First Generation UReCA Fellowship

First Generation UReCA Fellowship is sponsored by University of Oklahoma (UReCA). A fellowship offering financial support for first-generation students conducting research or creative activities.

The University of Oklahoma Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity The Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (UReCA) at the University of Oklahoma was created in 2022 to help support undergraduate students who are involved, or wish to become involved, in any kind of research or creative activity.

Undergraduate research and creative activity is an avenue for undergraduate students to explore their content area through active, process-driven learning. This learning could include inquiry, data analysis, study, or literature reviews that allow the student to continuously construct understanding about their field..

UReCA exists to serve undergraduate students, providing the entire undergraduate community at OU with open access to grow in knowledge, understanding, and collaboration. UReCA provides financial support, mentorship, and presentation opportunities to undergraduate students of all disciplines who wish to engage in research and/or creative activity. The UReCA office is committed to supporting student research and creative activities.

Any content created by undergraduate students and their mentors, including findings, conclusions, opinions, and recommendations, are solely attributed to the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the Provost’s Office.

Provost's Summer UReCA Fellowships First Year Research Experience Research Day at the Capitol Event Date 2027 Summer Fellowship Information Session Check back - will be scheduled for early Jan, 2027 Writing Center UReCA Workshop (held in Wagner Hall - please register at Engage) Brainstorming Session: Friday Sept 25, 1:30-3pm Drafting Session: Friday Nov 6, 1:30-3pm IRB Training Email us for information 2027 UReCA Summer Fellowship Applications Will Open in Dec.

2026 2026 UReCA Showcase Friday Oct. 16, 2026 First Generation UReCA Spring 2027: Opened Tues Sept 1st, Due Tues Dec 1st Undergraduate Research Day Scheduling pending / During the last week of April 2027 I work at LMAMR on a multi-semester research project which focuses on polar bear conservation. Unsurprisingly, it is not easy to find comparative polar bear samples here in Oklahoma.

With the funding from UReCA, I was provided the opportunity to work at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D. C. as a visiting researcher.

As someone from a low-income background, I never would have been afforded this opportunity without UReCA. This experience has allowed me to better understand what a career in research would look like for me. I would highly encourage future students to use the UReCA funding for their own unique experiences.

Researching as an undergrad has been highly valuable to creating opportunities and shaping how I see my future. The UReCA program has helped me to develop as an independent researcher during my time as an undergraduate. This has given me the freedom to explore and own my project from start to finish.

UReCA has provided me and my lab with the resources we need so that I can be focused on learning and developing my project in the ways I want. The UReCA fellowship allowed me to spend the summer at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D. C.

At the end of the summer I traveled to Maine and presented my findings at the Furbears workshop at the Marine Shoals lab in Maine. I am currently part of the UReCA ambassador program. This program has also allowed me to be more involved on campus and spread the word about this fantastic opportunity.

Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Office of the Senior Vice Pres. & Provost 660 Parrington Oval, Room 104 Updated 9/21/2026 by Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Office of the Senior Vice Pres. & Provost : ureca@ou.

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