A First Experience in Research (FE-R) Mentor is a Pitt faculty member who volunteers to provide mentorship to undergraduate students interested in participating in research, for some students, for the first time. FE-R Mentors submit a research project to the FE-R Program and commit to working with 1 to 4 students during the spring term. This is a great opportunity to support and inspire the next generation of researchers.
Program Timeline & Expectations
- End of Summer / Early Fall: Interested faculty submit project descriptions to the OUR via an online form.
- Fall Term: Undergraduate students apply to the FE-R Program and are matched with submitted research projects. Matched students meet with potential Faculty Mentors to discuss the project and mutual interest. Faculty Mentors confirm their selected students with the OUR by the end of the fall term.
- Spring Term: Accepted students participate in a semester-long directed research experience for either 5 or 10 hours per week, under the guidance of their FE-R Faculty Mentor.
Virtual Information Sessions
- June 11, 2025 | 11am - 12pm
- July 9, 2025 | 11am - 12pm
Registration link coming soon!
Can’t attend a session? No problem! Email us at our@pitt.edu to request the 2025–2026 FE-R Mentor Manual or to discuss any questions or project ideas.
Project Submissions
Faculty project submissions for the Spring 2026 FE-R Program will open this summer.