Immersive Research Experiences
Scholars work alongside Illinois faculty, graduate mentors, and research teams on meaningful projects across STEM and related interdisciplinary fields.
Preparing the Next Generation of Research Leaders
Discover. Research. Lead.
AREES prepares undergraduate scholars from Emerging Research Institutions for graduate education and research leadership through immersive research experiences, faculty mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, leadership development, and access to world-class research facilities at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
How AREES Creates Impact
We Support
Prepare
Develop
From Shared Values to Meaningful Action
Transforming Research Talent Into Research Leaders
AREES reflects the Office of Public Engagement’s commitment to developing research talent through immersive experiences, faculty mentorship, leadership training, graduate-school preparation, and access to Illinois research infrastructure. The program helps scholars build the knowledge, confidence, networks, and skills needed to pursue doctoral education and research leadership.
Program Highlights
The AREES Experience
Each year, AREES supports up to 50 undergraduate scholars from Emerging Research Institutions through immersive research experiences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The program combines research, mentorship, leadership development, and partnership to help scholars build pathways toward graduate education and research careers.
Leadership & Professional Development
Participants strengthen research communication, leadership, graduate-school readiness, career preparation, and professional skills.
Cross-Institutional Partnerships
AREES connects Illinois with Emerging Research Institutions, campus research units, faculty mentors, industry collaborators, and national laboratory partners.
Graduate School & Research Leadership
Scholars build confidence, networks, and leadership experience that support successful transitions to doctoral education and future research leadership roles.
A Connected Experience
From Research to Readiness
Each part of the program builds toward a shared goal: helping scholars become confident researchers, communicators, and future STEM leaders.
Research
Participate in faculty-mentored research and contribute to real-world projects.
Leadership
Build leadership, research communication, and professional development skills.
Collaboration
Build relationships across institutions with scholars, faculty, graduate mentors, alumni, and research partners.
Graduate Preparation
Prepare for doctoral education through research presentation, graduate admissions guidance, and continued academic engagement.
Leadership & Governance
Governing the Alliance
AREES is governed by the AREES Advisory Council (AAC), which provides strategic leadership and long-term direction for the alliance. Through executive leadership, faculty co-chairs, and representatives from partner institutions and industry, the Council guides program priorities, strengthens collaboration, and supports the continued growth and success of AREES.
Executive Leadership
Kandace Turner
Director for Public Engagement
Kortney Kay Jones
AREES Director
Faculty Co-Chairs
Antoinette Burton, Ph.D.
Director
Humanities Research Institute
Humanities Research Institute
Lynford Goddard, Ph.D.
Director
IDEA Institute
IDEA Institute
Gene Robinson, Ph.D.
Executive Director & CEO
Discovery Partners Institute
Discovery Partners Institute
AREES Advisory Council
The Advisory Council includes representatives from partner institutions, University of Illinois colleges and research institutes, faculty leadership, and industry partners who provide strategic guidance and support the continued growth of the alliance.