NIU is now an institutional partner of the Computing Research Association (CRA) UR2PhD program, a national program that helps prepare students for university research experiences and feel more confident pursuing graduate study.

The UR2PhD program enables our institution to increase the number of students receiving research training without substantially increasing faculty workloads. NIU as an Institutional partner benefits by receiving priority access to program activities, in addition to support from CRA.

At NIU the Office of Innovation and its 71 North Partnership Studio serve as the local coordinator of the program, and is open to all students regardless of major. The program will include a series of workshops, mentorship opportunities, and research experiences designed to help students develop the skills and confidence they need to develop as researchers and as professionals in their field.

There are three paths to engage with UR2PhD at NIU:

• Undergraduate Researcher — pairs you with a faculty and graduate student mentor and a small team of peers for a synchronous training course that walks you through your research project.
• Graduate Mentorship Trainee — acquire essential mentoring skills, develop research projects, and build a supportive network with peers across universities.
• Faculty Mentor — reduces the time you spend on basic research training, strengthens your team’s competence, and equips your graduate students with real mentoring skills.

Don’t have a research project? No Worries, we have a list of projects just waiting for the right people!

For more details or questions review the Frequently Asked Questions or Contact your NIU local coordinator.