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 October, all 1st- and 2nd-year students PLUS 3rd-year transfers will receive an 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.

Current Research Peer Advisors

Isa Pan

Pan, Isa

Chemistry, Materials Science & Engineering

Become a Research Peer Advisor

The Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (CURF) seeks current undergraduate researchers to serve as Research Peer Advisors (RPAs) to the general Penn undergraduate community. RPAs work in all academic disciplines, so any Penn undergraduate who is engaged in research is encouraged to apply.  The 2022-23 deadline is September 11!

Research Peer Advisor responsibilities include:

  1. Serve as mentor to a small group of 1st and 2nd year students who have questions about research

  2. Be available via email (posted on the CURF web site) and at outreach events to advise aspiring undergraduate researchers on how to get started in research

  3. Share your experiences getting started in undergraduate research at CURF Preceptorials, Research Open Houses, Research Symposia, Workshops, and other CURF outreach events at the ARCH, in the College Houses, and across campus

  4. Work with the CURF Undergraduate Advisory Board to plan programs, provide feedback, conduct outreach, and identify faculty conducting research in order to strengthen undergraduate research culture at Penn

  5. Consult with CURF staff on outreach efforts and event planning

Interested students should complete the CURF Research Peer Advisor Application.

Interviews will be conducted with qualified candidates who most closely meet the program’s current needs.

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