Frequently Asked Questions

The College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) Ignite Program offers an exciting, hands-on learning experience for first-year students pursuing a CAHNRS major. Through immersive undergraduate research, you’ll deepen your understanding of your academic interests and work directly with exceptional faculty—many of whom are renowned researchers in their fields. Participants receive training in research methods, professional development, and access to enriching academic and community-building activities. Students hired by researchers can earn up to $1,500 based on their hourly involvement.

Being an Ignite Undergrad allows you to participate in undergraduate research and experiential learning tailored to what most interests you. You will strengthen your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, focus on your academic and professional interests, and gain transferable skills that best prepare you to be job ready, day one! Additionally, you will gain access and develop relationships with faculty, staff, peer mentors and fellow students in your academic area of interest, contributing to a greater sense of community and overall well-being.

The qualifications for Ignite are below:

• First year student showing academic interest in a CAHNRS Major.
• Enrolled at WSU as a full-time student (12 or more credits)
• Have been designated as a WSU Top Scholar and a CAHNRS Top Scholar
• Expressed interest in research.
• Complete Ignite Registration.

If you believe you meet these qualifications and were not contacted, please reach out to Judy Hopkins at judy_hopkins@wsu.edu

🔥 Eligible for the Ignite Program? You should have received both a confirmation letter and an email. If you’re ready to dive in, don’t wait—registration closes July 31, 2025!

Once registered, you’ll connect with Judy Hopkins, your college internship and career development coordinator. She’ll provide a calendar packed with required events and optional enriching experiences designed to help you make the most of Ignite, as well as our overall Top Scholars Program.

🎓 A key moment: the Tops Scholars Science & Research Fair Aug 27 from 5-7 pm, in Ensminger Pavilion—your gateway to faculty mentorship. This is your opportunity to explore research projects that align with your academic interests for the 2025–2026 school year. It’s up to YOU to follow up with faculty mentors promptly and discuss potential opportunities.

🔍 Faculty mentors will post research roles on Handshake. It is here you will find customized opportunities in your field of study. Apply quickly—some positions may attract multiple applicants! If selected, you’ll earn up to $1,500, working approximately 10 hours per week, depending on the project.

To qualify for this program, you must have an academic interest in a CAHNRS related major. There are a variety of majors in applied sciences offered within CAHNRS! To see which major would best suit you, please visit our CAHNRS website to review our majors: CAHNRS undergraduate majors.

No experience is needed! You will be exposed to a variety of excellent academic learning opportunities. Curiosity is an excellent way to discover your major and professional interests.

If you have additional questions, please contact our internship coordinator, Judy Hopkins at judy_hopkins@wsu.edu or (509) 335-0049.

Being an Ignite Undergrad will give you the opportunity to work closely with a faculty mentor who is an expert in your academic area of interest. Alongside your faculty mentor, you will gain hands-on experience, receive guidance and begin to develop a network of resources accessible to you to assist in navigating your college experience. Our Peer Mentors and other faculty and staff are also available to support your process and provide insight and expertise as fellow students who have been in your shoes!

To qualify for the Ignite Program, you must be enrolled in a CAHNRS major. If your additional major is in a different college within WSU, you still qualify for this opportunity.

Pursuing only a minor within CAHNRS does not qualify you for this program.

You can receive academic credit, but it is not required. Please speak with your faculty mentor and academic coordinator for details.

To make the most of your Ignite undergraduate research journey, plan to dedicate approximately 10 hours per week throughout the academic year. The exciting part? You’ll be engaging in research with a faculty mentor who understands your course load and academic goals—and yes, you’ll be paid! Compensation is provided through the WSU Workday system, at Washington state minimum wage, for up to $1,500 total.

📅 When you arrive at WSU, your Ignite experience kicks off with a series of engaging orientation events:

• A casual meet-up to connect with fellow students, peer mentors, and faculty
• The Top Scholars Science & Research Fair, where you’ll explore faculty-led research projects and talk with undergraduate researchers
• The CAHNRS Top Scholar Orientation Dinner, a must-attend evening to build community and kick-start your involvement

These events set the stage for you to begin conversations with faculty mentors about potential research opportunities. You’ll be encouraged to continue those conversations independently by scheduling appointments and expressing your interest in their work.

