Peer Research Consultants

Meet with a Peer Research Consultant (PRC) when you have a research paper or assignment for class, or would like to learn how to get started with undergraduate research like a UROP project.

Peer Research Consultants help you:

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

Schedule appointment

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 in Walter Library: Your PRC will be in the Tutoring and Academic Success Center (TASC), room 204 Walter Library on the East Bank Campus.For in-person appointments in the Health Sciences Library: Your PRC will be on the 5th floor, room PWB 5-171.For in-person appointments in MCAE: Your PRC will be in the MCAE Tutoring Room, 141 Appleby Hall (enter the front door of Appleby and take a right into MCAE)
  • 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.
  • You will discuss 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

Ahmed

Ahmed

Hi! I’m Ahmed, a senior majoring in Biomedical Engineering. I am the founder and vice president of MEDIC, a student organization dedicated to designing and developing medical devices. I also conduct research in biomechanics and tissue engineering. Outside of school and research, I enjoy reading novels, playing video games, and watching movies. I’m excited to help you navigate the research process and bring your ideas to life!

Anisa

Anisa

Hi! I'm Anisa, a freshman studying Sociology of Law Criminology and Justice, I'm also hoping to double major in Poli-Sci and minor in Spanish. I love all things history, politics, and sociology. Whenever I'm free I love to read, play games (video and board alike), practice the saxophone, ultimate frisbee, and spending time with friends. I can't wait to help out with your research!

Dru

Dru

Hello! My name is Dru and I’m a junior pursuing my Sociology B.A. with a minor in Family Social Science here at the U. I’m also a board member of the Lost&Found club at the university because it’s important to keep up on your mental health while keeping up on your studies. I love sitcoms, music, crafts and reading when I can/work up the motivation. I’m excited to collaborate and assist with any research or projects you want help on!

Marineh

Marineh

Hey, I'm Marineh, and I'm a sophomore majoring in Linguistics, hoping to minor in Speech and Hearing Science. Besides English, I am fluent in Armenian, Italian and Spanish, and knowledgeable in a few other languages. In my free time, I enjoy travelling, painting, swimming, watching movies and making music (I play drums and sing). I look forward to helping in research of any kind, and if needed, in more than one language!

PRC Nyla

Nyla

Hello! I'm a senior studying IT and Computer Science. I love exploring new places to study and visit on campus, as well as crafting, taking pictures, exercising, and exploring new opportunities. I have experience writing on various subjects and look forward to working and learning together!

Shruti

Shruti

Hello! I'm Shruti, a sophomore studying finance and quantitative economics. I love watching anime, reading and analyzing films and TV shows frame by frame until everyone runs away. I'm experienced with researching, and can't wait to contribute to your research!

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About the program

See the PRC Program Report for information on our past year's operations. 2024-25 Peer Research Consultant Program report

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 (like a UROP project) 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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