Regents Scholars Research Initiative (RSRI)
The Regents Scholar Research Initiative (RSRI) is a program for incoming Regents Scholars. The program aims to provide research experiences for some of UC San Diego’s most talented incoming undergraduates in order to jump start their UC San Diego career. The program is designed to give students and mentors the flexibly to customize the mentorship in a way that best suits the students’ skills and the labs’ needs. The program ranges from attending lab meetings and assisting with current projects to independent research with mentor guidance. Student evaluation for credit is also flexible and can range from a presentation to a paper depending on what the mentor and student agree upon.
Fall 2024 update: Due to staff turnover, this program and the research element will begin Winter Quarter. We will continue to match students throughout Fall Quarter. Please keep an eye on this website for further updates.
Program and Application Dates
Program dates
Matched scholars can participate in the program for up to three quarters.
Application dates
Incoming Regents Scholars are emailed an application link in May prior to enrolling at UC San Diego. The application is due in June. Specific deadlines are indicated in the email.
Submitting your application does not guarantee a match, but submitting your application early/on-time is essential. Research opportunities are limited and are a first-come first-serve during the students' first year at UC San Diego.
Benefits
- Mentored research experience: Conduct research mentored by a UC San Diego faculty member
- Research credit: Get up to 1 units of 99H special studies credit for each quarter you participate in RSRI, for a max of 3 units over 3 quarters.
- Network: A close rapport with a faculty mentor can open up your world to a wider research community and the chance to meet leaders, future colleagues, and lifelong friends who share your intellectual curiosity.
- Conference travel funding: By participating in RSRI, you qualify to apply for URH's conference travel funding.
Requirements
Prior to each quarter
- Work with your faculty mentor to establish your research activities for the quarter
- Regularly communicate with your mentor
- Communicate with the RSRI coordinator as needed
- Register for 99H class (either for your department or your college).
- Commit to research activities for at least 3 hours/week during the quarters in which you are in the program
- Complete research activities and deliverable as agreed upon with your mentor
- Regularly communicate with your mentor
- Communicate with the RSRI coordinator as needed
Eligibility
Only Regents Scholars are eligible for this program during their incoming year at UC San Diego.
Application Process
Incoming Regents Scholars are emailed an application link in May prior to enrolling at UC San Diego.
Application details
- Name
- PID
- Summer Email
- Student Status
- Major/Minor
- Please describe the types of research projects and/or disciplines you are most interested in. We will attempt to match you with a mentor that has similar interests and/or active research projects in the areas you indicate.
- List of the top 10 faculty, in order of preference, with whom you would like to work. You must include the full name, title, department, and email address. [Note: Only assistant, associate, and full professors can participate].
- CV, Resume, or Letter of Interest
Matching process
DO NOT email professors about working with them for RSRI. The RSRI Coordinator works diligently to match as many interested regents scholars as possible.
Once a match has been made, the scholar and professor will be notified of the next steps.
Submitting your application does not guarantee a match, but submitting your application early/on-time is essential for improving your chances. Research opportunities are limited and are a first-come first-serve during the students' first year at UC San Diego.
FAQs
RSRI Coordinator Contact Information
Email: rsri@ucsd.edu