Research In Science and Engineering Program (RISE)
Established at UC Riverside in 2010, RISE has been supporting UCR continuing students and incoming transfer students in developing their research skills. RISE is a 10-week program designed for rising sophomores, juniors, incoming transfers, and seniors which takes place from mid-June to late August.
Participants work under the supervision of a faculty mentor on a cutting-edge research project. The program features faculty mentoring, professional development opportunities, immersive experience in the UCR science community, and an undergraduate symposium. Students will complete any relevant laboratory safety training at the beginning of the program.
The goal of RISE is to increase the number of outstanding students from diverse backgrounds to become acquainted with one of the most essential traits of a scientific career: research. Additionally, RISE aims to increase the population of students who pursue graduate and/or professional degrees. It provides an opportunity for them to develop a competitive profile with which to advance their educational and academic careers and goals.
Primary Objectives
- Shaping undergraduate students' research and professional identity.
- Enhancing scientific communication and literacy.
- Attaining foundational research skills and knowledge.
- Developing a sense of belonging within UC Riverside.
Through support from generous donors and institutional financial commitments to undergraduate research, the College of Natural & Agricultural Sciences (CNAS) pays CNAS undergraduate students in the Learning Communities CNAS Scholars program (continuing students, CNAS Scholars) and the Summer Bridge to Research (SBTR) program (incoming transfer students, STEM Pathways Program [STEM]) a $5,000 stipend for the 10-week program.
This paid summer undergraduate research opportunity is hosted by CNAS and collaborates with different on-campus partners. These other programs include: Dynamic Genome Summer Scholars, California Alliance for Minority Participation, Six Legs Entomology Program, RCC Bridges to the Baccalaureate [B2B] Program, Digital Agriculture Fellowship, and UCR Faculty NSF Career Grant partnerships. These other programs have their own application processes.
Program Requirements
Time Commitment
The program requires a full-time commitment from each student for its entire duration. Participants are expected to work up to 40 hours/week and must be available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am-5:00 pm, and may include additional evening/weekend hours for programming. Consequently, summer employment, summer school enrollment, and vacations during the research program are prohibited.
Last year's schedule: RISE Schedule Example (2023) Note that RISE 2024 will start June 24, 2024 and end August 30, 2024.
Last year's symposium abstract book: RISE Symposium Program (2023)