Accepting mentor applications for the 2026–2027 Undergraduate Twinning Program
Shannon Fasola
Accepting mentor applications for the 2026–2027 Undergraduate Twinning Program
Good Afternoon,
The Cascadia Region Earthquake Science Center (CRESCENT) is accepting mentor applications for the 2026–2027 Undergraduate Twinning Program, a year-long research and mentoring experience for undergraduates who are often engaging in their first formal research experience.
Quick Facts:
-
Mentor Application Deadline: January 15, 2026
-
Program Duration: Fall 2026 - Summer 2027
- Academic Year: Student works at their home institution meeting regularly with mentors.
- Summer: Student visits one of mentors’ institutions to continue working on project (length of visit is determined by the mentors and needs of their project).
-
Student Applications: Open after projects are selected (late January/Early February).
Who Should Apply? We are seeking mentors who:
- Have a well-defined undergraduate research project.
- Have a collaborator at a different institution (academic or non-academic) to facilitate a true “twinning” experience.
- Work in any area within the broad field of subduction zone and hazards research, including:
-
Science, Engineering, Policy, Social Science, Education, and more.
-
Mentors from 2YC and non-academic institutions welcomed
Why Mentor for the Twinning Program?
-
Showcase Your Research: Share your work and advance your project with the help of a motivated student
-
Guide Future Geoscientists: Support students in their first research experience and shape their academic and career paths
-
Flexible & Supportive: The program provides guidance and support for both mentors and students
-
Collaborative Experience: The twinning model encourages cross-institution mentorship and interdisciplinary collaboration
-
Gradual Introduction for Students: With the program starting in the fall, students experience a slower, more supportive transition into research, as opposed to the fast-paced nature of summer programs.
How to Apply
Questions?
Contact Shannon Fasola, GEI Program Manager - sfa...@uoregon.edu.
By becoming a mentor, you'll be directly contributing to increasing participation in the geosciences and helping to give students the tools they need to succeed.
Best,
Shannon Fasola
_____________________________________________
FAQ
What if I do not have a research collaborator, can I still apply?
Yes! If you do not have a research collaborator, please still apply. We will be in touch to help find you a ’twin’ mentor with similar interests to your proposed project.
What if I am not at an academic institution, can I be a mentor?
Yes! If you have a research collaborator at an academic institution, you could pair with them. As an example, one of our current mentor pairs consists of a faculty at Portland State University and a researcher at the USGS.
If both you and your collaborator are at non-academic institutions, you can still be mentors if you are committed to mentoring virtually and your project can be worked on remotely.
What is the difference between an in-person and remote project?
For in-person projects, the mentors prefer in-person mentoring and/or their project needs to be conducted in-person. In-person projects are only available to students at either of the mentors’ institutions or at nearby institutions.
For remote projects, the mentor pair is willing to mentor a student on a project from an institution other than either of their own. Remote projects are advertised nationwide. These projects are accessible to more students.
--
Shannon Fasola, