Peer Research Consultants

Meet with a Peer Research Consultant (PRC) when you have a research paper or assignment for class.

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

Make an 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, 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

Abby

Hi! I'm a senior double majoring in Biology, Society, and Environment and Political Science with minors in Spanish and Statistics. I love hiking, traveling, hanging out with my dogs, and baking! Here at the U, I am involved in Club Softball, Partners in Health, and the University Honors Student Association. Additionally, I conduct research on topics related to the intersections of health, policy, and law.

Anupama

Hi there! I’m a rising senior majoring in English and Strategic Communication with a minor in Creative Writing. In my free time, you can find me reading my favorite book for the millionth time, watching a Formula 1 race, or writing for a motorsport agency I work with. I’m excited to learn about and help you with your research topics!

PRC Nate

Nate

Hi! I'm a senior majoring in Political Science. I love listening to music, going on walks, writing, and playing games with friends. I am also an officer in the esports club here. I am excited to help make research make more sense.

PRC Olivia

Olivia

Hello! I'm a senior majoring in Chemical Engineering and minoring in Chemistry. I'm an undergraduate researcher focused on nanoparticles for cancer therapies and I'm an officer in AIChE. In my free time, I like reading, crafting, and cooking! I'm excited to help you with your research topics!

PRC Srishti

Srishti

Hi! I'm Srishti, and I'm currently in the my third year of my Architecture B.S. and Art History Degree, with minors in Landscape Design and Planning as well as Studies in Cinema and Media Culture. I'm a member of the WAM Collective as well as the Curling Club and the Engineering without Borders Context Committee. In my free time I try to read, but I end up watching TV or movies instead. Looking forward to working with a new cohort of library researchers!

PRC Varun

Varun

Hey there! I'm Varun, a junior at the university studying Computer Science with a minor in Management. I’m an International student here at the U. When I'm not diving into code or tackling business concepts, you'll likely find me exploring new movies or music. I'm also a bit of a language enthusiast, always eager to learn new phrases I'm looking forward to contributing to 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 (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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