Fall 2024
How to Get into Research: 1st Year Edition
(UTM Orientation Week)
Don’t miss out on an opportunity to connect with undergraduate researchers and learn more about research opportunities at UTM – participate in fun, interactive games and socialize with student researchers! This event aims to introduce first years to different UTM-specific research opportunities through an interactive choice-based simulator (see example here, which will be adapted to undergraduates. In this matter, participants will be able to steer the direction of the presentation, while being informed about each choice through student testimonials.
Speed Networking with Undergraduate Researchers (UTM Orientation Week)
This event aims to introduce students who are interested in research to undergraduates who are active in research. The aim of this event is to facilitate networking opportunities and increase dialogue about accessing such opportunities. This event idea stems from the observation that there are barriers to accessing the vast research network UofT has to offer, and we propose this event as a way to help alleviate and lower the barrier. Moreover, this event aims to create a space for first years to build community and connections with each other and with upper years as well.
How to Get into Research 101: UTM Edition
An engaging seminar aimed at introducing UTM-specific research opportunities to new students through a three-hour presentation featuring student testimonials, a Q&A panel, and a short coffee chat session after.
Mentorship program with Graduate Students
This mentorship program will be dedicated to pairing graduate student mentors with 3rd or 4th year undergraduates who are serious about pursuing PhD studies. Our aim is to equip students with a greater understanding on how to effectively apply for graduate studies and how to cope with the transition (i.e., how to find a supervisor, what to look for in a lab, etc.). We also hope to have social events between mentors and mentees, as well as have exclusive panels or networking sessions to further equip participants within the program for success.
Mentorship program with Upper Years
This mentorship program aims to pair 1st or 2nd years with successful upper year students in research, with the goal of guiding students towards research opportunities. Our aim is to equip younger students with the resources needed to access opportunities and gain experience in research. We also hope to have social events where we discuss research, fun lab stories, and build community. Moreover, we also hope to host networking sessions to equip participants within the program for success.
Lab Tours (for wet-labs) or Seminars (for labs without a traditional lab space)
URSA aims to host on-going lab tours that provide students with unique, personal, small-group experiences with research. Professors or students from the lab will then give a tour of the lab (when applicable) and present their research during this to get students excited about research!
Ask a Student panels
Ask a Student panels aim to provide students with a space where they can ask questions and learn more about students’ experiences in research as an undergraduate. We hope to host at least two panels for students to gain a sense of what they can accomplish as an undergraduate researcher. This year, we hope to diversify our panelists and focus on Humanities and Social Sciences. Thus, we hope to have two panels of three speakers each.
