About UR2PhDUndergraduate StudentsGraduate StudentsFaculty MentorsInstitutional PartnersProgram TeamJob Opportunities & GrantsResources & FAQs
UR2PhD is building capacity in computer science to advance the representation of women and gender-marginalized students, especially those who identify as Black, Latinx, and Native/Indigenous.
Program Objectives
UR2PhD aims to increase the percentage of women and other gender-marginalized students, especially those that also identify as Black, Latinx, and Indigenous/Native, entering computing doctoral programs by at least 15% per year, with higher increases for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. To achieve its goals, the UR2PhD program will specifically focus on increasing the number of undergraduate research opportunities for women and closing the gap between a first research experience and a successful PhD application.
Program Activities
The UR2PhD program is comprised of three primary, virtual* activities:
- An undergraduate research methods course to increase the capacity of computing departments to provide high-quality undergraduate research experiences
- A mentor training course for graduate students to help them to support undergraduate researchers in a culturally responsive manner
- A series of workshops to increase students’ understanding of the graduate school application process, learn more about research pathways, and engage with active researchers
NOTE: While all courses and workshops are offered virtually, the undergraduate research experiences that students participate in may be either virtual or in-person. Most participants in our undergraduate research methods course are working on research projects locally.
Program Entry Points
There are two pathways for students seeking to participate in our courses: individual applications and institutional partnerships.
- Individual Applications:
- Undergraduates seeking to participate in the virtual research methods course must first form a research group (composed of 2-4 undergraduates) and identify a research advisor. Students will then submit an application to the program in advance of the deadline for the term in which they are applying. Learn more about undergraduate student participation.
- Graduate students:
- Mentors of undergraduate researchers participating in the UR2PhD undergraduate research methods course are encouraged to complete the mentor training course. These mentors need not apply for the program; when undergraduate students are selected to participate, the UR2PhD team will reach out to their research advisors and will request advisors identify any graduate student research mentors.
- Mentors of undergraduate researchers NOT participating in the UR2PhD undergraduate research methods course should reach out to our team to express their interest in the program.
- Learn more about graduate student participation.
- Institutional Partners:
- In an effort to meet the program’s objectives, the program leadership team will work with institutional partners to expand their research capacity by at least 20 new undergraduate researchers.
- 2023 partners: Boston University, University of Alberta, University of North Texas, and University of Waterloo.
- 2024 partners: Barnard College, Boston University, New Mexico State University, University of Alberta, University of California Riverside, University of North Texas, University of Waterloo, Wellesley College, and West Virginia University.
- 2025 partners: Harvey Mudd College
- The responsibility for managing recruiting and mentoring efforts at institutional partner schools lies with the local coordinators. Undergraduate and graduate students at institutional partner schools should request additional information from their local coordinators about how they can get involved.
- Learn more about institutional partnerships.
- In an effort to meet the program’s objectives, the program leadership team will work with institutional partners to expand their research capacity by at least 20 new undergraduate researchers.
Program Funding
The Computing Research Association received a $5 million grant from a philanthropic partner to support the UR2PhD program.
Licensing
Our program materials are licensed. See below for additional details:
UR2PhD: Undergraduate Research Methods Course by Computing Research Association’s UR2PhD Program. This work, “UR2PhD Undergraduate Research Methods Course”, is adapted from “Early Research Scholars Program” by Christine Alvarado, UC San Diego, used under CC BY 4.0. “UR2PhD Undergraduate Research Scholars” is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the Computing Research Association’s UR2PhD Program and is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International
UR2PhD: Graduate Student Mentor Training Course by Computing Research Association’s UR2PhD Program is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International
Looking to share information about the UR2PhD program? View and download our Informational Flyer.
Have a question about the program that’s not covered in this section? Please refer to our FAQ, or send us an email at ur2phd@cra.org
Undergraduate Research Methods Course
Applications for the fall term are still open!
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About the course:
The virtual, synchronous undergraduate research methods course aims to support new undergraduate researchers during their first research experience.
Course content:
This course will cover the foundations of research with the goal of supporting students in completing their pre-identified research project. Participants will develop and apply practical research skills, like reading and interpreting research papers, conducting literature reviews, and analyzing and presenting data. Students will hone their research comprehension and communication skills, develop an understanding of research ethics, and build their confidence in their identity as a researcher. All concepts and skills will be taught in the context of students’ projects. The course will also provide participants with an opportunity to foster a peer network of support.
This course does NOT cover specific research methodologies and techniques. It is designed to assist participants in identifying the precise technical knowledge required for the successful completion of their research projects. Over the duration of the course, participants will enhance their research, communication, and teamwork abilities. Additionally, they will explore the societal, ethical, and cultural implications of their projects.
Course eligibility:
All participants must be undergraduate students at a North American university or college. All participants must have a team (2-4 undergraduates), a mentor (graduate student and/or faculty mentor), a research project, and availability to attend all program sessions at the same time as their team.
