Knight Campus Undergraduate Scholars Program
Knight Campus Undergraduate Scholars
Developing the next generation of researchers
The Knight Campus Undergraduate Scholars program is a comprehensive research experience designed to immerse a cohort of students in a full year of research in a Knight Campus affiliated lab from January to December each year.
This program is run by the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation.
Meet the 2026 Knight Campus Undergraduate Scholars
The Knight Campus Undergraduate Scholars Program pairs promising undergraduates with research mentors — graduate students, postdocs, and faculty members — immersing them in a 12-month, comprehensive research experience in Knight Campus-affiliated labs.
These young scientists are taking on independent research projects in a diverse set of fields and connecting with mentors throughout the Knight Campus and across the UO. This year's cohort are majoring in human physiology, neuroscience, biochemistry, chemistry, human neuroscience, computer science, and multidisciplinary science.
This year's cohort at a glance
65%
Graduated from Oregon High School
Program Details and Benefits
How it works
Undergraduate students apply describing their background and research interests. Prospective mentors submit project proposals outlining an independent student research project. After scholars are selected, students and mentors go through a matching process.
Undergraduate Student Benefits
- $16,000 fellowship/scholarship award distributed over the program year.
- Participation in professional development and learning activities as part of a cohort of top students.
- IMPORTANT: If receiving federal financial aid, this award may affect eligibility. Contact the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships for more information.
Mentor Benefits
- $1,500 stipend if matched with an undergraduate.
- Supervisory and leadership experience.
Eligibility Criteria
Undergraduate Students
- Sophomore or Junior academic standing
- Enrolled at the University of Oregon
- Minimum 3.3 GPA
- Major in the natural sciences
- Commitment to meet program expectations listed below
Mentors
- Graduate student, postdoc, NTTF, or TTF (Assistant Professor Rank only) in a Knight Campus faculty lab
- Or in a research group with Knight Campus Associate status
- Approved by lab PI; committed to full-year supervision
- Project allows undergraduate to work independently under supervision
Program Expectations
Term | Undergraduate Students | Mentors |
|---|
Winter & Spring Terms | 10+ lab hours per week; participate in cohort activities (professional development and social) | - Participate in orientation, training, and semi-regular meetings related to the program
- Provide progress reports and evaluations as requested by the program
|
Summer | 13 weeks of full-time research |
Fall Term | 10+ lab hours per week |
All Year | Present at the UO Undergraduate Symposium; acknowledge the program in all resulting work; notify administrator of publications, conference presentations, or any conflicts with eligibility |
Support for the Program
We are thankful for the continuous support from our generous donors.
Corporate & Individual Donors
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Dave and Nancy Petrone
Robert and Tina Guldberg
Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance
Ken and Kenda Singer
Bryan and Maureen Wolf
William Fairey
Megan A and Thomas K Wuest
Richardson Family
W. Chris Babcock
Hulsey Family
Tom and Cathy Hui
Campus Partner
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Join the Knight Campus Undergraduate Research program and gain the experience and access to propel your future in science and innovation.
