Research Experience Program
REX is an undergraduate research mentorship program, introducing students to the research process by pairing them with graduate or postdoctoral mentors. Through this mentorship, students receive guidance in developing a theoretical research project.
Mentees are introduced to relevant literature, guided in developing their own research question, taught common research methods used in their mentor’s field, and are also taught how to arrive at a conclusion based on theoretical or anticipated experimental results.
Mentees also have the opportunity to present their research at the Multidisciplinary Undergraduate Research Conference (MURC) in March and to publish in the Canadian Journal of Undergraduate Research (CJUR).
Rex Timeline
- Sept 23: Mentee Info Night (at AMS Nest Great Hall South from 6-8 PM)
- Sept 26 (11:59 PM): Deadline for Mentee Applications
- Dec 2: Mentees submit their REX Literature Review (via Qualtrics)
- Dec 8: Deadline for REX Feedback Survey #1 (for mentors and mentees)
- Nov 3: How to Conduct a Literature Review Workshop with Katherine Miller and Anne Olsen (for mentees, 6-7 PM on Zoom)
- Nov 16: Mentee submit their REX Research Question (via Qualtrics)
- Mid-late Nov: MURC Presenter Application opens*
- Oct 1: How to Mentor Workshop (for mentors, 6-7 PM on Zoom)
- Oct 10 (11:59 PM): Deadline for mentors to rank mentees
- Oct 13: Matching results announced
- Oct 17: Mentee Professional Development (PD) workshop (mandatory for matched mentees, 6-7 PM on Zoom)
- Mid-late Oct: Introductory meetings between mentor & mentees
- Oct 30: How to Write a Research Question Workshop with Dr. Rick Gooding (for mentees, 6-7 PM on Zoom)
For Mentors
All graduate students and postdoctoral fellows at UBC are welcome to apply to become a REX mentor. Undergraduate students, regardless of the extent of their research experience, are unfortunately not eligible to become a REX mentor.
Mentor Applications
Applications to be a mentor for the 2025-26 cycle of the REX Program are currently closed. If you are interested in joining our mailing list for the 2026-27 cycle of Mentor Recruitment, please email rex.uro.ubc@gmail.com.
Further details regarding Mentor Applications for REX 2026-27 will be released in Summer 2026.
Mentor Info Night
If you are a current REX Mentor and did not get the chance to attend Mentor Info Night, the presentation slides from the session can be found here for your reference. For further clarification, do contact us at rex.uro.ubc@gmail.com.
For Mentees
All undergraduate students looking for introductory, theoretical research experience are welcome to apply to become a REX mentee. No previous research experience is required.
For further information about the REX program, attend Mentee Info Night on Tuesday, September 23 from 6-8 PM at the AMS Nest Great Hall South. Learn more about what you can gain from the REX Program and get an opportunity to meet potential mentors. RSVP here!
Applications to be a mentee for the 2025-26 cycle of the REX Program are currently open. Refer to How to become a REX Mentee to apply.
Why should I become a REX Mentee?
- Introductory research experience
- No barrier to entry
- Explore a research field of your interest
- Connect with graduate and postdoctoral mentors
- Apply coursework to practical contexts
- Research communication experience
**Please note that due to the competitive nature of the REX Program, there is no guarantee that participating in REX will result in a successful match.
How to become a REX Mentee
- Purchase the $10 URO membership on Bounce. Ensure you note down the receipt number from Bounce.
- Fill out this Qualtrics form with the Bounce receipt number. You will then receive your URO number within 24-48 hours. For inquiries about your URO number, email uro.ubc@gmail.com
- Once you receive your URO number, please fill out the mentee application form. You can rank up to five mentors in order of preference. We encourage you to rank as many mentors as you can to maximize your chances of being matched. For questions about the REX mentee application, please email rex.uro.ubc@gmail.com
FAQ
Can mentees outside of Science apply?
Yes, and we strongly encourage it! We have Arts mentors with very interesting projects (e.g. linguistics, policy making, climate change, etc.) eager to mentor undergraduate students.
Can undergraduates apply to be a mentor?
No. Regardless of the extent of an undergraduate student’s research experience, we currently only accept mentor applications from graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. If you’re a senior undergraduate student interested in research, check out our Research Coaches Program or look into presenting at URO’s Research Involvement Fair (RIF)!
Can I apply to be a mentor? I am a current postgraduate student.
If you would like to be added to the mailing list for the 2026-27 cycle of the REX Program, please email rex.uro.ubc@gmail.com.
How likely is it that I will get matched with a mentor?
REX matching is competitive. There is no guarantee that applying to the REX program will result in a successful match. Matching rates vary each year and there is no reliable estimate for the percentage of mentees who are matched each year. To maximize your chances of being matched with a mentor, do apply for the maximum five (5) mentors in your application.
What happens if I (as a mentee) am not matched?
Unmatched REX applications will be given priority access to lab tours and workshops organized by the URO Interdisciplinary Outreach Committee (IOC). In addition, unmatched mentees also retain all general URO membership benefits.
- For more information regarding general URO membership, please visit the Bounce page.
Can I present at MURC?
The Multidisciplinary Undergraduate Research Conference (MURC) is open to all UBC undergraduate students and REX mentees are able to present at MURC.
Can I get published in CJUR?
There are two separate ways you can get published in the Canadian Journal of Undergraduate Research (CJUR):
- Should you present at MURC, you will have the opportunity to publish your presentation abstract in a special MURCxCJUR edition of the journal. Further information will be circulated by the MURC team. Please direct any questions to cjur.uro@gmail.com
- You will also have the opportunity to publish a manuscript in a special REXxCJUR edition of the journal.
- For this option, you will need to work to modify your project into a manuscript (please note your mentor will not be obligated to guide you through this process and this task will be a proactive effort). Please find CJUR’s requirements for a manuscript here.
- PLEASE NOTE: Any submissions will need to add “For special REX edition of CJUR” in the comments. This needs to be added!!
I am an upper year undergraduate, can I apply to be a mentee?
Yes. However, please note the theoretical nature of REX projects. If this does not suit your research goals, please check out URO’s Research Involvement Fair (RIF).
Do I get wet lab or field work experience?
Your mentor is not obligated to provide field work or lab experience. Some mentees do have this experience, however, being part of REX does not in any way guarantee lab/field work.
Contact
For any further questions, concerns, or inquiries, please contact rex.uro.ubc@gmail.com, and we would be happy to help you!