Undergraduate Research Opportunities Center

Enriching the academic experience for students to build a robust portfolio of scholarship, research and creative activities across all disciplines.

Engaging in the complex problems facing our world is one of the most important and impactful aspects of undergraduate research and higher education.

At CSUMB’s Undergraduate Research Opportunities Center (UROC) you can develop the knowledge, skills and abilities that support career and graduate school readiness.

Research Experiences that Foster Critical Thinking, Communication and Teamwork

At the UROC, you’ll engage in mentored research experiences through innovative programs designed to take your knowledge, skills and abilities to distinctive heights, setting you apart in the eyes of graduate schools and employers.

World-Class Opportunities to Enhance Your Education

Research at CSUMB will prepare you to address some of the most pressing issues facing our world, and that could take you across the country to engage with other research-intensive institutions while also having the opportunity to present your research findings at major conferences and symposiums, as well as published in respected professional journals. 

Explore Open Research Opportunities

Find a research opportunity to participate in during the school year or summer that sparks your interest and aligns with your academic and professional goals. 

Explore Research Opportunities

Being accepted into UROC allowed me to gain meaningful experiences prior to committing to a graduate degree program so I can be more confident about my future decisions."

- Annabelle McCarthy, UROC LSAMP Researcher

Life-Changing Opportunities for Students

Getting Started With Research

Discover the many different forms of research you can engage in.

Professor and student observe marine organisms in a water tank inside the laboratory

Programs and Events

Explore our many research programs, and participate in the exciting research events, workshops and information sessions that we host every semester.

Two students working while their professor oversees them in the business and information technology building

Secure Funding for Your Research

Whether it’s for research supplies or resources to cover research-related travel expenses, you can apply for funding provided by UROC.

Presenting or Publishing Your Research

UROC will help you find professional conferences to attend and present your work, and/or journals in which to publish your research, experiences that will enable you to meet potential graduate school mentors and network with researchers from across the country.

A student at CSUMB explains a research poster on agricultural science to a group of attendees during the AGPS Summer Presentation. The student gestures toward the poster while others listen closely.

Planning and Delivering Your Presentation

Gain valuable insights and guidance on how to design and deliver an effective oral presentation as well as powerful visual presentations.

Scholarships and Fellowships

UROC supports a wide range of state and nationally competitive scholarships and fellowships designed to support undergraduate as well as graduate program pursuits.

Dr. U assisting two students with statistics in a classroom setting

The UROC Team

John Banks

John Banks

Director of Undergraduate Research Opportunities Center

Natasha Oehlman

Natasha Oehlman

Writing and Professional Communication Associate

Jessica Bautista

Jessica Bautista

Research Associate, UROC

Jessica Bautista

Jessica Bautista

Research Programs Associate

Eric Barajas

Eric Barajas

Outreach Specialist

Eric Barajas

Eric Barajas

Special Consultant

Marc Garcia

Marc Garcia

Career Coach

Suzanne Ocegura

Suzanne Ocegura

Undergraduate Research Administrative Analyst

An Invigorating Experience for Mentors

Two students on a boat with a life jacket collaborating together

Become a UROC Mentor

Serving as a mentor to undergraduate students through UROC is an excellent way to share your knowledge and experience with the next generation of professionals and scholars.

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Mentor FAQs

Get the answers you need to understand what it’s like to be an undergraduate mentor through UROC.

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Undergraduate Research Mentor Award

Each year UROC recognizes and honors the work of our undergraduate mentors and the impact they have on our undergraduate students.

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Students in lab coats observe and take notes while conducting a tank experiment in a marine science lab

UROC Mentoring Resources and Links

We provide a comprehensive range of resources and links for you to deepen your understanding of the role you’ll play as a UROC mentor.

Learn More
Waves crash onto a rocky shore

Questions? We’re Here to Help

Our offices are located on the second floor of CSUMB’s Tanimura & Antle Family Memorial Library, Suite 2150. We’re open Monday to Thursday 9am – 4pm, or by appointment.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities Center

If you’re interested in undergraduate research through UROC, the best first step is to schedule a consultation.

Contact the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Center

To learn more about UROC, contact us at: