The First-Year Research Experience (FYRE) program is designed for first-year Honors College students. Through this program, Honors students contribute to a semester-long research project at OU Norman or OU Health Campus that allows them to gain research experience while concurrently earning Honors elective credit. All majors are eligible, although students may be placed with a research project outside their major. Students also participate in a seminar that imparts research and presentation skills, introduces opportunities for future funding, and shares perspectives on a variety of career paths. Former FYRE students may visit to share their experiences and the opportunities they acquired through FYRE. The semester-long research experience culminates in a celebratory professional poster session during which students explain their projects to peers and other visitors.
Matching Currently in Progress.
Please complete the mentor survey below by September 12, 2025:
Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences
Co-Director of Research, Honors College
SLSRC 2610
Assistant Professor, Engineering Pathways program, Gallogly College of Engineering,
Co-Director of Research, Honors College
FH 222G
jkittur@ou.edu
Dr. Kittur's Bio
Faculty mentors must complete the application and state their intent to mentor FYRE students, the number of mentees, and a summary of their research (no more than 250 words). The summary will be provided to prospective FYRE students. First-year Honors students interested in FYRE submit an application designed to match their research interests with prospective faculty mentors. After a successful interview with the faculty member, students are officially accepted into the program.
FYRE students are expected to spend 6-10 hours per week on research-related work. FYRE aims to place at least two FYRE students in each laboratory group to ensure peer-learning. Typically, FYRE students are trained by one laboratory mentor in tandem for the first several weeks of the semester, at which time students begin working more independently on related project(s). FYRE students are also required to enroll in HON 2970. This 3-credit hour course meets once a week, and attendance is mandatory. This course allows FYRE students to form an undergraduate research community, while being exposed to topics relevant to their academic development. Course topics include: professional communication, time management, weekly research logs, panel discussions by FYRE alumni, searching library databases, the Zotero bibliographic tool, creating a research poster, elevator speeches on the research topic, and information about future research opportunities, fellowships, internships, and awards. Students will have ample opportunities to discuss their research in groups, get peer feedback on their posters, and practice presenting their posters to peers and instructors. The semester will end with a FYRE Poster Symposium Event. Each student prepares and presents a poster describing their semester-long research. Students, faculty, research mentors, and guests are invited.
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 FYRE Poster Symposium. If possible, attend the symposium 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 FYRE Poster Symposium, typically scheduled during dead week.
