Research Opportunities within 4 Year Institutions
Exploration of research labs and programs at CSUF and other 4-year institutions. Hear tips about getting into a research lab once you transfer!
Project RAISE Research Preparation Program (RPP)
Project RAISE has this preparation program to help CSUF students work in a meaningful way with faculty and researchers. Students will learn how to get involved in research opportunities at Cal State Fullerton and other 4-year institutions. Limited financial support for conference travel.
Complete the interest form linked below to get started!
Científico Latino
Científico Latino, LLC aims to promote an environment of inclusivity in STEM and increase the number of scientists from minoritized backgrounds in higher education in the sciences through mentorship, open-access resources, and professional development opportunities. This is an excellent resource to prepare for research opportunities, including lists of undergraduate research programs, funding opportunities, and graduate school guidance.
Pathways to Science
Pathways to Science.The mission of the Institute for Broadening Participation is to increase diversity in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) workforce. Since 2003, IBP has connected underrepresented students with STEM funding and research opportunities, and has provided faculty and administrators with tools and resources to help promote the positive factors that keep underrepresented students on the STEM pathway into successful STEM careers. The resource provides information to prepare for and identify research opportunities across the country, in addition to scholarships.
Research and Graduate Readiness Programs at California State University, Fullerton.
Cal State Fullerton offers a variety of programs designed to help students engage with research and pursue advanced degrees. Many of these programs exist at various four-year institutions. If you were not able to participate in the Undergraduate Research Experience this year, we encourage you to seek these programs upon transferring as a way of engaging with research. Make sure to check out Jose's video about how he secured a position in a lab upon transferring for additional ideas.
Undergraduate Research Opportunity Center at California State University, Fullerton
The mission at UROC is to increase faculty-led undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative work on campus. UROC student fellows progress through training in research or creative skills to designing a project with a faculty mentor which culminates in contributions to their field of study. UROC opportunities for current CSUF students include: Student travel grants, Student Research Competition, SUReA (Summer Undergraduate Research Academy), UROC fellowships, and Student Creative Activities & Research Day (SCAR Day).
Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Program at CSUF - Video Length 4:39
The LSAMP program encourages and prepares college students from STEM disciplines for graduate programs. LSAMP has three tiers of students: research, community college transfer students, and participants. LSAMP serves 30-40 students per year, bridging the gap between research faculty and students. Summer and academic year workshops, academic year conferences, research, and summer research prepares students for Post-Baccalaureate work.
Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program (McNair Scholars) at CSUF - Video Length 11:30
The Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program was established by the U.S. Department of Education in 1986. The program, named for astronaut and Challenger space shuttle crew member, Dr. Ronald E. McNair, encourages students to pursue graduate studies. The program provides opportunities to define goals, engage in research, and develop the skills and student/faculty mentor relationships critical to success at the doctoral level.
Additional Information: McNair Scholars Program
Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Training (MHRT) program at CSUF - Video Length 7:36
Gabby shares her experiences in the MHRT program at Cal State Fullerton. MHRT is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIH mission on minority health and health disparities is to support and promote biomedical and behavioral research, research training, research capacity, and research information dissemination, with the goal of improving the health status of minorities and other health disparity populations.
Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Training (MHRT) program at CSUF - Video Length 4:00
Jonathan shares his experiences in the MHRT program at Cal State Fullerton. MHRT is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIH mission on minority health and health disparities is to support and promote biomedical and behavioral research, research training, research capacity, and research information dissemination, with the goal of improving the health status of minorities and other health disparity populations.
Additional Programs at Cal State Fullerton Include:
Bridges to Stem Cell Research (BSCR)
The Bridges to Stem Cell Research is a one-year program that provides students with research experience in Molecular and Cell Biology in the areas of stem cell and regenerative medicine. Students are immersed in various cell biology techniques while at CSUF, and then the following year, they will undertake an internship in one of four participating research institutions (USC, UCI, CHOC, UCR).
