Student Hector Quijano with associate professor Eileen ChouUSOAR Overview
USOAR is a program that matches first-year, second-year, and transfer undergraduate students who do not have previous research experience* with a paid Federal Work Study research position in Charlottesville. USOAR strives to introduce students to the enriching experience of participating in research and to provide the opportunity to build strong relationships with faculty. Students will spend 5-10 hours per week during the academic year working with their faculty supervisor on research-related tasks or projects.
* “Previous research experience” means any research experience under a faculty member’s (or high school teacher’s) supervision, whether at UVA or elsewhere. (This does not include writing an academic research paper as part of a course or participating in a required taught lab component of a course. However, it does include participation in AP Research in high school.)
Who may apply?
Rising first-year, second-year, and transfer undergraduate students who are enrolled at UVA for 2025-26 and eligible for Federal Work-Study. Ideal applicants will have good time management skills, an ability to work independently as well as with supervision, and some background in and understanding of their area of interest.
How do I apply?
- Review the position descriptions and identify up to 3 positions that interest you. Please do not contact the faculty directly.
- Create your resume (see Helpful Materials below).
- Prepare a statement of interest (500 words maximum) addressed to the faculty mentor for each position for which you wish to apply. This statement allows you to introduce yourself to faculty mentor/s and should convey your background and motivation for wanting to do research. You should also demonstrate your interest in the position and how participation will fit with your development.
- Obtain a PDF copy of your UVA transcript or high school transcript if you are a rising first year (this may be unofficial).
- Submit all components using this online application. Applications are due by 11:59pm on July 30.
2025 - 2026 Timeline
- Early June: Application opens
- July 30: Application deadline
- August 4-8: Interviews of applicants by faculty (please note that interviews are not required and not all faculty perform interviews)
- August 13: USOAR student selections sent (this is the date by which you will learn your status)
- August 25 at 4pm: Mandatory USOAR student orientation
- Week of September 1: UNST 2810 course begins
2025 - 2026 Positions
Projects are categorized into broad disciplines. These are the categories for the student role, not necessarily the project itself. For example, a project examining curriculum for civil engineering students is categorized here as social science rather than engineering - while the project studies engineers and engineering curriculum, the student role will be more focused on qualitative data collection and analysis. We encourage you to explore roles that you may not initially think fit within your exact discipline - you never know what you might find fits your interests and skillsets!
Positions will be posted starting in early June and may continue to be added through the month of June. Positions will be removed following the matching process.
