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.

Schedule an appointment

Note: some appointments are online, and some are in Walter Library. This is shown before you confirm an appointment time.

What to expect

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

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.         For in-person appointments: Your PRC will be in the SMART Commons, room 204 Walter Library on the East Bank Campus.
  • 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

Abby

Hi! I'm a sophomore majoring in Biology, Society, and Environment. I love hiking, dogs, traveling, and baking! Here at the U I am involved in intramurals and I am a research assistant with the Shlafer Research Lab which focuses on mass incarceration and maternal/child health.

Anupama

Hi there! I’m an international student from India, majoring in English. In my free time, I love to read, write, and listen to music. I love to travel and gain unique experiences. I’m excited to learn about and help you with your research topics!

Lila

Hey there! I'm a senior studying Family Social Science with a minor in Sociology of Law, Criminology, and Deviance. I've been involved in research regarding development of speech in infants, as well as assisting with mentorship programs for autistic teens. I love true crime, cooking, and my bunny Bunjee.

PRC Lily

Lily

Hi! I am a sophomore majoring in Political Science with a minor in Gender, Women and Sexuality Studies. I love reading, running and hanging out with my friends and family.

PRC Nate

Nate

Hi! I'm a sophomore majoring in Political Science. I love listening to music, going on walks, and playing games with friends. I am involved in the esports club here and I am interested in research regarding the effects of certain policies on the political environment.

Shreya

Hi! I’m a senior majoring in Bioproducts & Biosystems Engineering. Since my freshman year, I have been working on research related to biomaterials, investigating their diffusivity properties to help determine the best use and application for these materials. Besides research, I enjoy painting, playing video games, and hiking! I’m excited to learn what people are interested in researching, and to help you with your research!

PRC Srishti

Srishti

Hey! I'm a first year majoring in Architecture and minoring in Landscape Design and Planning. I like reading, watching shows, and listening to music. I'm a member of the WAM Collective, and I also participate in the Curling Club and the Context Committee meetings for Engineering Without Borders. I'm eager to see the research undergraduates pursue at UMN, and am excited to help them on this journey!

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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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