The Office of Undergraduate Research is currently recruiting 4-5 knowledgeable and passionate undergraduate researchers across diverse disciplines to serve as WashU Research Ambassadors for the 2026-2027 academic year. If you're interested in supporting your peers’ research journeys through advising, programming, and community building we encourage you to apply. The application will be open from April 8 - April 26, 2026.

Program Overview

The WashU Research Ambassador Program (WRAP) aims to increase awareness of and facilitate participation in undergraduate research across disciplines at WashU. WRAPers serve as the student face of the Office of Undergraduate Research, with roles in both supporting and developing the office’s goals toward building pathways for all students to engage in high-quality undergraduate research experiences. 

Benefits of Participation

• Impact the educational experience of your peers and future undergraduate researchers
• Be part of a community of engaged undergraduate researchers
• Help shape undergraduate research initiatives at WashU
• Develop strong leadership, communication and presentation skills
• Expand your professional network
• Get paid! Ambassadors receive a wage of $15/hr for their efforts. 

Eligibility 

Requirements and Time Commitment

• Full-time enrollment as an undergraduate for 2026-27 in good academic standing
• At least two semesters or one full summer of faculty-mentored, inquiry-based research experience in any discipline by fall 2026. Part of that experience must have been mentored by a WashU faculty member.
• Commit to a two semester term (semester = fall, spring, summer), averaging at least 2 hrs/week and up to ~35hr/semester. Hours may vary week to week, provided the semester average is met. Semesters also need not be consecutive and can span academic years.

Expectations

• Demonstrated potential to grow organizational, communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills. Must be able to provide a supportive environment for a range of students
• Demonstrated dependability and initiative with the capacity to take ownership of tasks and follow them through independently.
• Interest and ability to publicly share your research and research experience
• Commitment to actively participate in all assigned responsibilities (see below), including the development and improvement of the WRAP 

Responsibilities

Promote undergraduate research 

Participate in panel discussions, presentations to classes and campus groups, and other informational events to share resources and your experience with undergraduate research. 

Serve as a peer mentor 

Provide one-on-one advising through office hours to students with similar interests and goals. This may include helping them understand the benefits of undergraduate research, how to get involved, identify opportunities and apply for funding and programs.

Develop and Lead Programming 

With support from Undergraduate Research, WRAPers design and direct workshops, information sessions, and outreach materials to enhance their peers’ undergraduate research experience, learning, and sense of community. As a group, WRAPers are expected to plan and host one event each semester.

Assist with Program Administration

Help organize, promote, and support Undergraduate Research events, including the Undergraduate Research Symposia, as well as contribute to projects such as developing web resources and outreach materials. WRAPers also serve as a student advisory board, offering feedback to strengthen Undergraduate Research initiatives, and attend monthly meetings with one another and the Undergraduate Research team to share updates, plan activities, and exchange ideas.

Application Process

Required Components

• Online application
• Background information and eligibility
• Short answer questions regarding the strengths and experience you can bring to the role
• Current resume or CV
• Contact information of a WashU faculty research mentor who can serve as a reference for this role
• Informal interview with Undergraduate Research staff and current WRAPers

2026-2027 WRAP Application and Selection Timelime

• Application opens: April 8, 2026
• Application deadline: April 26, 2026 by 11:59PM
• Interviews: May 1-5, 2026 (tentative)
• Ambassadors selected: May 7, 2026

Eligibility for WRAP is not restricted based upon race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex or gender. The recruitment process will begin again in Spring 2027 for the 2027-2028 academic year WRAP. 

Apply now! 

Please direct any questions about the program to undergradresearch@wustl.edu.