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 UArizona who are seeking a 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.

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

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 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 $15.00/hour.
  • Receive free on-campus housing through UArizona 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 UArizona, 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.

EHS-RISE Faculty Mentors:

Application Process:

Applications for Summer 2026 will be available on this website beginning in October 2025, and will be due by 5:00pm on February 1, 2026.

Questions?

Please contact Jennifer Cubeta (cubeta@arizona.edu).

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