Research for Aspiring Coogs in the Humanities
The REACH program is not being offered for the 2026-2027 academic year. If you are still interested in any of the recent projects, reach out to the project contact(s) to learn more.
The Research for Aspiring Coogs in the Humanities (REACH) program at the University of Houston started as a collaborative effort supported by the Cougar Initiative to Engage and the Office of Undergraduate Research and Major Awards. REACH provided a year-long introductory research experience for students in humanities disciplines by connecting participants to existing undergraduate research projects at the University of Houston. From projects in collaboration with UH Libraries Special Collections, to the digital humanities, to individual faculty research projects in humanities disciplines, the REACH program offered an entry-point to hands-on scholarly inquiry.
REACH participants developed their research skills through their work on a mentored research project and through their participation in OURMA undergraduate research programming. Students worked closely with the project mentor to contribute to the existing project from October through May.
You are encouraged to explore recent REACH projects and get in touch directly with program contacts if you are interested in contributing in the future.
View Recent REACH ProjectsLearn More About REACH (Program Paused)
REACH will provide a year-long introductory research experience for students in humanities disciplines by connecting participants to existing undergraduate research projects at the University of Houston. REACH participants will develop their research skills through their work on a mentored research project and through their participation in OURMA undergraduate research programming. Students will also learn how to apply for future research opportunities such as SURF, PURS and the Mellon Research Scholars Program. REACH participants receive a $1,500 scholarship split between the fall and spring semesters in the program.
- Sophomore, junior, senior and transfer students at UH main campus enrolled for the entire academic year they apply
- Pursuing a major in the humanities (qualitative CLASS and ARTS majors)
- Students outside of a humanities major but pursuing a minor in a humanities-related discipline will need to articulate how research in the selected subject area will play an integral role in their future trajectory
- Are interested in contributing to one of the projects facilitated by our campus partners (no prior research experience required)
- Available to commit 6-7 hours per week to research, and attend scheduled team meetings
- Available to attend monthly REACH cohort meetings in-person, Fridays, 2-3pm
- Students should be in good academic standing
When students apply to the REACH program, they are asked to identify projects they would be interested in working on and why. Selection for the REACH program aims to match campus partner needs with student interests. To find descriptions of REACH projects, go to our Recent Projects page.
Selected students will be expected to:
- Devote a minimum of 6-7 hours of research activity per week for the academic year
- Contribute directly to the existing research project and produce a research project deliverable by the end of the academic year in coordination with the project mentor
- Maintain weekly communication with project mentor(s) and team
- Attend OURMA Undergraduate Research webinars and bi-monthly check-ins, in-person, on Fridays 2-3pm
- Complete pre- and post-program surveys
- Present their research findings through a research poster at Undergraduate Research Day
Please contact Dr. Rikki Bettinger if you have any questions or require additional information.