Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the ROSE summer research session?

The session runs for five weeks in summer. The 2025 session will run from Monday, June 9th until Friday, July 11th. Dorm rooms are available for move-in on Sunday, June 8th (check-in 2-4 pm).

Should applicants have a science or STEM degree?

Neither research experience nor a degree from a science department is expected. Only 10-20% of our Scholars have a degree from a STEM department, and even fewer have prior research experience.

How are the Scholars compensated?

All Scholars receive a stipend of $1200 a week and a UNM parking pass; those from outside metro Albuquerque are provided with a dormitory room on campus for the summer program.

What are the research expectations for the Scholars?

ROSE is a full-time experience, most of which is devoted to research. Scholars can work directly with a PI (principal investigator) or as part of a group. They can start on a new problem or join an existing effort. Specific requirements for hours in the lab, meetings, etc., are to be determined by the PI; ROSE has no set ‘working hours.’ Scholars must present their work to the entire cohort (and the PIs) at a poster session on the program's last day.

Are there non-research requirements and/or opportunities?

Scholars are expected to participate in safety training (some online before arrival), weekly “cohort events” which may include presentations and discussions, and ROSE assessment surveys (including online after the session). There may be opportunities for Scholars to visit UNM labs, museums, and research sites, to develop or contribute to student exercises to take back to their classrooms, and to share their experiences with other Scholars.

Is it possible to participate in ROSE asynchronously?

No, this is a full-time, on-site program at the University of New Mexico. Scholars are matched with a faculty member/PI (principal investigator) and embedded into a research group for the summer session.

Is housing provided?

On-campus housing in student dormitories will be provided for those who live outside of the Albuquerque metro area. Scholars are provided with single bedrooms and bed linens but share bathroom and kitchen facilities. We have a separate FAQ document for housing.

Is parking provided?

All participants will receive a UNM parking pass for the session. Do NOT park in reserved spaces, or you will get a parking ticket. 

Does ROSE have a specific schedule?

This is a full-time (40 hours/week) program. An important feature of ROSE is for Scholars to conduct research tasks as part of a larger team working on an ongoing project. Each research group will have its own schedule. In certain instances, researchers may work 'off-hours' e.g., nights and weekends to access special equipment; the specific schedule will be discussed and coordinated with the research group PI.

Does ROSE expect me to be in the lab on holidays?

Both Juneteenth and July 4th are university holidays, and no one is required to work on those days.

Will I need to work on weekends?

Specific scheduling will vary with the group and project, but the general answer is no. You are expected to work full-time, but not more. It is common for graduate students to work 6-7 days a week on their thesis research, but you should not feel obligated to do so (unless a specific study requires it). This is a topic you should discuss with your PI.

Does ROSE provide childcare?

No, we do not provide childcare, and most research labs are not an appropriate environment for children. UNM has had on-campus summer camps in the past (pre-pandemic), and some of these have re-started on a limited scale but we may not know about availability until late Spring (April).