First Year Research Experience

The mission of The University of New Mexico is to serve as New Mexico’s flagship institution of higher learning through demonstrated and growing excellence in teaching, research, patient care and community service. At UNM, not only can knowledge be acquired, it is also created!

The First-Year Research Experience (FYRE) at The University of New Mexico offers 30 first-year students the opportunity apply their learning beyond the classroom! This research experience will allow students to ask questions, check data, create new ideas and engage in their educational experience.

Participants will be encouraged to work with a faculty mentor to get real life questions answered and explore learning in areas that they are interested in. By participating in this high-impact practice, students will acquire improved critical thinking, communication, presentation and leadership skills, while engaging in a more thorough and comprehensive educational experience.

In addition to the research experience, each scholar will receive a $400 scholarship/stipend paid in 2 installments after certain program milestones are met.

FYRE Eligibility

First-year students are eligible and encouraged to apply.  FYRE is open to students in ALL majors and ALL educational backgrounds.  There are a limited number of spaces available, primary consideration will be given to applications submitted by those enrolled in the FYEX 1110: FYRE course in the order that they are received, though any student is welcome to apply. The application will become available on Friday, September 30, 2022 and will be due Friday, October 21, 2022.  After you successfully submit an application you will receive a confirmation e-mail.

FYRE Requirements

The First-Year Research Experience is a two-semester commitment.  Students who are selected to participate in FYRE agree to commit to the following:

Fall Semester

• Meet with a Peer Mentor / FYRE coordinator on a bi-weekly basis (begin Mid-October)
• Learn basic research skills by attending monthly seminars and workshops
• Establish a research topic and identify a faculty mentor who will aid in your research
• Complete required progress reports

Spring Semester (Participants must complete 15 credit hours and earn a 3.0 GPA for Fall 2022)

• Meet with a peer mentor / FYRE coordinator on a bi-weekly basis (begin February)
• Conduct research under the guidance of a faculty mentor
• Complete required progress reports
• Share the results of your research during the 2023 Undergraduate Research Opportunity Conference

FYRE Funding and Scholarship Amount

The First-Year Research Experience (FYRE) is made possible by the contributions of the Student Fee Review Board (SFRB) and the College Enrichment Program (CEP).  CEP provides program administration and funding is provided by student fees* recommended by the SFRB.

*100% of fees awarded to FYRE are returned to students in the form of employment and/or scholarship.

Contact FYRE

For general questions regarding the First-Year Research Experience contact CEP Supv. Student Success, Trindad Mendoza, at 505-277-5321 or tmendoz1@unm.edu