California Pre-Doctoral Program
The California Pre-Doctoral Program is designed to increase the pool of potential faculty by supporting the doctoral aspirations of CSU students who have experienced economic and educational disadvantages. Winners will be designated as Sally Casanova Scholars, as a tribute to Dr. Sally Casanova, for whom the award is named. With the aid of a faculty sponsor, these scholars are exposed to unique opportunities to explore and help prepare them to succeed in doctoral programs. The program provides travel funds to visit doctorate-granting institutions, options for summer research internships, and funds for other related activities.
The MSTEM Scholars Trained in Aging Research (MSTEM STAR) Program is an innovative education program designed to address a key need in research education: diversifying the number of scholars who dedicate their scientific career to issues affecting an aging population. The MSTEM STAR Program aims to increase diversity in the MSTEM aging research workforce by recruiting underrepresented MSTEM majors interested in aging and helping them develop the skills necessary to apply for and be accepted into advanced degree programs in aging-focused MSTEM fields.
$1.5 million National Institutes of Health grant to create a program designed to help students dive into the fascinating world of genomics and build diversity in the field. The grant funds “Project EAGER: Enabling Access to Genomics Experience and Research,” which allows undergraduate students to work on cutting-edge research in genomics and related fields like computational biology and bioinformatics.
Urban Agriculture Community-based Research Experience (U-ACRE)
The U-ACRE program focuses on the development of a research experience for undergraduates in agricultural ecosystems and biodiversity; social, cultural, and biological influences on behavior in terms of food choices; the holistic study of child growth and development across food environments; and economic and financial aspects of addressing food security through urban agriculture and good webs.
The U-RISE Program at Cal State Fullerton aims to recruit, retain, and prepare promising undergraduate students from under-represented groups (ethnicity, race, gender/LGBTQ+) or economically-disadvantaged background, and individuals with physical disability or neurodiverse, to successfully pursue a career in Biomedical Science research.
Exploration of STEM Majors, Faculty, and Research Labs at California State University, Fullerton.
Cal State Fullerton offers opportunities for undergraduate students to engage in resarch throughout the STEM fields. The following documents provide an easy way to learn about our faculty's research interests, and in many cases, to visit their lab's websites, where they share additional information about their research. We encourage you to do a self guided tour of your major in order to see the potential research projects available at Cal State Fullerton.
Joining a Research Lab at CSUF - Video Length 3:44
Jose shares the steps he took to join a research lab after transferring from Santa Ana College to Cal State Fullerton. These steps can be helpful to those of you who are considering research at Cal State Fullerton, or at your transfer schools.
College of Engineering and Computer Science
These links feature CSUF Faculty in each department within the College of Engineering and Computer Sciecne. Get to know our faculty and their research interests, and explore any available lab websites.
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Department of Computer Science
Department of Electrical Engineering
Department of Mechanical Engineering
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
These links feature CSUF faculty in each department within the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. Get to know our faculty and their research interests, and explore any available lab websites.
Department of Biological Sciences
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Department of Geological Sciences
Good luck!
Research programs not currently active at CSUF:
Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) training program at CSUF - Video Length 10:48
The MARC training program offers an extraordinary opportunity for students seeking careers in biomedical research. The goals of the program are to provide first-rate research training of undergraduate participants, to place undergraduates into respected graduate programs, and ensure their success in those programs. Santiago Canyon College transfer student, Liz, shares her experience in the MARC program.
Additional Information: MARC Training Program
Graduate Readiness and Access in Mathematics (GRAM) program at CSUF - Video Length 3:18
The Graduate Readiness and Access in Mathematics (GRAM) program offers comprehensive training and preparation for undergraduate math majors aspiring to earn a graduate degree in the mathematical sciences (mathematics, mathematics education, and statistics). Santiago Canyon College transfer student, Erica, shares her experience in the GRAM program.
Additional Information: GRAM Program
Southern California Ecosystems Research Program (SCERP) at CSUF - Video Length 5:48
SCERP provides research opportunities, funding for travel, and career planning for undergraduates interested in ecology and environmental biology. Jacob shares his experience in SCERP.
