Undergraduate student researchers and volunteers contribute significantly to research conducted in the Department of Natural History. Each year, several hundred undergraduate students work on projects, including fieldwork, laboratory experiments, curatorial activities in the museum collections, and exhibit development.

These opportunities allow students to gain experience working with research collections and analyzing and interpreting data alongside a team of professional scholars. In being part of the discovery process, students are encouraged to ask questions and develop research projects to suit their own interests and build a foundation for potential future investigations after graduation.

Undergraduate Research & Volunteer Opportunities

Students interested in volunteering, doing an internship, performing research for a senior thesis or class-based project, or registering for research credit, should start by reviewing the Undergraduate Opportunities (see below) available at the museum. This list provides a variety of potential projects. After exploring these opportunities, students should contact the potential project advisor. This list is not exhaustive, so students are also encouraged to consult other museum faculty and staff in their area of focus.

For those seeking paid internship opportunities, the museum has application calls for the Florida Museum Undergraduate Internship Program twice a year.

Note: UF offers a training module, Mentee 101, on how to be a successful undergraduate researcher

Funding your Research Experience

Once students identify a specific area of research, they may also consider applying to one of the two competitive UF programs, which provide stipends to fund their museum research experience.

If you have additional questions about undergraduate research opportunities or museum-related projects for undergraduates, please contact Dr. Mariela Pajuelo (mpajuelo@ufl.edu).