Benefits of participating:
By participating, undergraduates will:
- Learn, practice, and apply crucial skills necessary to conduct research while earning course credit or pay
- Cultivate connections with undergraduate researchers within and beyond your university, fostering an extensive peer network
- Develop relationships with research mentors and advisors who can serve as future references
- Expand understanding of computing research, sub-disciplines, and topics through engagement with guest speakers from across North America
- Grow knowledge about research opportunities and careers, as well as graduate school, with an opportunity to learn more about graduate school application expectations and requirements
Responsibilities and expectations:
Participants will need to certify that they understand and will adhere to the following responsibilities and expectations:
- Engage in a research project at your college/institution with your research group (1-3 other undergraduates), a faculty member, and (if applicable) a graduate student mentor
- Actively participate in the same course session and time as their research team
- Active participation means arriving on-time. The expectation is that participants will have their cameras on during the entire session and will be focused on the course content, participating in discussion when prompted.
- Attend all course sessions
- Students will be allowed no more than 2 unexcused absences throughout the course
- Complete course assignments in a timely fashion
- Participate in evaluation efforts, as requested
Course timeline and meeting dates
For the Fall of 2024, there will be two course offerings:
|
Undergraduate Research Methods – Fall 2024 Course Schedule |
|||||||||||
| Session | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | Finals due |
| A: Wednesdays from 8-10pm ET | 9/18 | 9/25 | 10/2 | 10/9 | 10/16 | 10/23 | 10/30 | 11/6 | 11/13 | 11/20 | 12/6 |
| B: Thursdays from 5-7pm ET | 9/19 | 9/26 | 10/3 | 10/10 | 10/17 | 10/24 | 10/31 | 11/7 | 11/14 | 11/21 | 12/6 |
Please note: these dates are tentative and subject to change.
Compensation:
Students accepted into the UR2PhD program will gain access to the undergraduate research methods course and virtual workshops. We strongly encourage faculty members at participants’ home institutions to either provide course credit or payment to students.
Entry points and applications:
There are two primary pathways to participate in our activities: individual applications and institutional partnerships.
- Individual Applications:
- Undergraduates seeking to participate in the virtual research methods course must first form a research group (composed of 2-4 undergraduates) and identify a research advisor and project. Students will then submit an application to the program in advance of the deadline for the term in which they are applying.
- Please note: each team member must submit their own application. The form will ask you to identify your research partners, faculty mentor, and preferred course term. Please be aware that the faculty members mentioned in applications will be contacted by the UR2PhD team to verify the submissions and provide additional information.
- Application link: https://forms.gle/xx8DzJprxBX77Emj7
- Application dates:
- For the Fall 2024 session, the priority deadline is Friday, August 23, 2024
- We are still accepting applications beyond the priority deadline on a rolling basis.
- Undergraduates seeking to participate in the virtual research methods course must first form a research group (composed of 2-4 undergraduates) and identify a research advisor and project. Students will then submit an application to the program in advance of the deadline for the term in which they are applying.
- Institutional Partners:
- 2024 institutional partners include: Boston University, New Mexico State University, University of Alberta, University of California Riverside, University of North Texas, University of Waterloo, and Wellesley College.
- Students at these institutions should speak to their local coordinator about how they might be able to get involved in our program. If you are a student at an institutional partner school and do not know who your local coordinator is, our team would be happy to assist you in identifying the appropriate contact.
UR2PhD: Undergraduate Research Methods Course by Computing Research Association’s UR2PhD Program. This work, “UR2PhD Undergraduate Research Methods Course”, is adapted from “Early Research Scholars Program” by Christine Alvarado, UC San Diego, used under CC BY 4.0. “UR2PhD Undergraduate Research Scholars” is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the Computing Research Association’s UR2PhD Program and is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International
Computing Research Engagement and Awareness Workshops
Graduate School Application Workshops
Past Workshops
Graduate Student Mentor Training Course
About the mentor training course:
The UR2PhD graduate student mentor training course is a virtual, synchronous course that prepares participants to provide culturally-responsive mentorship. The curriculum aims to familiarize students with empirically-proven principles and best practices in mentorship. By the end of the series, participants will be capable of explaining and recognizing techniques for fostering inclusive, positive, and successful mentorship environments. They will also craft their own personal mentoring philosophy.