🧪 Ready to dive in?
To officially join a research project, students must apply for roles through Handshake, WSU’s job and internship platform. Keep an eye out—positions will be posted there, and there may be multiple applicants interested in the same opportunity. Participation in Ignite gives you access to apply, but doesn’t guarantee placement. It’s up to you to pursue the role that resonates with your interests and make your best impression!

🗓️ All orientation and enrichment events—both required and optional—are listed in the Top Scholars Calendar of Events, which you’ll receive before the semester begins. This calendar helps you stay organized, informed, and inspired throughout the Ignite Undergraduate Research Program, under the umbrella of CAHNRS Top Scholars.

The Ignite Program is limited to CAHNRS Top Scholars in their first year on campus–with opportunities to participate in the fall, spring, and/or summer semesters. If you are hired to participate in our program, you’ll work closely with your faculty mentor to determine the ideal time to begin—your schedule, interests, and academic goals will help shape the timing of your experience.

🍽️ We will kick things off at our first fun mixer on Aug 20, our mandatory Top Scholars Science & Research Fair on Aug 27 & Orientation Dinner on Sept 19. Here, you’ll connect with potential research mentors and academic advisors in a welcoming, collaborative setting. You’ll meet faculty and fellow students during these early orientation events—perfect for sparking ideas, asking questions, and building meaningful connections.

🎉 Ignite Orientation & Weekly Commitment

Each Ignite Undergraduate Research participant is expected to join a series of dynamic orientation events, all clearly outlined in our Top Scholars Calendar of Events—which you’ll receive before fall semester, along with the Top Scholars Handbook.

Key events include:

• The Top Scholars Science & Research Fair
• The Top Scholars Orientation Dinner held early in fall semester
• Judy Hopkins, your Ignite Program Coordinator, and the faculty researcher you want to work with will be helpful guides for your next steps.

Throughout the year, you’ll be invited to join optional training sessions, workshops, and community-building activities—all designed to enrich your experience and connect you with fellow scholars. We’ll wrap up with a joyful end-of-year celebration to recognize your accomplishments!

⏱️ Time Commitment
Ignite participants typically dedicate 5–10 hours per week to their research. Here’s a look at what that can actually look like:

Ignite Checklist

• If you meet the qualifications, we encourage you to complete Ignite Registration. After you have applied, you will receive an offer email if you qualify for our program.
• Any questions can be sent to Judy Hopkins – judy_hopkins@wsu.edu
• Attend New Coug Orientation.
• Attend the Ignite orientation dinner typically offered during the first month of fall semester.

You will be paired with a faculty mentor that best aligns with your academic area of interest and professional aspirations. This will occur when you arrive on campus in Fall and participate in the Ignite orientation dinner typically offered within the first month of fall semester.

This program is structured to assist you with making meaningful connections within your first year of college. Having a faculty mentor to guide you as you navigate the transition to WSU is a rewarding experience. Your faculty mentor is well aware of your academic workload and will guide your work. This mentor will introduce you to a variety of professional opportunities and offer another voice of reason, as you embark on this new undergraduate journey.

There is a large amount of flexibility in your workload, and you will work with your faculty mentor to find a schedule that works for you. You will connect with your faculty mentor at the Ignite orientation dinner typically held during the first month of fall semester.

CAHNRS faculty and staff will assist you as you adjust to college life and will be with you every step of the way as you map out your Ignite journey.

You will also be invited to a larger community of support consisting of other freshmen currently in the program alongside previous Ignite scholars who will serve as peer mentors.

The closing selection deadline for this program is July 31, 2025. Once you receive an offer letter you will need to contact Judy Hopkins, your college internship and career development coordinator at judy_hopkins@wsu.edu or by phone at 509-335-0049 to confirm your involvement and secure a spot.