OUR Ambassadors Role

OUR is so happy to have the opportunity to support you on your research journey! We recognize the great efforts you have made in order to get where you are today, and want to be able to share that with future UWF researchers as well. Therefore, after receiving an OUR award, there are a couple of requirements you must meet before your time with OUR is over.

1) Register your participation using the OUR Ambassador Role Google Form.

2) Speak at a campus event, or to a class, about your research experience at UWF.

Many students, especially those in introductory courses, may be unfamiliar with research, what it entails, and the opportunities available at UWF. By sharing your experiences with a class or at a campus event, you provide students with access to information they may not otherwise receive. Additionally, you may capture the attention of a professor who is interested in learning more about how to get involved.

Ambassadors who have selected this option in the past have presented either on their own or with their research groups, typically within their own classrooms or in courses they have previously taken. Your first step is to connect with a faculty member and discuss whether they would be willing to give you time—either before or after class—to share your research experience. Next, you will need to schedule a date and time for this to take place. Students are encouraged to mention the program they participated in, how they became involved, and the impact the experience had on them and their future.

Please remember to log your event or class, the instructor's name, and the date of your presentation in the OUR Ambassador Role Google Form so that OUR can accurately record your fulfillment of this role.

3) Volunteer for an OUR sponsored event.

Throughout the year, OUR holds several events that require volunteers for support (i.e., set-up, visitor guidance, break-down). The most major being the Student Scholars Symposium which is held every April. By participating as a volunteer you are accomplishing many things:

• Fulfilling your ambassador role;

• Supporting the OUR team, and;

• Network while sharing your research.

4) Participate in a Social Media Spotlight.

To ensure all students—whether living off-campus or studying online—have the opportunity to share their research journey, Social Media Spotlights offer an alternative to in-person presentations or volunteering. By completing a short questionnaire, students can be featured in a spotlight that highlights their experiences, insights, and future goals. This is a convenient way to fulfill your ambassador role, gain recognition for accomplishments such as publications or internships, and share how research with OUR has impacted your college experience. Students may also submit a short video or photo with a brief message to showcase their work and inspire future researchers.