Benefits of participating:
- Acquire formal training in the art of effective research mentoring, a pivotal skill for long-term career success
- Learn to design and adapt research projects based on research goals, advisee skills and experiences, and project challenges
- Hone essential communication skills and techniques for assessing and promoting student development and growth
- Develop and formalize a personalized mentorship philosophy
- Establish a supportive peer network with students across various universities
Responsibilities and expectations:
Participants in the course must certify understanding and adherence to the following responsibilities and expectations:
- Attend and actively participate in the 1-hour virtual course sessions, missing no more than 2 sessions
- We expect all participants to have their cameras on during course sessions
- Complete course assignments in a timely fashion
- Support mentees with their research project throughout the program
- Participate in evaluation efforts, as requested
Course timeline and meeting times:
For the Fall of 2024, synchronous meetings will be held on Wednesdays.
| Fall 2024 Schedule for Graduate Students | |||||||||||
| Session | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
| A: 11am – 12pm ET
B: 3pm – 4pm ET |
9/4 | 9/11 | 9/18 | 9/25 | 10/2 | 10/9 | 10/23 | 11/6 | 11/20 | 12/4 | 12/11 |
Compensation:
Participants who complete the graduate student mentor training program in its entirety will receive a $1,000 stipend. Stipends will be paid directly to participants following the completion of the course and required documentation (i.e., Independent Contractor’s Agreement, W-9 or W-8BEN Forms, and Direct Deposit Form).
To be considered as having “completed” the course, graduate student participants must actively engage in and attend all course sessions, complete all assigned coursework, and have a maximum of two unexcused absences. If a graduate student has more than two unexcused absences, they will not receive the stipend. This criterion ensures an optimal learning experience for all participants and maintains the program’s integrity.
Eligibility:
To be eligible to participate, graduate students must be actively engaged in mentoring undergraduate researchers. This course requires concurrent mentorship practice. Priority will be given to mentors of undergraduate participants in the UR2PhD program.
Students do NOT need to hold any specific nationality, nor do they need to identify as any specific gender to be considered for this program; however, they MUST currently attend a North American-based institution.
Applications:
If you are a graduate student attending an institutional partner school (Barnard College, Boston University, University of Alberta, University of California Riverside, University of North Texas, University of Waterloo, or Wellesley College), please contact your local coordinator for detailed application instructions.
Mentors of undergraduate students in the research methods course who are not affiliated with our institutional partners will be contacted by a member of our team. No application is required, as a faculty mentor will identify your participation. We recommend taking the following actions if you are interested in participating:
- Talk to your faculty advisor about advising a team of 2-4 undergraduate researchers
- In collaboration with your faculty advisor, identify a research project that would advance your research and be suitable for undergraduates
- Determine what session is most appropriate for the research experience (i.e. summer or fall), and whether undergraduates will receive course credit or pay
- Recruit the undergraduate student researchers, using an inclusive process that encourages applications from women and other gender-marginalized folks
- Ensure selected researchers apply to the undergraduate research methods course before the application deadline (for more information about the course and deadlines, please visit the undergraduate students tab)
If you are currently mentoring undergraduate researchers who are not participating in the undergraduate research methods course and you would like to take the mentor training course, please complete this form, preferably before the priority deadline of August 23, 2024.
UR2PhD: Graduate Student Mentor Training Course by Computing Research Association’s UR2PhD Program is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International
Graduate Teaching Assistants
Designing Well-Scoped Undergraduate Research Projects
UR2PhD intends to increase the percentage of women and other gender-marginalized students entering computing doctoral programs. We hope our programming makes it easier for you to mentor more undergraduate researchers.
Opportunities for your students
About UR2PhD:
The Undergraduate Research to PhD (“UR2PhD”) program is a fully virtual program designed to increase the percentage of women and other gender-marginalized students (especially those who identify as Black, Latinx, and Native/Indigenous) entering computing doctoral programs. The program aims to achieve this by increasing the number of undergraduate research opportunities for women and closing the gap between a first research experience and a successful PhD application.
Undergraduate students:
For more detailed information about these opportunities, please view the undergraduate student tab.
- Undergraduate Research Methods Course: This virtual, synchronous course aims to support new undergraduate researchers during their first research experience.
- Course length: In the fall, the course spans 11-12 weeks, and in the summer, it lasts between 4-5 weeks.
- Course content: Participants will develop and apply practical research skills, such as reading and interpreting research papers, conducting literature reviews, and analyzing and presenting data. They will hone their research comprehension and communication skills, develop an understanding of research ethics, and build confidence in their identity as a researcher. All concepts and skills will be taught in the context of their projects. The course does NOT focus on covering specific research methodologies or techniques.
- UR2PhD: Undergraduate Research Methods Course by Computing Research Association’s UR2PhD Program. This work, “UR2PhD Undergraduate Research Methods Course”, is adapted from “Early Research Scholars Program” by Christine Alvarado, UC San Diego, used under CC BY 4.0. “UR2PhD Undergraduate Research Scholars” is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the Computing Research Association’s UR2PhD Program and is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International
- UR2PhD: Undergraduate Research Methods Course by Computing Research Association’s UR2PhD Program. This work, “UR2PhD Undergraduate Research Methods Course”, is adapted from “Early Research Scholars Program” by Christine Alvarado, UC San Diego, used under CC BY 4.0. “UR2PhD Undergraduate Research Scholars” is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the Computing Research Association’s UR2PhD Program and is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International
- Course eligibility: Undergraduates at non-institutional partner schools seeking to participate in the virtual research methods course must first form a research group (composed of 2-4 undergraduates) and identify a research advisor. Students will then submit an application to the program before the term deadline.
