University Scholars Program
Lead business with your discoveries
What influences an organization to introduce a new process, revamp a product, or implement an emerging technology? It’s likely that research sparked a director, department leader, or C-suite executive to rethink operations or market presence.
The University of Florida’s University Scholars Program puts highly motivated and curious undergraduates in the position to unleash discoveries that have the potential to shake up how companies and industries do business.
If you question the why behind theories or propose challenging hypotheses, read on to understand how you can participate in this exclusive opportunity.
What is the University Scholars Program — and why should you join?
The University Scholars Program is a highly selective research opportunity for undergraduates that’s held over two semesters. Mentored by one of our renowned faculty-scholars, you’ll conduct an original study, prepare a paper for publication, and present your results at the UF Spring Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Your research
Perform laboratory-based, archival, or field research while learning the nuts and bolts of structuring a study and analyzing your data. The project is all yours, with your faculty mentor providing guidance throughout.
Stipend
Researchers require funds to investigate their ideas. University Scholars Program participants are eligible for a $1,750 stipend when they fulfill all program requirements and responsibilities.
Scholarship in business
Nearly every business application begins with a theory. The University Scholars Program provides insight into the origins of modern practice, plus a platform for original thought that could lead to doctoral studies or careers in research and development.
Lead UF’s undergraduate research community
The University Scholars Program places you and about 200 of your peers from across UF’s colleges and schools in the driver’s seat to lead your respective disciplines and contribute to our collective knowledge output.
Faculty mentorship
Delve into methodologies and analysis techniques one-on-one with a scholar who currently powers business research. In the process, you’ll refine your thesis, gather data, and work together to reach a transformative conclusion.
Graduate with honors
Your University Scholars project may fulfill requirements for an honors thesis, topping off your soaring GPA with a magna or summa cum laude distinction.
Program overview
Turn an “Is this possible?” thought into a “Yes — this is how” theory for business professionals to apply.
Orientation
Orientation tells you what to expect as you start the University Scholars Program — and also what’s expected of you as you immerse yourself in a research topic of choice.
Registration and timeline
All participants are required to enroll in the University Scholars course (GEB 4906) in the Fall and Spring semesters. Students should begin working on the research project with their faculty mentor during the 2025–2026 academic year.
Commitment
The typical participant allocates about eight to 10 hours per week toward designing, conducting, and reviewing their research.
Publication
Aim to release your research to a peer-reviewed scholarly journal, or you can submit it to the UF Journal of Undergraduate Research. In all cases, you’ll finalize your project with a paper properly formatted for publication.
Presentation
You’ve put in the work — and now it’s time to show off your findings! As a University Scholars Program participant, you’ll present a poster or an original creative work at the Undergraduate Research Symposium, held in March.
Student perspective
Being selected for the University Scholars program is an incredible honor, and it feels validating to have my hard work recognized. I feel motivated and eager to make the most of this incredible opportunity.
— Asher Lowe (BABA ’25)
How to apply to the University Scholars Program
While the program is a university-wide endeavor, you’ll apply for entry through your faculty mentor’s college, school, or center. All students, whether on campus or online, are welcome to apply.
Please note: Students pursuing artificial intelligence topics will proceed through the AI Scholars portal, and Online BSBA and Online BABA students will use the UF Online portal.
Find a faculty mentor
As you brainstorm potential research topics, reach out to faculty members to determine if they would be interested in supervising your study.
GPA requirements
Business and accounting majors with a 3.25 or higher UF GPA are eligible to participate in the Warrington College of Business’ University Scholars Program. Students must meet eligibility requirements at the time of application.
Eligibility
Due to how research is structured, candidates planning to complete their bachelor’s degree before the following spring are not eligible to enter the University Scholars Program. Students who have enrolled in a combination degree program and will complete their undergraduate degree are also not eligible to apply.
Completing your application
Application packets must contain: the University Scholars Program application, a typed summary of your proposed research project (maximum one page), a letter of support from your faculty mentor, a copy of your academic transcript (official or unofficial), and your résumé.
Applications for Warrington faculty
If your faculty mentor is an instructor in the Warrington College of Business, please submit your application no later than February 16, 2026, by 5:00 p.m.
Applications outside Warrington
If your faculty mentor is not an instructor in the Warrington College of Business, please submit your USP application to the college office of your faculty mentor. Also, each department or college establishes its own USP application deadline. Therefore, please verify the USP application deadline for your faculty mentor’s department or college.
Selection process
Applications and supporting documents will be reviewed by the Warrington College of Business. The results will be sent via email to students and faculty mentors in late February or early March.
Past projects from Warrington students
Jacob Bousky
Major: Finance
Topic: The differences within the next five years of the market share between private and institutional credit
Mentor: David Brown
Zara Dalvi
Major: Finance
Topic: Validity of the Phillips curve in financial crises
Mentor: Gustavo Cortes
Khanh Dang
Major: Management
Topic: How is work-life balance conceptualized between the work cultures of East and West?
Mentor: Anthony Middlebrooks
Olivia Liu
Major: General Studies with a Philosophy specialization and an Economics Minor
Topic: Monopsony, labor markets, and antitrust policy
Mentor: Roger Blair
Asher Lowe
Major: General Studies and Hospitality Management with specializations in Financial Analysis and Wealth Management
Topic: Evaluating the effectiveness of organic versus artificial product endorsement in influencer marketing
Mentor: Richard Lutz and Valeria Marcia
Angelie Peña
Major: Information Systems
Topic: Navigating the instant gratification pandemic: Neuroscientific insights into developing intrinsic motivation and disciplinary practices for business leaders to produce long-term success
Mentor: Geoffrey Tomaino
Gabriella Puig
Major: Management and International Studies
Topic: Leadership, AI, and corporate culture: How generative AI is shaping ethical business leaders in the corporate environment, both domestically and abroad
Mentor: Brian Ray
Theresse Racpan
Major: General Studies with a Music specialization and Entrepreneurship Minor
Topic: How do varying standards of business around the world affect the people working in specific areas?
Mentor: Amy Parziale
Jewel Russell
Major: General Studies with a Communication and Leadership Development specialization
Topic: Bridging the gap between domestic and international expansion: an inside look at the crisis in the global payments industry
Mentor: Amanda Phalin
Megan Shein
Major: Accounting
Topic: Mnemonics and the effect of artificial intelligence
Mentor: Megan Mocko
Jaden Smith
Major: Accounting
Topic: Public perception and municipalities raising capital
Mentor: Gabriel Pundrich
Need more information?
Get your questions about the University Scholars Program answered by contacting:
Jaime Little
Director, Academic and Career Advising
352-273-0165
Email Jaime