Students are responsible for contacting mentors to arrange the first meeting.
Note about the prospective Mentor Mixer: Keep an eye out for an invite to a prospective Mentor Mixer (optional) tentatively scheduled during the week of November 16, 2026.
Complete the Mentor Invitation Survey
Indicate your interest, intent, and provide a description of your research.
Meet with Prospective FYRE Students
Determine if they are a good match for your laboratory.
Confirm Participation
Notify the FYRE Co-Directors that you are willing to mentor the student(s).
Provide Training Information
Share details with student(s) regarding any required trainings (e.g., lab safety, etc.).
Provide a Meaningful Research Experience
Offer a safe, constructive, instructive, relevant, and immersive environment for FYRE students.
Engage Students Weekly
Involve FYRE students in research (and lab meetings, when applicable) 6–10 hours per week during the spring semester. (Note: Time spent in HON 2970 is not included.)
Establish Research Expectations
Develop shared goals for the project and participants, including the role of additional research support staff (post-docs, GRAs, other undergraduates, etc.).
Train on Lab Safety
Instruct students on required lab safety training programs.
Provide Structured Scheduling
Share scheduled days/times for lab work, research activities, and meetings.
Support Poster Development
Assist students in creating their poster for the Undergraduate Research Day (URD). If possible, attend URD alongside your student(s).
Review Project Descriptions
Explore the mentor-submitted project descriptions to identify areas of interest.
Complete the Application
Submit your FYRE application by the published deadline.
Meet with a Prospective Mentor
Discuss the faculty-guided research project and determine if it's a good fit.
Enroll in HON 2970
Ensure your schedule allows you to attend each class session for the full period.
Communicate Professionally
Maintain clear, professional communication with your mentor.
Agree on Research Expectations
Collaborate with your mentor to establish shared goals and responsibilities.
Complete Required Training
Fulfill lab training and any additional requirements outlined by your mentor.
Engage in Research
Commit 6–10 hours per week to your research project.
Fulfill Course Assignments
Complete all assignments as directed in the FYRE course.
Present Your Research
Prepare and present your poster at the Undergraduate Research Day (URD).
The First-Year Research Experience (FYRE) program is a spring semester program that matches students with research mentors at the OU Norman or OU Health Campus. Students from all majors are eligible to participate, although they may be placed with a research project outside their major. Students also participate in HON 2970, where they gain insights into research topics, research writing, and presentation skills. As part of this course, students learn about opportunities for future research and gain perspectives on potential career paths. The semester-long research experience culminates in a celebratory professional poster session at the spring Undergraduate Research Day (URD), during which students present and explain their research projects to peers and other visitors.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, and preference will be given to applications received by September 13, 2026.
Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences
Co-Director of Research, Honors College
SLSRC 2610
Associate Professor, Engineering Pathways program, Gallogly College of Engineering,
Co-Director of Research, Honors College
FH 222G
jkittur@ou.edu
Dr. Kittur's Bio
