Houston Early Research Experience - University of Houston
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The Office of Undergraduate Research and Major Awards

The Houston Early Research Experience (HERE) is a two-week workshop intended to orient rising sophomore and junior undergraduates to the fundamentals of conducting research. UH faculty members and instructors will lead the seminars. HERE will uncover the complexity of understanding and grappling with big picture problems. Students will discuss academic topics, broaden their professional network and learn how to ask the right research questions when approaching their work. Students from all majors are encouraged to apply.

HERE students receive a $1K scholarship for their involvement, two points towards the Honors in Co-Curricular Engagement transcript designation and an invitation to apply for the Houston Scholars program in the fall semester. The HERE program is in-person. Housing and transportation will not be provided. 

The 2023 HERE program took place May 15-26, 2023 and focused on the topic Food Systems: Culture, Security & Sustainability. Houston’s diverse food scene has gained increasing national recognition, establishing the city as a culinary hotspot. However, among supply chain issues and inflation, many questions remain on how Houston will manage issues such as food scarcity and sustainable infrastructures. In small groups led by a faculty mentor, students developed a research proposal related to a contemporary topic or problem, with themes ranging from diversity and culture, sustainability, food industries, food insecurity and more. Learn more about past HERE cohorts.

The 2024 HERE Application will open in January 2024.

FAQs

  • Eligibility

    Eligible candidates must be a rising sophomore or junior with at least four semesters remaining at UH after summer 2024. (This means you should not graduate before spring 2026).

    • You must have at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA
    • All majors are eligible
    • Students may apply to both HERE and SURF in the same year

  • How to Apply

    The application for the 2024 HERE program will open in January 2024.

  • Program Dates

    The 2024 HERE Program will take place May 13-24, 2024.

  • Program Overview

    The Houston Early Research Experience (HERE) is a two-week workshop intended to orient rising sophomore and junior undergraduates to the fundamentals of conducting research. UH faculty members and instructors will lead the seminars. HERE will uncover the complexity of understanding and grappling with big picture problems. Students will discuss academic topics, broaden their professional network and learn how to ask the right research questions when approaching their work. Students from all majors are encouraged to apply.

  • 2024 Theme

    The 2024 theme is TBA.

    For the 2023 program, students examined various aspects of food systems in Houston. Houston’s diverse food scene has gained increasing national recognition, establishing the city as a culinary hotspot. However, among supply chain issues and inflation, many questions remain on how Houston will manage issues such as food scarcity and sustainable infrastructures. In small groups led by a faculty mentor, students developed a research proposal related to a contemporary topic or problem, with themes ranging from diversity and culture, sustainability, food industries, food insecurity and more.

  • Seminar Activities

    HERE participants will:

    • Attend faculty and community leader-led lectures and discussions
    • Read and discuss academic articles with seminar leaders
    • Develop a research question and proposal with faculty-mentor guidance
    • Deliver a research proposal presentation

  • HERE Orientation

    Students accepted into the HERE Program are required to attend an orientation session prior to the program's start date.

  • HCCE Points

    HERE program participants will receive 2 points towards the Honors in Co-Curricular Engagement (HCCE) transcript designation. The HCCE transcript designation is awarded to students upon graduation who pursue a broad range of experiential learning opportunities from freshman to senior year. Students can pursue undergraduate research, internships, learning away and abroad, service learning, leadership experience and other academic enrichment opportunities.

  • Housing and Transportation

    Housing and transportation will not be provided. Participants are expected to make their own accommodations.

  • Additional Questions

    Please contact HERE program manager Livia Garza at llgarza9@uh.edu if you have an questions or require additional information.

  • New to Research but Not Yet Eligible?

    No problem! Consider applying for the HERE Program the following year. We encourage you to reach out to the Office of Undergraduate Research and Major Awards for more information on how to get started in undergraduate research.

HERE IN ACTION

  • Chef Christine Ha shares her experiences as a Masterchef competitor and Houston restaurateur.
  • Honors Biology Professor Marc Hanke leading a group of HERE students during an afternoon seminar.
  • HERE students learning from guest speakers about different facets of the yearly theme.
  • Dr. Ioannis Kakadiaris presenting on AI-powered food distribution during emergencies.
  • HERE student groups presenting their research proposal on the final day of the program.