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
Project: AI for Human Ecology – Climate, Culture, and Change Project mentor: Nicolas Gauthier – nicolas.gauthier(at)ufl.edu Lab/Collection: AI for Human Ecology Project Description:The AI for Human Ecology lab is looking for creative students who want to learn how to use supercomputers to study our species’ role in Earth’s past, present, and future. We make maps and models of how climate, environment, and society interact, focusing on topics like food production, biodiversity, pandemics, warfare, and cultural evolution. Current projects include research on past societies of the US Southwest, Mexico, Tibet, and Mediterranean, but regional focus is open to student interests. Skills needed: Creativity and an interest in archaeology, climatology, or biodiversity. No experience required. Skills to be gained: Students will gain experience working with maps and spatial data using applications like Google Earth and develop basic coding skills for analyzing and visualizing spatial data. Semester: Fall
Project: Herbarium Project Mentor: Alan Franck, Lucas Majure – francka(at)floridamuseum.ufl.edu Lab/Collection: Herbarium (Botany) Project Description: Digitizing the plant diversity of the world – To understand plant diversity and target conservation needs, the herbarium is digitizing its collection of about a half-million specimens. Priorities include specimens from the Neotropics, Paleotropics, historic sets from the 1850s-1970s, bryophytes, and lichens. We have a very unique collection, some of which needs meticulous curatorial work. Students can focus on a particular collection, plant group, or geographic area of interest. Remote work may be possible for bryophyte or lichen projects. Skills Needed: Interest in plant diversity Skills to be Gained: Curation and digitization of plant specimens, including databasing, photography, mounting, and filing, as well as various interesting tidbits about plant species that we work with. Semester: Fall
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 and research mentor, 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 at the end of Fall, 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. The program typically supports research conducted over an academic year and the next application cycle will support projects for the 2027-2028 academic year.
The Florida Museum of Natural History expects to submit up to seven applications from students working with museum mentors. he museum reviews applications and forwards the most competitive to the USP for consideration. The application process generally takes place in the months leading up to the academic year of the award (mid February), allowing time for internal review prior to submission to the USP.
Applications should include a single PDF file with the following:
1. The USP application form and Stipend Disbursement Acknowledgement.
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).