Picture of students visiting Window Rock

Environmental Health Sciences - Research for Indigenous Student Engagement (EHS-RISE)

EHS-RISE is an introductory summer research program which aims to increase the representation of Native Americans in the STEM workforce, while supporting students’ cultural identity.

The program is designed uniquely for Native American and Alaska Native freshmen, sophomores, and first-year transfer students majoring in STEM at the University of Arizona (UA) who are seeking an introductory summer research experience.  EHS-RISE offers participants a full-time, paid 12-week research experience on a project related to environmental health sciences (defined as research related to environmental factors that impact human health) and provides on-campus housing, professional development workshops, and spiritual and community activities.  The content and structure of EHS-RISE has been designed to address the whole person, complementing the Native traditional belief that the body, mind, and spirit are interrelated.

Group picture of EHS-RISE and NACP students

EHS-RISE students present their research at the 2025 Southwest Summit, held at Northern Arizona University

EHS-RISE is housed under the umbrella of the Undergraduate Biology Research Program (UBRP) to promote relationships, connections, and continuity with the larger UA undergraduate research community.

EHS-RISE participants will:

  • Be provided a lab placement with an EHS-RISE faculty mentor of interest (see list below), with whom they will conduct research on a full-time basis (35 hours/week) for 12 weeks of the summer.  The hourly pay rate for Summer 2026 is anticipated to be $15.50/hour.
  • Receive free on-campus housing through UA Residence Life (double occupancy) for the summer.
  • Attend weekly professional development workshops and scientific seminars with the UBRP community, and have the opportunity to participate in optional educational field trips, social events, and community service activities.
  • Participate in spiritual and cultural activities, peer mentoring, and networking activities with fellow Native American and Alaska Native college students.
  • Attend a full-day orientation session on May 18, 2026, as well as the 2-day UBRP Ethics Retreat at Biosphere 2 in June 2026.
  • Present a poster of their research at the Annual UBRP Conference in January 2027.

Eligibility:

Applicants must be:

  • University of Arizona Native American and Alaska Native undergraduates (enrolled in 6 or more units) who are graduating in December 2026 or later.  Priority will be given to freshman and transfer students in their first year at UA, as well as those who do not have prior research experience, but all applicants will be considered.
  • Majoring in a science, technology, engineering, or math field, and has a suitable interest in obtaining research experience in environmental health sciences.
  • In good academic standing (holding an overall University of Arizona GPA of 2.0 or higher)
  • U.S. Citizens or permanent residents.
  • Be at least 16 years old by the start of the program (May 18, 2026).
  • Willing and able to conduct research on a full-time basis (35 hours/week) from May 18 to August 7, 2026.
Picture of EHS-RISE student presenting a poster

Check out this video of Summer 2024 EHS-RISE participants sharing their experiences in the program!

EHS-RISE Faculty Mentors:

Application Process:

Download the EHS-RISE Application Instruction Sheet and follow the directions to submit your final application online via Qualtrics by February 1, 2026.  Please note that as part of the application you will also need to upload an unofficial UA transcript and a Certificate of Indian Blood or Tribal Enrollment Record.  A letter of recommendation from a tribal elder or leader, or a teacher, will also be required for EHS-RISE. Please direct your recommender to e-mail the letter to Jennifer Cubeta, UBRP Director, at cubeta@arizona.edu. Your letter must be received by 5:00 p.m. Arizona Time on February 1 to be considered.

Your final online application must be submitted in Qualtrics by 5:00 p.m. Arizona Time on February 1, 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.  Finalists for EHS-RISE positions will be selected by March 1, and EHS-RISE staff will assist students with research placements with a faculty mentor of interest by April 1.  The program begins with a mandatory full-day orientation on May 18, 2026.  Attendance at the two-day UBRP Ethics Retreat in June 2026 (exact dates TBD) is also required.

Questions?

Please contact Jennifer Cubeta at cubeta@arizona.edu.

Group picture of EHS-RISE and NACP students at the 2023 SING Consortium