Peer Research Consultants

Peer Research Consultants (PRCs) are students trained to help you with research papers or assignments. They can also help you get started with faculty-sponsored research.

The PRCs are on summer break! Appointments will resume Fall semester, 2022.

For immediate assistance, please contact a Librarian.

Make an appointment (not available over summer break)

What to expect

One-on-one online appointments with a PRC are available starting week 1 of the semester.

Find the link to your PRC's Zoom Room in the appointment confirmation email. Please test your computer before the appointment so everything goes smoothly: Zoom.

Before, during, and after a consultation

Before the consultation

  • For online consultations: Find the link to your PRC's Zoom Room in the appointment confirmation email.        
  • Learn what your assignment includes and what the instructor expects.
  • Come with ideas about what topics or research areas interest you.
  • Think of the questions that you have about your research project/paper. This allows for a smoother consultation.
  • Bring the assignment, any completed work, and the course syllabus.

During the consultation

  • If meeting in-person, PRCs have table signs - find your PRC!
  • If meeting online, login to your UMN email and find the link to your PRC's Zoom Room in the appointment confirmation email. Be prepared to share your screen so the PRC can help with your research.
  • The consultation: discussion of your assignment and where you are in the process. The PRC can help brainstorm ideas, find resources offered by the Libraries’ web page, or demonstrate ways to navigate databases effectively. You decide what to cover and talk about with the PRC. The meeting is relaxed.        
    • Consultations are typically 30 minutes.

After the session

  • The PRC sends a summary email listing databases, articles, or resources discussed during the consultation.
  • The email includes a request for evaluation.

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Meet the PRCs

Anupama

Hi! I’m an international freshman from India, planning to major in English. My extracurriculars include being a secretary of Bharat UMN and an ambassador at International Student Ambassadors UMN. In my free time, I love to read, write, and dabble in a little cooking. I love to travel and gain unique experiences. I’m excited to learn about and help you with your research topics!

Khalid

Hello! My name is Khalid and I am a sophomore studying political science and philosophy. I have been working on a research project with Professor Fazal of the political science department for about half a year now. The project examines the relationship between military medicine and military effectiveness, via cross-national historical analysis and surveys of military medical personnel and standard of care. Outside of research, I am an editor for the undergraduate academic philosophy journal, “Epistemai”. I also like to spend my time playing tennis, hiking, reading, working on my photography when the weather allows it, and hanging out with friends and family. Research can be daunting at first, it certainly was for me so I look forward to answering all of your questions and giving you the guidance that worked for me.

Lila

I'm a junior double-majoring in Family Social Science and Sociology of Law, Criminology, and Deviance. I love dogs, true crime, and scuba diving.

 

 

Shreya

Hi! I’m a junior majoring in Bioproducts & Biosystems Engineering. Since my freshman year, I have been working on research related to biomaterials with professor Shri Ramaswamy of the BBE department. I am investigating the diffusivity properties of biomaterials to help determine the best use and application for these materials. Besides research, I am the director of the Academic Affairs committee in the Science and Engineering Student Board. In my free time, I like to paint, play video games, and go hiking! I’m excited to learn what people are interested in researching, and to help you with your research!

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About the program

Peer Research Consultants help you:

  • Choose good keywords and databases for searching
  • Find and evaluate scholarly articles
  • Narrow down your paper topic and create research questions
  • Navigate the Libraries website
  • Explore undergraduate research opportunities and provide tips for finding a research mentor

Meet with a Peer Research Consultant (PRC) when you have a research paper or assignment for class and need help with it. It is best to meet earlier than later.

All PRCs have completed the WRIT 1301 course (or similar) with a grade of B or higher. The PRCs also train to develop their information literacy, tutoring, and cultural competency skills. 

Any student is encouraged to meet with a PRC to improve their research skills. The program targets:

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Program goals

Provide academic support for University of Minnesota undergraduates and to support the University of Minnesota's Student Learning Outcomes, specifically:

  • identify, define, and solve problems
  • locate and critically evaluate information

Support the vision developed by the Office for Equity and Diversity. The priority areas identified for this program are:

  • improve campus climate for diverse students, faculty, staff and visitors
  • engage internal and external communities in looking at strategies for the retention and success of diverse students

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For questions about the PRC program

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