Kickstart Your Winter Quarter: Discover Your Path Into Research
Welcome back, Aggies! As we settle into Week 1, this is the perfect time to explore new academic possibilities. Undergraduate research is one of the most exciting opportunities UC Davis has to offer. As an R1 research institution, we are nationally recognized for producing groundbreaking discoveries across all fields from STEM labs and environmental field studies to social science, creative arts, and the humanities.
Whether you're curious about working in a lab, creating a project of your own, or just figuring out what research even means as a first-year student, you don’t have to navigate it alone. This week, your Peer Mentor will help you break down the research landscape at Davis, explore your interests, and identify opportunities open to beginners.
We’ll walk you through essential tools like the Undergraduate Research Center (URC) and show you how to use Aggie Experts to find faculty mentors and ongoing projects that match your passions.
Pro tips:
No experience needed: Many labs are excited to teach beginners from the ground up.
Follow your curiosity: Start with topics you genuinely enjoy, even if they seem broad.
Stay open: Staying curious is more important than having it all figured out right now.
Find Research Opportunities with Your Peer Mentor
During Week 1 Drop-In Hours, Peer Mentors are ready to help you:
Brainstorm: Chat about your academic interests and think through what kinds of research you might enjoy.
Navigate Resources: Walk through the URC website and Aggie Experts to find faculty profiles and active projects.
Take Action: Support you in taking your first steps, from brainstorming outreach emails to understanding how research fits into a first-year schedule.
Bring: Your laptop to explore new resources and opportunities! Drop-In Kit: This week’s kit includes Collectibles, Scantrons, and Bluebooks.
Note: Check your Peer Mentor’s email for their specific drop-in hours, location, and details.
Residential Academic Centers (RACs)
Every Residential Area has an RAC open for students to study! Peer Mentors will be available in various RACs to answer any questions. Book study offices here!
Join the Team: FYE is Hiring!
First Year Experience is hiring Academic Peer Mentors for 2026-2027! If you are interested in getting paid to support students through their academic transition here at UCD, check out the job description and application! Additionally, if you are interested in working directly with one of the 6 identity-based living learning communities (listed below), indicate your interest on the job application.
● Asian & Pacific Islander Aggies (A&PIA)
● African & African American (AAA)
● Casa Cuauhtémoc (Chicanx-Latinx House)
● Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian (MENASA)
● Rainbow (LGBTQ+ Community)
● We Are First (First Generation College Students)
Priority Deadline is January 27, 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Want to Learn More? Attend an Info Session or Tabling Event!
Not sure what the job entails or how to ace the interview? Come chat with us! We are hosting several events where you can learn about the application process and meet the current team.
Jan 21 10:30 AM–12 PM Transfer & Reentry Center
Jan 21 2:00 PM–4:00 PM El Centro
Jan 21 4:00 PM–5:00 PM El Centro
Jan 22 12 PM–6 PM CADSS, SCC, & Native Nest
Jan 23 11:00 AM–12 PM SCC (Meeting Room B)
Jan 26 5:00 PM–6:00 PM Wall Hall Main Lounge
Important Dates to Watch
Jan 5: Instruction Begins
Jan 16: Deadline Day! Last day to:
Make payments to avoid administrative withdrawal.
Drop 10-day-drop courses.
Add courses or use waitlists.
File for part-time status.
Follow us on Instagram @ucdavisnsp for more updates!