- Course evaluation: Participants will receive grades based on their participation, research logs, research reflections, pre-class and homework assignments, LinkedIn activities, final presentations, and research proposals. All coursework will be related to the students’ research project.
- Faculty expectations:Faculty mentors for participants in the research methods course are expected to identify any graduate students who may be working with their mentees, if applicable. They are also required to create and complete a contract with their students outlining expectations and ways of working. Throughout the program, faculty mentors are expected to support and check-in with their students about the status of their research. Specific responsibilities include:
- Supervising, mentoring, and guiding undergraduate researchers on a computing research project
- Ensuring that students attend the virtual course and complete related assignments
- Supporting program evaluation efforts by completing surveys as requested
- Computing Research Engagement and Awareness Workshop Series: This series aims to empower and encourage undergraduates to learn more about computing research, research careers, and pathways to graduate study.
- Workshop length: All workshops are one-hour long.
- Workshop content: Throughout the series, participants will hear from and connect with active researchers in various computing sub-disciplines. They will learn about different research-related topics, research career options, and expand their professional network.
- Workshop eligibility: Our workshops are open to ALL undergraduates. Students need not identify as a specific gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, etc. Registration is required for every workshop.
- Admissions Preparations Workshop Series: This series will encourage students to proactively think about and prepare materials necessary to apply to CISE PhD programs.
- Specific details about these workshops are forthcoming. More information will be included as it becomes available.
Graduate students:
For more detailed information about these opportunities, please view the graduate student tab.
- Graduate Student Mentor Training Course: This virtual, synchronous course aims to support graduate students as they mentor undergraduate researchers participating in their first research experience and the undergraduate research methods course.
- Course length: In the fall, the course spans 11-12 weeks, and in the summer, it lasts between 9-10 weeks. The course features 11 one-hour class sessions
- Course content: Participants will develop and apply effective research mentoring skills. Students will learn to design and adapt research projects based on research goals, advisee skills and experiences, and project challenges. They will also develop and formalize their own personal mentorship philosophy.
- Course eligibility: Graduate students must be actively mentoring undergraduate researchers to be eligible to participate in this course.
- Priority will be given to mentors of participants in our undergraduate research methods course.
- Compensation: Students who complete the course and necessary documentation will receive a $1,000 stipend.
Benefits of participating
Institutional partners are North American universities and colleges that partner with the UR2PhD program leadership team to scale undergraduate participation in computing research.
Program Leaders
CRA-WP Liaison
Instructors
Justin Shaffer
Colorado School of Mines
Undergraduate Research Methods Instructor
Rachelle Heller
George Washington University
Undergraduate Research Methods Instructor
Jessica Masters
City College of San Francisco
Undergraduate Research Methods Instructor
Catherine Berdanier
Pennsylvania State University
Graduate Mentor Training Instructor
Joshua Sunshine
Carnegie Mellon University
Graduate Mentor Training Instructor
Niema Moshiri
University of California, San Diego
Computing Engagement & Awareness Workshop Designer-Facilitator
Christine Bassem
Wellesley College
Computing Research Engagement & Awareness Workshop Designer-Facilitator
Staff
Erik Russell
Director of Educational Initiatives
Julia Sepulveda Avalos
Program Associate
Hiring
The UR2PhD program would not be possible without the support of the computing research community. The UR2PhD team is not actively hiring; however, we recognize the importance of maintaining an open talent pool. If there’s a position, you’re interested in pursuing, you’re welcome to apply.
Please note: Any persons hired will be considered independent contractors, and are not employees of CRA. Stipends represent compensation for services rendered. Stipends are reportable as gross income, but not as wages. By accepting a role and participating in the UR2PhD program, independent contractors recognize that CRA is not required to withhold any taxes, and no such withholding shall be done. CRA will issue 1099’s to independent contractors. It is the responsibility of each recipient to properly report the award as taxable income on their tax return for the year in which it was received. Independent contractors will need to complete and submit the appropriate W-9 or W-8BEN form to CRA for their stipends to be processed. Independent contractors must agree to follow CRA’s Code of Conduct which is outlined here: https://cra.org/code-of-conduct/.
Grants
The UR2PhD program aims to broaden participation in computing by increasing the quality and scale of undergraduate research experiences. We recognize that other organizations share similar goals and are working towards scaling and implementing successful initiatives to promote participation from underrepresented groups. To facilitate and encourage this work, we are offering grants.
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
