UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Virtual workshops are scheduled throughout the spring semester for students looking to get involved in undergraduate research and apply for competitive fellowships, scholarships and grants. 

For a full list of workshops, visit the Undergraduate Research and Fellowships Mentoring online calendar. Attendees are asked to register in advance by clicking the link in the calendar entry.  

Undergraduate research 

Students don’t need to have any prior experience before attending research workshops. On Jan. 12, “Finding a Research Mentor or Opportunity” will be offered from 6-7 p.m. This workshop is an excellent starting point for aspiring researchers from all academic fields. Students also can visit drop-in advising sessions for help finding a mentor or opportunity from 6-7 p.m. Jan. 18 and 19. 

A workshop on applying for an Erickson Discovery Grant (open to students from all majors and campuses) will be held from 6-7 p.m. on Jan. 11. An essay writing workshop for Erickson Grants is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Jan. 31. 

Other research workshops will cover:  

• “Introduction to Research Ethics and the Institutional Review Board,” 3-4 p.m. Jan. 25. 

• “Designing and Creating Effective Research Poster,” 6-7 p.m. Feb. 8.

• “Showcasing Your Research Experience,” 3-4 p.m. Feb. 15.   

•  “Visualizing Data,” 3-4 p.m. Feb. 24.  

• “Getting Started with Citation and Management Tools,” 3-4 p.m. Feb. 28. 

Fellowships, scholarships and grants 

There are many ways fellowships and scholarships can fund research, study abroad and graduate work. Some opportunities, like the Astronaut and Goldwater scholarships, require University nomination to the scholarship organization.  

“Unlocking Your Fellowship Potential” will be held from 4-5 p.m. Feb. 1. This session can help first- through third-year students plan their academic careers and develop into a competitive fellowship applicant.  

Students interested in studying abroad and studying culture and language should consider attending one or more of the following events:  

• “Gilman Scholarship,” 3-4 p.m. Jan. 26. 

• “Opportunities for Graduate Study in the United Kingdom,” 4-5 p.m. Feb. 2. 

• “Opportunities for Graduate Study in China,” 4-5 p.m. Feb. 3. 

• “Graduate Study Opportunities through Fulbright,” 4-5 p.m. Feb. 23. 

Other graduate study events include: 

• “Graduate Study Opportunities Emphasizing Leadership and Civic Engagement,” 4-5 p.m. Feb. 9. 

• “Graduate Study Opportunities Related to Foregin Service,” 4-5 p.m. Feb. 10.  

• “Opportunities for Graduate Study in STEM,” 4-5 Feb. 22. 

• “Graduate Study Opportunities for Students from Underrepresented Groups,” 4-5 p.m. Feb. 24. 

Look for more events scheduled throughout the spring semester on the URFM calendar. 

Events are sponsored by Undergraduate Research and Fellowships Mentoring, University Libraries, Career Services, Penn State Global, Schreyer Honors College, Penn State Learning, College of Engineering, the Graduate School and the Office for Research Protections.