UCLA undergraduates have opportunities to work with IRSP faculty and graduate student trainees on research projects examining many aspects of social relationships. Internships provide an opportunity for undergraduates to learn about the research process and to gain in-depth knowledge about a particular research topic. Internships are particularly valuable for undergraduates who are considering graduate school and a research career.

Students who arrange to work with IRSP faculty and/or graduate student trainees are eligible to become IRSP Undergraduate Research Interns. Due to NSF regulations, only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for funding. Interns are required to work with their mentor for a minimum of two quarters. They will receive a modest stipend and may sometimes also arrange to receive academic credit for their work. During the 2008-09 school year, the stipend will be $250 per quarter.

Visit the IRSP faculty and graduate student trainee pages on this site for more information about potential sponsors and their research interests.

***Because of funding limitations, no applications will be accepted for 2009-2010.***

In 2008, IRSP sponsored two undergraduate student researchers: Stephanie Cantu (University of Texas, Austin), and Rosaura Orengo (University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras)
click here for more information.

In 2009, we will sponsor undergraduate students from other colleges and universities who would like to work on a research project concerning social relationships with an IRSP faculty member at UCLA. In coordination with the UCLA SPUR program, we will provide a stipend and on-campus housing. Students are expected to work full-time for 8 weeks, and also have the opportunity to attend career development programs and social activities. The dates for the summer 2009 program will be June 21-August 15, 2009.

Because of funding limitations, no applications will be accepted for Summer 2010.

About the UCLA Summer Programs for Undergraduate Research (SPUR)

The objective of the SPUR program is to help prepare, motivate, encourage, and support students who aspire to obtain a PhD and pursue an academic career in teaching and research. This program offers upper division undergraduate students with outstanding academic potential the opportunity to work closely with faculty mentors on research projects.

Each student participant works with a faculty mentor. Students either assist the faculty member in an ongoing research project or work collaboratively with the mentor to design a new project of mutual interest.

A long-term goal of the SPUR program is to help broaden and expand the pool of academically talented young scholars committed to careers in university teaching and research. All qualified students are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, or national origin. Selection of participants will be based on academic merit and availability of appropriate faculty mentors.

Special consideration will be given to applicants whose socioeconomic background, access to educational opportunities, and other life experiences suggest that they would especially benefit from these types of programs, and who demonstrate potential to contribute to the diversity and excellence of research and teaching in higher education.

The SPUR program features:

* regular seminars on academic career opportunities
* GRE test preparation
* writing and research skills development
* strategies for enhancing success in applying to graduate school
* graduate school funding opportunities
* opportunities for informal discussion with UCLA graduate students
* cultural and educational activities

For more information about the SPUR program, click here.

Funding for Summer 2009. Students accepted by the SPUR program and supported by IRSP will receive a stipend of $2500, as well as a room and a meal allowance. All participants are required to reside in assigned University housing. Students will be provided with up to $450 for round-trip travel from home to UCLA. Students traveling within California but outside of the Los Angeles area will be provided with a maximum of $200 for travel expenses.

Program Requirements. IRSP/SPUR Applicants for summer 2009 must:
* be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
* be entering their junior or senior year during the 2009-2010 academic year
* have a cumulative minimum GPA of at least 3.0
* have an IRSP faculty member able to serve as a research mentor

The general academic requirements for acceptance into the SPUR program are described in detail at the SPUR website.

If you have questions, please contact Professor Anne Peplau, the IRSP Director, or Youssef Boroumand, the IRSP Program Coordinator.

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