Student Research Opportunities

Program: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is sponsoring the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program.
Application Due: Sunday, March 1, 2026
Program Dates: May 26, 2026, to July 31, 2026 (10 weeks)
The program offers an exciting opportunity to engage in research and, in doing so, consider the possibilities of graduate-level research. In fact, the program was modified over the years to immerse students in the culture of graduate research through hands-on projects, interactions with faculty and students, and opportunities to present their research orally and in written form. Additionally, students will receive a $5,000 stipend and a personalized lab coat! The application materials and other valuable information can be obtained online at their website: https://medicine.uams.edu/biochemistry/undergraduate/surf/
Participants will be notified of their assigned mentors and area of study by mid-March. In order to apply, students will need to do the following:
1. Complete the application form
2. Send an official copy of the undergraduate transcript
3. Arrange two letters of recommendation, at least one from a faculty member in your major department
4. Email application materials to: BCMB.undergrad@uams.edu

Program: Rhodes Institute for Regional Studies (RIRS)
Applications Due: Monday, March 16, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CST
Program Dates: June 8 – July 31, 2026 (~8 weeks)
Positions Available: 3 HBCU Student Fellows
Eligibility:
- Full-time rising juniors or seniors
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
Rhodes College received an $800,000 grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to support the Institute for Race and Social Transformation (iRaST), an intellectual hub for scholarly activity and curricular development around racial equity, discrimination, and justice in Memphis and the region. Grant funds will support three HBCU Student Fellows to participate in the Rhodes Institute for Regional Studies (RIRS) in Summer 2026. Fellows will receive a $3,250 stipend, campus housing, and faculty mentorship (meals and travel not included).
For More Application Information: HBCU Student Fellows Call 2026
The selection of student fellows will be announced by Wednesday, March 25 2026.
Conversations and questions are welcome. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity or wish to discuss an idea for a project, please contact Dr. Charles McKinney: mckinneyc@rhodes.edu

Program: 11th Annual LSUS Regional Student Scholars Forum
Application Due: Monday, March 16, 2026 (250-word abstract with title) & fill out the Participant Registration form.
Program Date: Friday, April 3, 2026, at 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Venue: LSUS University Center
Both undergraduate and graduate students from Universities in Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas, and select other locations from all disciplines are invited to join LSU Shreveport students in presenting research and/or creative work in:
- Arts & Humanities
- Business
- Education
- Health Sciences
- Social Sciences
- STEM Disciplines
Participants can register online at: LSUS Regional Student Scholars Forum. There is no registration fee, and lunch will be provided. The deadline for abstract submission is March 16, 2026. Previous programs and current updates are available on the conference page: https://www.lsus.edu/student-scholars-forum.
This is a wonderful opportunity for students to gain experience presenting their research and receiving feedback from peers and faculty in a supportive environment. There are separate tracks for undergraduate and graduate students. There are also prizes for best posters and presentations.
Be sure to complete the Participant Registration form.
For More Information, contact Dr. Sanjay Menon at Sanjay.Menon@lsus.edu