Faculty-Led Authentic Research Experience (FLARE)

Application deadline: February 9, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

Four student researchers from the Sierra �鶹ӳ�� College collecting samples in the field

If you are new to research and have little to no previous lab research experience, but wish to gain a mentored research experience, consider applying to the Faculty-Led Authentic Research Experience (FLARE).

This program is designed for undergraduate students, who are not ready to apply for the traditional Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP), but wish to gain a mentored, authentic research experience (open to students at the College of Southern �鶹ӳ��, �鶹ӳ�� State University, Great Basin College, Truckee Meadows Community College and Western �鶹ӳ�� College).

The program will last approximately five weeks and will involve a mentored research experience in a lab at the �鶹ӳ��; �鶹ӳ�� State University; or Truckee Meadows Community College. This program includes responsible conduct of research training and exposure to various labs and careers! Dorm housing (at the �鶹ӳ�� only) will be provided for out of area students and each student selected for a FLARE fellowship will receive $3,000 in compensation as a student worker for their research period.

Program guidelines

Research projects will begin in early June and include 5-weeks of full-time research and educational experience.
Students will be assigned to a faculty mentor on campus who will lead you through an authentic research experience.
Students are required to attend an orientation which includes a required laboratory safety class, as well as seminars and tours.
Students are required to attend a series of seminars and workshops focused on assisting students planning to pursuing biomedical research careers.

Eligibility

Students must meet all of the following eligibility requirements:

U.S. citizenship or have a valid employment authorization document (EAD) permitting you to work in the U.S. (DACA students are eligible).
Continuing student enrolled in classes for the upcoming fall semester.
2.0 minimum GPA
Undergraduates enrolled at NSU, CSN, GBC, TMCC or WNC
Priority is given to underrepresented/educationally disadvantaged students

Program dates are dependent on lab placement.

Acceptance of this award may impact a student's income level to a degree that could affect eligibility for student loans and other scholarship/fellowship opportunities. If an applicant has any concerns in this area, it is the student's duty to consult with a campus financial aid advisor. The University does not provide tax advice. If you have questions about possible tax liabilities, .

Before you begin your application

Please read this information carefully before applying!

Once you begin the online FLARE application, you can save it and go back to it to add information.
You will need the name and email for your mentor. The application will automatically send them a link to the reference form to fill out. All references need to be submitted directly by the mentor by the application deadline. Your references will not receive the link to the reference form until your application is fully submitted. Please be sure to allow enough time for your references to complete the reference form. If your reference does not receive the link, please contact Christy Song and she will send them a link directly. If you list your own email in the mentor recommendation section, your application will not be considered.
Before you begin, you must have your personal statement, project proposal (if applicable) and unofficial transcript in a single PDF format to upload.

Uploads

Applicants must write and submit a personal statement. The personal statement should be no longer than 2 pages, 12pt font, 1-inch margins, Times New Roman or Arial, and double-spaced.

Your personal statement should:

Describe your educational journey (you may include some personal accomplishments or setbacks, fun facts or hobbies too!)
Describe your research background thus far, and also include what your research interests are and why
Describe any expectations you may have about this program, and the type of experience you hope to gain by the end of the program

Please contact Christy Song at cmsong@unr.edu with questions.