- Core & Project Areas
Student Research Program
The Alaska INBRE Student Research Program (SRP) supports undergraduate students through hands-on research experiences in biomedical and behavioral sciences. Designed to reduce barriers to research access, the SRP offers multiple on-ramps for students.
To learn more, visit the Undergraduate Student Opportunities page or explore the link below.
Building the Biomedical Pipeline
The SRP aims to prepare students for careers in health research. Through structured mentorship, coursework, hands-on research, and career-building workshops, the program builds scientific confidence and fosters long-term academic success.
FiRE: First Research Experience
The 10-week FiRE summer program begins with a virtual boot camp that introduces students to One Health research. Students are matched with mentors at one of the UA campuses, the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Southcentral Foundation or Ilisagvik College. Each week, students meet for a one-hour virtual career development workshop and at the end of the program, present their work at the Alaska INBRE Virtual Summer Research Conference. All students are paid for their time and may receive additional support for travel and housing.
Undergraduate Research Assistant (URA) Scholars
URA Scholars receive funding for mentored research projects during the academic year or summer. These awards help students build on previous research experience or start a new project under the guidance of a mentor. Students receive an hourly wage, a supply budget, and may request support for housing and travel during the summer. Applicants also benefit from grant writing workshops and professional development opportunities through the INBRE network.
One Health and Biomedical Research Course
Students across Alaska may enroll in Undergraduate Research and Scholarship (URS) A121 Methods of Inquiry, an on-line 3-credit course offered during the spring semester that introduces students to One Health, biomedical, and behavioral research. During this course, students will write a research proposal and complete a variety of research training modules. In the fall, students will be invited to present their research at the AK INBRE Network-wide Annual Research Conference where they will meet with potential research mentors. Tuition for the course is paid by AK INBRE.
Travel & Training Awards
INBRE provides Student Travel Awards of up to $2,500 to support undergraduate students in attending conferences and training events for building their professional networks. Students may also participate in research programs in other Western states through the Regional Alliance of INBRE Networks (RAIN). Alaska students are eligible for exchange programs in Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, and Wyoming, with travel supported by Alaska INBRE.
The program’s ultimate goal is to support students in completing their degrees and pursuing graduate programs or joining the biomedical workforce.
SRP Resources
URA Scholar
The URA Scholars program provides paid, mentored research experiences during the academic year and summer at University of Alaska campuses (UAF, UAA, UAS) and Iḷisaġvik College. Students work directly with faculty on biomedical and behavioral research projects tailored to their interests.
FiRE
For students new to research, the 10-week FiRE program designed for students new to research. It includes a 3-day boot camp, hands-on research with a preceptor, a weekly virtual career-development workshop, and presenting at a virtual research conference.
Undergraduate Student Travel & Training
Graduate Student Opportunities
The Alaska INBRE Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) program supports full-time graduate students conducting biomedical or One Health research at UAA or UAF, with mentorship from UA or partner institution faculty member. Awards include salary, tuition, fees, and health insurance for the academic year, and prioritize projects aligned with Alaska INBRE’s One Health theme.