Undergraduate student researchers and volunteers contribute significantly to research conducted in the Department of Natural History. Each year, several hundred undergraduate students work on projects, including fieldwork, laboratory experiments, curatorial activities in the museum collections, and exhibit development.
These opportunities allow students to gain experience working with research collections and analyzing and interpreting data alongside a team of professional scholars. In being part of the discovery process, students are encouraged to ask questions and develop research projects to suit their own interests and build a foundation for potential future investigations after graduation.
Ways to Get Involved
Each division at the Florida Museum is happy to welcome any volunteers to assist with their collections. Students interested in volunteering should start by reviewing the Undergraduate Opportunities (see below), which may include assisting with research projects or curatorial activities in the museum’s collections, exhibit and fieldwork. This list provides a variety of potential projects. After exploring these opportunities, students should contact the potential project advisor. This list is not exhaustive, so students are also encouraged to consult other museum faculty and staff in their area of focus.
For additional volunteer opportunities within the museum, visit the Adult Volunteer Opportunities. Students can also join the Environmental Leaders Network, which offers opportunities in environmental research and engagement both on campus and in the community.
Undergraduate Opportunities
Coming soon: new opportunities for Fall 2025!
Any student interested in an independent study project for university credit through a division of the Florida Museum should contact the museum’s collections curators or faculty about research opportunities in their field.
Independent studies can often be arranged in a number of disciplines using collection specimens. Once you have established a project with a curator as your advisor, you will need to contact your home department (i.e., Biology, Geology, Anthropology) for the appropriate independent studies course forms and application materials. You will work under the supervision of the collection curators and/or collection managers and graduate students and will communicate with your Florida Museum advisor during the course of your independent research.
Most independent research projects last for one semester, but some can last longer if the student desires and the advisor/department approve. This is a great way to get experience, earn credit, and interact with museum researchers. Results of such studies can be readily presented at professional conferences and even adapted for publication.
Note: UF offers a training module, Mentee 101, on how to be a successful undergraduate researcher
Students eligible for Federal Work Study (FWS) can gain hands-on experience in research or curatorial work at the Florida Museum while earning financial support. Through FWS, students can contribute to museum research, collections management, and exhibit development.
For more information, visit the UF Student Financial Affairs website for details on FWS employment, including where to find available FWS positions at the museum.
Funding your Research Experience
Once students identify a specific area of research, they may also consider applying to one of the two competitive UF programs, which provide stipends to fund their museum research experience.
The Emerging Scholars Program provides a stipend to undergraduate students involved in research projects with UF mentors. It is open to students in their freshman or sophomore year, with no prior formal research experience. Applications for the next round of funding are due November 22nd, 2024, and research will take place in the following Spring and Summer or Fall semesters. Students should submit their applications directly to the Center for Undergraduate Research as described at the above link. If there are more applications than the Florida Museum of Natural History is able to support, the museum will select the most meritorious
The University Scholars Program (USP) provides a stipend to more advanced undergraduate students involved in research projects with UF faculty mentors. Research will take place during Fall 2025 and Spring 2026, and students cannot be graduating before May 2026. See the above link for more details.
The Florida Museum of Natural History expects to submit up to five applications from students working with museum mentors. The museum will review applications and submit the most competitive for consideration by the USP. Please submit applications by February 14th, 2025, so the museum will have time to review them before the USP deadline of March 1.
Students should submit a single PDF file including the following:
1. The 2025-2026 USP application form, available here.
2. A one-page research summary.
3. Letter of support from FLMNH mentor, stating that the mentor will agree to supervise this project and providing any other information to support the student’s application.
If you have additional questions about undergraduate research opportunities or museum-related projects for undergraduates, please contact the Undergraduate Affairs Coordinator, Dr. Mariela Pajuelo (mpajuelo@ufl.edu).