UF undergraduate students work one-on-one with UF faculty on selected research projects to gain valuable experience and explore potential career opportunities. Through this initiative, students will take away an understanding of and appreciation for the scholarly method.
explore research at uf college of pharmacy
University Scholars Program
The University Scholars Program introduces undergraduate students to the exciting world of academic research.
Eligibility
Currently enrolled University of Florida undergraduate students from any college who wish to conduct research with a faculty member in the College of Pharmacy are encouraged to apply to the University Scholars Program (USP). Applicants must have maintained an overall GPA of 3.0 or better, and have at least one more year of undergraduate studies remaining. Participants in the 2025-26 program may not graduate before spring 2026.
Students should contact a faculty member with whom they would like to conduct research to discuss the program, then complete the University Scholars Program application by February 1.
Application Requirements
All applications must include the following items:
- USP application form
- One-page summary of proposed research project
- Supporting letter from the faculty mentor
Submit the completed application and supporting documents by email to PharmSciResearch@cop.ufl.edu by February 1, 2025.
Program Timeline
Applications are due February 1. Selection of the University Scholars within the College of Pharmacy will be determined by the Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education. Students will be notified of their selection in March.
Participants are required to attend a mandatory orientation on April 8, 2025.
Participants will conduct the majority of their research during the summer term and continue their work during the following academic year by taking research-oriented courses in the college for credit.
Selected students will receive $1750 stipend for the supervised research, disbursed in two payments (Sept. and May). The faculty mentor who hosts a student will receive $500 in support of the research project. The funds can be used for the purchase of necessary reagents or supplies. The funds can also be used to offset travel costs should the student present the work at a scientific/medical conference.
Program Requirements
Orientation
Each University Scholar is required to attend an orientation session with the Center of Undergraduate Research prior to starting the program. More information about this session will be made available on the University Scholars Program website.
Research Poster Presentation
College of Pharmacy University Scholars are expected to present their research projects at both the college and university level.
- Scholars will be expected to present their research results as a poster presentation at the College of Pharmacy’s Annual Research Showcase, held in February.
- Scholars are required to present their research poster at the University of Florida Spring Undergraduate Research Symposium. Directions will be sent on how to submit an abstract and the required format before the deadline. All abstracts and posters must be approved by the faculty mentor before submission.
Research Paper
University Scholars performing research within the College of Pharmacy are also required to prepare and submit their final research paper to the university’s online Journal of Undergraduate Research. Scholars should reference the JUR website for guidelines, deadlines, and formatting requirements. No late submissions will be accepted.
The College of Pharmacy also encourages scholars to submit their work, if deemed appropriate and worthy by the faculty advisor, to other established scientific journals related to the research.
Questions?
Any questions about the application process should be directed to PharmSciResearch@cop.ufl.edu. Further information about the UF Center for Undergraduate Research and the University Scholars Program can be explored on the program’s website.
