Research Peer Advisors

Who are the Research Peer Advisors?

CURF Research Peer Advisors (RPAs) are undergraduates from a variety of research fields who can help Penn students get started in research. RPAs are available for consultation via email, and at CURF outreach events such as Preceptorials, Research Open Houses, Research Symposia, and Workshops. RPAs can help you explore research opportunities, identify potential faculty mentors, and apply for research grants.

Each September, all 1st- and 2nd-year students PLUS 3rd-year transfers will receive an email invitation to be formally matched with a Research Peer Advisor. However, undergraduates are always welcome to contact RPAs individually outside of the official matching process. 

Interested in becoming an RPA for the 2026-2027 academic year? 
The strongest RPAs are not necessarily the superstar researchers. The most effective RPAs are those students who are strong communicators (including being responsive to emails and meeting requests), eager to help others, and work well in groups, including with groups of people they don’t know well. If this describes you, please fill out an application by April 19th.