Each spring semester, First-Year Honors Program students have the opportunity for first-hand research experience under the guidance of an Iowa State University faculty mentor. There is a wide range of research opportunities to choose from involving many disciplines and departments.

Students and faculty mentors are matched through a web-based process that allows you and prospective mentors to rank projects, interests, and skills. You could work on a project within your field of study, pick a topic that helps you decide on a major, or explore a field you enjoy. Students work 3 or 6 hours per week, earning one or two credits (HON 2900H).

About the Program

Each spring, first-year honors students are offered an opportunity to experience the world of research firsthand by working under the guidance of an Iowa State faculty mentor. It’s a unique opportunity to become involved in research early in your academic career.

The matching process begins in the fall semester.
Here’s how it works:

  • ISU faculty fill out an online profile that describes the research they are conducting and expectations for their student mentees.
  • Online, students describe their interests and skills and select five faculty members with whom they would be interested in working.
  • You meet with the mentor and, if you both agree to work together, sign a contract.
  • You will then spend 3 or 6 hours each week during the spring semester working with your mentor.

Students can earn either one or two credits of HON 2900H for their work in the mentor program.

There is a wide range of research opportunities to choose from involving many disciplines and departments. You could work on a project that is in your field of study. You can pick a topic that helps you decide on a major, or you can explore a field you enjoy.

  • A time commitment of 3 or 6 hours per week (you and your mentor decide which is appropriate)
  • Completion of three evaluations/reflections:
    • Early online “check-in”
    • Participation in midterm discussion group
    • Written final evaluation
  • You will be graded on a Satisfactory/Fail basis

  • Go online - The system is open from Thursday, October 4, until noon on Friday, October 14.
  • Describe yourself: Personal information, academic interests, and skills.
  • Browse for potential mentors: Search the mentor info to find research topics that interest you and the faculty with whom you’d like to work.
  • Select your top five (5) potential mentors - Be sure to set ‘Confirm Participation’ to YES by noon on October 14.
  • Wait until you hear from us about your match — we will notify you on November 14-15 during your HON 1210 class. Don’t sweat it if you’re not matched right away; there’s a lot of switching and adding afterward.

Registration Tips

Your online profile is the mentor’s first introduction to who you are. When completing your profile, be sure to:

  • Write in complete sentences.
    • Whether you write in paragraphs or bullet points, using complete sentences conveys professionalism and thoughtfulness.
  • List relevant information.
    • Write about experiences and skills that relate to the type of project you would like to work on.
  • Save your information on your computer.
    • Type up your profile information and save it on your computer. It makes it easier to edit and will be there just in case your browser eats your work.
  • Edit before submitting.
    • Re-read your profile before submitting it. Correct any spelling or grammatical errors.

Finding a Mentor

  • Don’t just focus on your major.
    • The Mentor Program allows you to explore inside or outside of your major. Look for projects that can complement your major. Look for projects that suit your other interests (i.e., working with a mentor in Criminal Justice because you love crime shows). Look for projects in majors that you are considering or might pursue as a minor.
  • Google the Mentor.
    • Investigate the research potential mentors focus on and what other projects they have worked on. This will give you more information on how your interests match up and the type of work you might do.
  • Write down and save info on your “Top 5” mentors and why you liked them.
    • Once we close the registration site, you won’t be able to access your preferences. Before you submit your preferences, write down the professors’ names, departments, and project titles. This list will help you remember who you chose and why you selected that mentor/project.

The Mentor Project is a great way to begin research studies, gain priceless skills, build your resume, and make the most of your college experience.

Participants' Experiences

Video Poster