Undergraduate Research Ambassadors

Undergraduate Research Ambassadors are student leaders committed to helping their peers discover the transformative experience of research and creative scholarship at the University of South Carolina. Representing student research in a wide range of disciplines, they embody Discovery for Every Discipline and highlight the many opportunities and resources available through the Office of Undergraduate Research.

Here's what Ambassadors say:

"Being an Undergraduate Research Ambassador has allowed me to give back to my peers and serve as a resource to others. It has also served as an incredible learning opportunity for me. I have learned so much about communication and who I want to be in specific roles. It has also increased my confidence and allowed me to develop new connections on campus."
Myrtle Yates, c/o 2026 Sports and Entertainment Management, researching Sports Marketing

Here's what Ambassadors do:

Promote undergraduate research through University 101 presentations
Actively participate in tabling events, campus partner and student organization presentations and more on behalf of the Office of Undergraduate Research
Work at Discover USC and other OUR events
Increase awareness of services offered through the Office of Undergraduate Research
Serve as a role model and peer leader in the USC community

Benefits of being an Undergraduate Research Ambassador:

Leadership Development

Ambassadors increase their communication and public speaking skills through outreach events and presentations.
Ambassadors enjoy exclusive professional development opportunities in a small group setting.

Personal Growth and Confidence

Ambassadors have leadership roles that challenge personal limits through practice and guided feedback, building confidence and increasing comfort in taking on new challenges—both in and out of the classroom.

Networking Opportunities

Ambassadors connect with faculty, administration, research staff, and fellow researchers across diverse disciplines through their research and ambassador activities.

Community

Ambassadors are an active part of the USC Community and create professional and social bonds that last a lifetime!

Impact

Ambassadors play a direct role in increasing access to research and helping peers find pathways to success.

Additional Information:

The Undergraduate Research Ambassador cohort consists of approximately 12-16 members during the academic year.

Time commitments vary throughout the semester, but URAs average 3-5 hours a week and are paid a starting rate of $12/hour.

Ambassadors must attend mandatory training in August.

Additionally, Ambassadors are required to attend cohort meetings held once or twice per month throughout the semester for ongoing training and professional development.

Eligibility:

You must...

Be currently enrolled as a degree-seeking undergraduate student at USC on the Columbia campus
Be currently engaged in research under the guidance of a USC faculty mentor
- Note: Because this position involves sharing about your personal research experience, your Faculty Research Mentor will be informed of your application and asked to complete a brief form as part of your application. We strongly encourage informing your mentor that you are applying for the role and notifying them that our office will be sending them a short verification form on your behalf upon receipt of your application.
Be in good standing with the university
Demonstrate a willingness to learn more about the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) and the role it plays on campus
Demonstrate public speaking and communication skills

NOTE: Ambassadors may have conducted research as volunteer experiences, independent study courses, or through grant or departmental funding (not limited to OUR), etc.

Apply to be an Ambassador

Applications are available in January for Ambassador positions for the following school year. Check this page or follow us on our social media platforms for announcements about Ambassador applications and other great news from the OUR.

Nominate a student to be an Ambassador

Do you know an undergraduate student who would be a great Research Ambassador? Nominate an exceptional student from any discipline to be an Undergraduate Research Ambassador!

Do you have questions about Undergraduate Research?

This Is Undergraduate Research is a great place to spend a few minutes reading short stories of how research has impacted not only our Ambassadors but students all over campus.

The OUR can be reached by phone at 803-777-1411 or by email at our@sc.edu. Our office is located on the historic Horseshoe in Legare College, room 120. Students can schedule an appointment with a member of the OUR staff through EAB Navigate under "Make an Appointment" then "Involvement and Engagement" then "Undergraduate Research Appointment".

Undergraduate Research