S.T.A.R. (Student Training for Advancing Research)

Student Training for Advancing Research (S.T.A.R.) is a recognition program created by the Office of Undergraduate Research. If you earn your S.T.A.R., that means you have completed a series of five educational activities relating to undergraduate research. S.T.A.R. provides students a means to learn and take part in activities that will inform and enhance their skills in a research setting.

How do I Earn My S.T.A.R.?

To earn your S.T.A.R. you must complete FIVE Undergraduate Research Workshops, or a combination of five workshops and  professional-development opportunities listed below:

• Online compliance training, including: CITI Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR); CITI Human Subject Research (IRB); MU Student IRB Training.
• 30-minute consultation with a research librarian: Obtain help to find sources, identify appropriate databases, and develop an efficient research strategy. Schedule an appointment using MUConnect or check this website for more information.
• Advising with the Office of Global and National Fellowships: Make an appointment with a fellowships advisor to get information on grants and scholarships that fund research activities, assistance with applications.
• Peer-advising with an Undergraduate Research Ambassador. COMING SOON: Make an appointment in MUConnect. 
• Attend a public research seminar or artist talk on campus. Confirm attendance by writing a short summary and providing a selfie at the event. Options may include:
  • Departmental seminars
  • Fall or Spring Research Day
  • Visual Art and Design Showcase
  • Show Me Research Week
  • Others including: Health Science Research Day, CAFNR Research Day

All workshops will be held via Zoom. The dates and topics can be found on our MU Engage page, where you can register for the event to receive the Zoom link. Once you attend your first workshop of the semester you will be added to a Canvas page about earning your S.T.A.R.

New in 2026: Topical S.T.A.R.s

Students now have the opportunity to earn their S.T.A.R in specific research-skill areas! Students can showcase their skills by earning various ‘colors’ of S.T.A.R. 

As we have since Fall of 2020, the Office of Undergraduate Research will continue to award a silver S.T.A.R. for any unstructured combination of five activities. To earn any other color of S.T.A.R., students should select five activities from a category listed below. After completing at least five activities in a category within one academic year (Fall – Spring – Summer), students will complete a survey to request the specific colored S.T.A.R., to be awarded pending confirmation by O.U.R. staff. Students may earn more than one S.T.A.R. in a single academic year. The certificate and public notification will reflect the color of S.T.A.R. earned by the student.

Why Would I Want to Earn My S.T.A.R.?

Earning your S.T.A.R. has many benefits! You will gain knowledge and skills that will prepare you for and enhance your skills as a student researcher. After completion you will receive acknowledgement of your achievement, a sticker as well as public recognition in your academic unit. It is also something you can put on your resume or LinkedIn!

Where Do I Start?

Check out the workshop schedule in MU Engage and get ready to learn! Most of the workshops will be beneficial to all majors, but if you are unsure which trainings pertain to your major, please contact us at ugr@missouri.edu and we can provide some direction. Additional information will be provided via a Canvas site, to which you will be invited once you attend your first presentation. Please note: not every presentation listed below is offered every semester.