Apply to ARCH

Decide and analyze your research interests (aligned with or outside your major).

• Consider class topics that have caught your interest
• Reflect on current or historical moments that inspired you to explore further
• Revisit past projects from high school, previous college/university experiences, or personal work that you want to expand

Explore FIU resources for inspiration:

• FIU Discovery
• Research labs, faculty publications and creative works on FIU websites

Create or update your resume and cover letter before applying for research opportunities. Identify faculty or research teams whose work aligns with your interests.

Schedule a meeting with the undergraduate research assistant director, Allen Varela, at alvarel@fiu.edu.

Review research and publications by FIU faculty on their college profile pages, the Honors College Find a Mentor directory, or their profiles on FIU Discovery.

Identify faculty whose work or activities interest you. We recommend reading some of their work to better understand their research interests, goals and methods.

Connect with faculty members after class or via email.

When communicating with prospective mentors, we recommend you:

• Introduce yourself and explain the purpose of your email—to discuss opportunities for research or creative work under their mentorship.
• Mention specific details about their work and why it interests you.
• Describe your goals and explain why you would like them to serve as your mentor or collaborate on their work.
• Share your timeline for completing independent work or contributing to their research. Include your class schedule and availability.
• Attach your resume and/or a pre-proposal outlining your ideas, methods, goals, and the potential impact of your work.

You can apply to ARCH with work or activities you already have. ARCH does not assign a separate topic or mentor. This is your chance to complete independent work or gain experience based on your interests.

Yes. A non-Honors course where you complete a thesis, capstone or design project may be eligible for the Honors in the Major pathway. If you are not sure whether your course qualifies, email arch@fiu.edu with the following information:

Subject Line: ARCH Course Request

Email body:

• Full Name
• Panther ID
• Course Code (Subject Prefix + Catalog Number; e.g., IDH 4001)
• Course Description
• 1-2 sentences describing the final assignment

Previous research experience is not required to begin independent work or apply for research opportunities.

We suggest reflecting on past topics in class, work or life that align with your interests:

• Subjects that sparked your curiosity or further reading
• Independent work you have completed, such as social media posts, blogs, reviews or opinions on issues, science fair projects, business plans and more
• Time spent reading articles or research publications by or about FIU faculty

Do not let a rejection or lack of responses stop you from starting independent work or continuing to apply. Keep trying, and you will eventually find the right opportunity for you.

If you cannot find opportunities on campus, you may also explore off-campus options:

• Pathways to Science allows you to search for research opportunities worldwide.
• The U.S. National Science Foundation provides listings for research experiences for undergraduates.

For additional support, you may email ARCH assistant director Allen Varela at alvarel@fiu.edu.