full time summer research position at one of the NIH institutions, where students work closely with a principal investigator (PI) to develop scientific skills and deepen their understanding of their topic of interest. The opportunities cover a wide range of topics and encourage students to explore different areas of the field. To learn more about the eligibility criteria, available opportunities, and application process, visit the NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP) website.
• The U.S. National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF REU) program
• The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) offers national and international research programs that support undergraduate students in conducting research through projects funded by NSF. Students can apply to opportunities that match their interests, and many programs provide stipends and cover travel expenses. These programs are hosted at universities and research institutions across the country and abroad, and some opportunities may be available at UC Davis. To learn more about the programs funded by NSF and the researchers involved, visit the U.S. National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF REU) program website.

Other Resources for Finding Research Opportunities

• UCD Student Farm Fresh Focus: tinyurl.com/ucdtableproject   
• UCD Student Pantry: https://thepantry.ucdavis.edu/