Igniting excellence through discovery.

For more than 150 years, the University of Nevada, Reno has advanced discovery and innovation as the state’s flagship, land-grant, Carnegie R1 research university. Here, undergraduates turn curiosity into discovery – from the lab to the historical archive to the open ocean and beyond.

During the fall of her sophomore year, biology student Hiroka Winter spent seven days at sea. Alongside crew members from the University, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Department of the Interior, she helped restore deep-sea ecosystems injured by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill.

Hiroka is now pursuing her childhood dream of becoming a marine biologist and ocean conservationist. Her story is just one example of the transformational power of early research experiences. At Nevada, undergraduates don’t just learn – they lead. Undergraduate Research at the University of Nevada, Reno

Why undergraduate research matters

Research is a core pillar of higher education, yet the largest group of students at most universities – undergraduates – frequently graduate without hands-on, discipline-specific research experience. Undergraduate research is more than an academic exercise; it’s a proven catalyst for student success.

• Research cultivates critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation.
• Research boosts academic performance, retention, and readiness for graduate school and careers.
• Research builds student confidence and leadership skills.

Research also drives community-based outcomes, elevates the University’s reputation and fuels faculty excellence.

Research awards: High demand, limited supply

At the University of Nevada, Reno, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to discover, create and make a difference. Beginning in their first year, undergraduate students are encouraged to lead, innovate and share their work.

Through competitive programs like the Pack Research Experience Program (PREP) and the Nevada Undergraduate Research Award (NURA), the University provides research experiences and funding for faculty-led and student-driven projects across all disciplines.

Across the University, many undergraduate students are ready to ask bold research questions. Limited funding determines which of those ideas move forward.

In 2025-26, more than 1,700 students attended undergraduate research informational sessions.
Approximately 170 students applied for the 36 available research awards.

Every student accepted represents excellence.

• Psychology major Audrie Escover examined how culture and family experiences shape childhood development, inspired by her own experiences growing up across cultures.
• Anthropology and biology dual major Avery Nicholas investigated the relationship between people and elephants in Sri Lanka, helping inform solutions for human-elephant conflict.

Every student turned away is a missed opportunity.

An invitation

Every gift helps students turn ideas into discoveries — strengthening communities, advancing knowledge and preparing the next generation of leaders. Join us in furthering student excellence by supporting undergraduate research at the University of Nevada, Reno. Together, we can help students transform curiosity into achievement and achievement into impact. We invite you to meet our student researchers or connect with our faculty mentors to see the difference your support makes.