Office of Undergraduate Research and Studies

The Office of Undergraduate Research and Studies (OURS) is a branch of the Learning Resource Center and serves as the centralized research and resource office for the campus. OURS helps students find and access undergraduate research and scholarly opportunities on and off campus, throughout the year. We serve students in all disciplines at every stage of their undergraduate careers. Students are also supported in preparing for and navigating the application process for research and scholarly opportunities.

Quick Links

Find Your Next Research Opportunity here

Find Your Next Research Opportunity here

Meet the Staff

Meet the Staff

Recent Updates

New Summer Campus Research Position!

🚀 Research Opportunity – SITLess for Brain Health Lab! 🧠🏃‍♀️ Passionate about health, fitness, or neuroscience? Join the SITLess for Brain Health Lab this Summer 2025! Open to undergrads from all majors, this 2+ semester opportunity offers hands-on experience in data collection, EEG, exercise

May 7, 2025

Announcing the Official Launch of the OURS Opportunity Search!

We are thrilled to announce the official launch of our new and improved OURS Opportunity Search! This user-friendly platform is now live, making it easier than ever for you to find the perfect research experience that matches your academic interests.

June 12, 2024

Schools & Colleges

90+

Departments

Limitless

Research Opportunities

OURS Research Readiness Workshop

Interested in research? Not sure where to start? OURS has created a short self guided Research Readiness Workshop that provides information about getting involved in research and resources to help you connect. Click on the link below which will take you to Canvas login then Click on Enroll in Course, then click on Go to Course.

Click here to gain access Click here to gain access

Meet with OURS Mentors & Staff

Our experienced peer mentors and staff can help you find research opportunities both on and off campus. Schedule an appointment today!

Note: Summer 2025 OURS will be open for appointments or questions during the summer. Please email ours@umass.edu with any questions or to schedule an appointment.

Make an appointment Make an appointment

Explore Research by College or School

Are you wondering about the amazing opportunities in your major? Explore the opportunities available in your college or school and major. Get started with making the best of your experience at UMass Amherst and beyond!

Explore Resources Explore Resources

Discover Hundreds of Research Opportunities

Are you seeking research opportunities within UMass Amherst or beyond? Use our search feature to find the perfect match for you.

Search for Limitless Opportunities Search for Limitless Opportunities

Quicklinks to Majors

Wondering about the different majors at UMass Amherst? Explore our list of majors!

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OURS Student Spotlight

Emma

Microbiology and Public Health

My name is Emma Lutz, and I am a junior Microbiology and Public health double major pursuing a dual degree. I had my first experience with independent research at the T.H. Chan Harvard School of Public Health in Boston. I had the opportunity to research malaria, and I worked with a post-doc on constructing a late-stage gametocyte-specific fluorescent Plasmodium falciparum line. Currently, I am conducting an independent research project at UMass pertaining to the ability of house flies to vector the pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis. I originally became aware of my ability to participate in these programs through the OURS office at UMass, where people worked with me to find programs that fit my needs and requirements. The guidance provided by the OURS office facilitated my participation in paid internships, allowing me to gain valuable experience in the field I am interested in.

Linda

Microbiology, minor in Spanish

My name is Linda Nguyen and I am a junior microbiology major and Spanish minor. I was first introduced to Debra Phillis at the OURS office during my second semester of freshman year. Not knowing where to begin, Deb first learned about my interests and then skillfully compiled for me a list of professors conducting research pertaining to such themes. Despite not being able to find a lab that semester, Deb encouraged me to contact other professors. The following semester, I joined Dr. Rich’s lab at the Laboratory of Medical Zoology. Through this opportunity, I have had the chance to be both a research and lab assistant. Deb, always eager to help, helped me to narrow down different REUs and summer programs to apply to. Furthermore, she helped to edit my résumé and cover letter. As a result, I was accepted into my dream program as a scholar of the UMass Baccalaureate MD (BaccMD) Program at UMass Medical. I give my sincere thanks to Deb and the OURs office for their years of support. Without them, I may have missed out on these eye-opening and memorable learning experiences. I highly recommend this resource to anyone (any or no experience, any major) who wants to learn more about research and the myriad of opportunities available to you!

Orett

Biology

Hi, my name is Orett Burke, Jr. and I am a junior studying biology. I have worked on an FDA-funded project in Dr. Zoeller’s lab. During my first semester here, I wanted to find an “REU” or internship that met my needs. Debra Phillis of the OURS office scrutinized several programs in order to find the program most suitable for me. She made an overwhelming process much easier through her persistence and dedication to helping me out. With her help, I was able to get accepted into the Institute for Cellular Engineering program at UMass Amherst. I am very grateful to have met Ms. Phillis because she assisted me in finding an opportunity that created my foundation in medicine.

Shakira

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Following my first Introductory Biology class, I developed an interest in research. With no research experience at all, I had no idea where to even start so I sought out the OURS office. One of the advisors gave me hope that I would start somewhere and her hard work made finding a good research internship much less stressful. That summer I worked in the Antimicrobial Discovery lab at Northeastern University in Boston. After this incredible experience, I went on to work in Dr. Jerry’s lab here on campus where we study the role of estrogen and p53 in the development of breast cancer. Together with Deb, we found an opportunity and I ended up doing clinical research experience with Dr. Richard Possemato's lab at NYU School of Medicine, studying cancer cell metabolism. I had an independent project studying the effect of suppressing polymerase epsilon in tumorigenesis of high-grade serous ovarian carcinomas, the most common yet deadly subtype of ovarian cancer. I must say that I would not have been able to find such great programs without Deb and we are definitely fortunate to have the OURS office.

Stephanie

Psychology (Neuroscience) and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

My name is Stephanie, and I am a pre-med student with a passion for translational medicine and clinical research. LRC brought me to OURS, which has played a critical role in my past internship applications. In particular, I am very thankful for Ms. Phillis’ help - from researching programs that align with my research interest to editing my resume and introducing me to alums with similar academic interests. With her continuous support in the past 2 years, I have been accepted to numerous summer research internships. This includes UMass Medical School, UCSF, UT Southwestern, Mayo Clinic, and Sanofi Genzyme. I have been an NIH research fellow under Dr. Jason Kim at UMass Medical School. I was given the opportunity to follow up on an exciting project about the linkage of breast cancer tumors and insulin resistance. I also interned at Sanofi Genzyme for clinical research on multiple sclerosis. Overall, OURS has played a major role in my research career, opening my door to valuable research opportunities. I received personal support that was tailored to my specific career goal and research interest. Thank you, OURS!

Tenzin

Political Science and Chinese with International Relations and International Scholars Program Certificates.

I first became acquainted with the OURS Office during the summer after my freshman year. Having just finished working as a research assistant for Prof. Sharrow of the Political Science Department that spring, I was eager to see what other research opportunities UMass had available which is how I came across OURS. After reaching out to Deb Phillis with my career interests and resume, she helped me to locate a research intern position with the local non-profit Verite in Amherst, MA. After submitting my application and completing a phone interview, I received the position. The research experience I gained with Verite was invaluable. Having successfully finished my internship with Verite, I later interned in Washington D.C at the Department of State in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor in the Office of International Religious Freedom.

Hours

Monday	9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday	9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday	9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday	9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday	9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday	CLOSED

Address

Room 1020, W.E.B. Du Bois Library

154 Hicks Way, Amherst MA

ours@umass.edu

Send us an email