Research Leaders
Advocacy and Inclusion
Grow and diversify student scholarly activity.
The Research Leaders is a peer ambassador organization within the College of Arts
and Sciences. Research Leaders are advocates for the growth of undergraduate scholarship
across diverse scholarly disciplines within CAS and throughout OSU.
2022-2023 Focus Areas
Partnership and Community
Connect peers and campus partners to research resources.
- Build community with OSU student organizations to spread the word about research involvement.
- Visit OSU classrooms to advise students about embarking on a research path
Promotion and Advocacy
Showcase undergraduate research in an exciting and accessible way.
- Share resources and spread the word about opportunities for student researchers
- Demystify the student researcher experience through web and social media connections
Outreach and Inclusion
Identify growth areas and expand support of research engagement for all.
- Develop resources and programs to encourage research participation
- Welcome all students to explore research and creative scholarly activity
What does it mean to be a Research Leader
RL Duties
- Sharing experiences and interests in research/creative activity in CAS
- Present about research opportunities in courses and student organizations
- Represent CAS Research at events, i.e. CAS Research Browse and OSU Undergraduate Research Symposium
- Provide feedback on current/proposed programming or offerings
- Attend 1-3 team development meetings throughout the year
- Serve as a Research Leader for one academic year
RL Benefits
- Make a positive impact on OSU's current and future student researchers
- Collaborate with a diverse team to expand support for undergraduate researchers
- Develop skills that strengthen future professional/academic applications
- Engage in leadership, public speaking, and teaching opportunities
- Conduct outreach to diverse groups of peers across campus
- Integrate more fully into CAS’s high-caliber research and artistic communities
Research Leader Eligibility
Guide undergraduate research in new directions
- Enrolled full-time in a CAS major (not on academic/disciplinary probation)
- Have at least one semester/summer of experience with faculty-mentored research or creative activity in CAS
- Supportive and welcoming to fellow Leaders, as well as students from all backgrounds and identity groups
- Willing to describe your research experience to general audiences in a clear, positive, and enthusiastic way
- Willing to serve as a resource about how to become involved in undergraduate research or creative activity
RLs Taking Over
Follow Research Leaders Instagram "takeovers"
Get a detailed look at a day in the life of a CAS undergraduate researcher, ask questions,
and get inspired.
Research Shadowing
Explore possibilities up close alongside a Research Leader
Join a current CAS student researcher in their lab or creative space to understand
their work and learn how you can become involved in OSU research.
Research Leaders 23-24
Join the next RL cohort.
Each Research Leaders cohort is unique. RLs use their diverse perspectives to advance
the RL goal of enhancing awareness, participation, and inclusion in research and creative
activity throughout the College of Arts and Sciences. Apply to join next year's RLs
team. Applications for the 2023-2024 academic year are accepted until May 19, 2023.
Contact us!
For program questions or application information.
Dr. Rachael Eaton CAS Program Manager for Student ResearchCAS Student ResearchLife Sciences East405.744.8703rachael.eaton@okstate.edu