FIRE RESEARCH LEADERSHIP
A leadership opportunity for students who complete the 3-semester FIRE experience to support new incoming students .
FIRE Research Leadership
Through the FIRE Research Leadership program, FIRE Peer Research Mentors (PRMs) are a critical part of the FIRE experience and serve in several key roles. PRMs serve as a bridge between the new stream students and the FIRE Faculty Leader. Additionally, PRMs help facilitate both the research and curricular aspects of stream operations in their role as mentors for new students. Perhaps most importantly, FIRE PRMs serve as role models, demonstrating productive research attitudes and work habits. FIRE PRMs may also act as senior student researchers, further developing both novel and existing projects.
Continuing your FIRE experience as a PRM will provide you with a number of benefits beyond the chance to have a meaningful impact on another FIRE student's experience and the opportunity to continue your own research, including:
-
Transition from research apprentice to leader. Employers are looking for individuals who can acclimate to challenging new environments and not only succeed as individuals but also become leaders. Use the FIRE Research Leadership program to develop leadership skills and a strong leadership story to carry forward.
-
Continued research productivity. Students who continue to work with the research stream on advanced projects as PRMs are also more likely to participate in scholarly conferences to present their work to other professionals or achieve a publication.
-
Receive outstanding letters of recommendation. PRMs can further develop their relationship with their stream's Faculty Leader, enabling the Faculty Leader to write a compelling, personalized letter of recommendation. Such letters can have a major impact on acquiring internships and other research opportunities beyond FIRE.
-
Academic credit that communicates leadership on your transcript. Many advanced degree programs (such as medical and graduate school) value strong leadership and mentoring experience. FIRE PRMs can communicate this on their transcripts by earning credit in a course specifically designed to develop research and mentorship skills.
Becoming a FIRE Peer Research Mentor is a serious commitment with real rewards. It requires that you be available to serve in the research setting and willing to fully immerse yourself in the continued research of the stream.
Application Information
The Peer Research Mentor Application will be sent via email from the FIRE program with instructions regarding how to apply.
-
Applications open: October 9, 2026
-
Applications close: October 26, 2026 (end of day)
-
Outcomes sent via email by: November 6, 2026 (end of day)
Who can apply?
All FIRE-participating students currently enrolled in FIRE semester 3 are eligible and encouraged to apply.
We particularly seek students who:
-
are excellent role models to FIRE students,
-
are well-trained in their stream's research methods,
-
are goal-oriented and have demonstrated research productivity,
-
show initiative,
-
are great communicators, and
-
exhibit a desire to advance their leadership and research skills.
How many hours per week are required?
All Peer Research Mentors must register for FIRE398: Research Leadership. This is not a paid position.
The number of FIRE398 credits a student enrolls in will be determined by the PRM and their FIRE Faculty Leader. Weekly PRM commitment per credit is as follows:
1 credit = ~5 hours per week
2 credits = ~8 hours per week
3 credits = ~10+ hours per week
Although FIRE PRMs are not required to be available when their stream's FIRE Semester 2 class meets, they can still be involved.
What about current PRMs?
Current or previous Peer Research Mentors who wish to return to the PRM role should discuss leadership opportunities with their FIRE Faculty Leader.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Questions about FIRE Research Leadership can be sent to Dr. Elizabeth Massey (emassey2@umd.edu).