Overview of REX

REX is an undergraduate research mentorship program, introducing students to the research process by pairing them with graduate or postdoctoral mentors. Through this mentorship, students receive guidance in developing a theoretical research project.

Mentees are introduced to relevant literature, guided in developing their own research question, taught common research methods used in their mentor’s field, and are also taught how to arrive at a conclusion based on theoretical or anticipated experimental results.

Mentees are introduced to relevant literature, guided in developing their own research question, taught common research methods used in their mentor’s field, and are also taught how to arrive at a conclusion based on theoretical or anticipated experimental results.

URO Executive Team

REX Timeline

MonthsTimeline
September
  • Sept 23: Mentee Info Night (at AMS Nest Great Hall South from 6–8 PM)
  • Sept 26 (11:59 PM): Deadline for Mentee Applications
October
  • Oct 1: How to Mentor Workshop (for mentors, 6–7 PM on Zoom)
  • Oct 10 (11:59 PM): Deadline for mentors to rank mentees
  • Oct 13th: Matching results announced
  • Mid–late Oct:
    • Introductory meetings between mentor & mentees
    • Mentee Professional Development (PD) workshop (mandatory for matched mentees, on Zoom, date TBD)
    • How to Write a Research Question Workshop with Dr. Rick Gooding (for mentees, on Zoom, date TBD)
November
  • Nov 3: How to Conduct a Literature Review Workshop with Katherine Miller and Anne Olsen (for mentees, 6–7 PM on Zoom)
  • Nov 16: Mentees submit their REX Research Question (via Qualtrics)
  • Mid–late Nov: MURC Presenter Application opens*
December
  • Dec 2: Mentees submit their REX Literature Review (via Qualtrics)
  • Dec 8: Deadline for REX Feedback Survey #1 (for mentors and mentees)
January
  • Early Jan: MURC Abstract Review Session*
  • Mid Jan: Deadline to apply to present at MURC 2026 and abstract submission*
  • Jan 16: REX Mentees submit their project methodology (via Qualtrics)
  • Jan 26: Deadline for REX Feedback Survey #2 (for mentors and mentees)
February
  • MURC Abstract Feedback Returned*
  • MURC Oral and Poster Presentation Workshops*
  • MURC Revised Abstract Resubmission*
March
  • Early–mid Mar: MURC Slides or Poster Submission*
  • Mar 21: Present your poster or oral presentation at MURC
  • Mar 23: Deadline for REX Feedback Survey #3 (for mentors and mentees) and Mentor and Mentee(s) of the Year Nominations are released
  • Mar 29: Deadline for REX Award Nominations
April
  • Late Apr: REX certificates sent out via email & Mentor and Mentee(s) of the Year announced

For Mentors

All graduate students and postdoctoral fellows at UBC are welcome to apply to become a REX mentor. Undergraduate students, regardless of the extent of their research experience, are unfortunately not eligible to become a REX mentor.

Mentor Applications

Applications to be a mentor for the 2025-26 cycle of the REX Program are currently closed. If you are interested in joining our mailing list for the 2026-27 cycle of Mentor Recruitment, please email rex.uro.ubc@gmail.com.

Further details regarding Mentor Applications for REX 2026-27 will be released in Summer 2026.

Mentor Info Night

If you are a current REX Mentor and did not get the chance to attend Mentor Info Night, the presentation slides from the session can be found here for your reference. For further clarification, do contact us at rex.uro.ubc@gmail.com.

For Mentees

All undergraduate students looking for introductory, theoretical research experience are welcome to apply to become a REX mentee. No previous research experience is required.

For further information about the REX program, attend Mentee Info Night on Tuesday, September 23 from 6-8 PM at the AMS Nest Great Hall South. Learn more about what you can gain from the REX Program and get an opportunity to meet potential mentors. RSVP here!

Applications to be a mentee for the 2025-26 cycle of the REX Program are currently open. Refer to How to become a REX Mentee to apply.

Why should I become a REX Mentee?

  • Introductory research experience
  • No barrier to entry
  • Explore a research field of your interest
  • Connect with graduate and postdoctoral mentors
  • Apply coursework to practical contexts
  • Research communication experience

**Please note that due to the competitive nature of the REX Program, there is no guarantee that participating in REX will result in a successful match.

How to become a REX Mentee

  1. Purchase the $10 URO membership on Bounce. Ensure you note down the receipt number from Bounce.
  2. Fill out this Qualtrics form with the Bounce receipt number. You will then receive your URO number within 24-48 hours. For inquiries about your URO number, email uro.ubc@gmail.com
  3. Once you receive your URO number, please fill out the mentee application form. You can rank up to five mentors in order of preference. We encourage you to rank as many mentors as you can to maximize your chances of being matched. For questions about the REX mentee application, please email rex.uro.ubc@gmail.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)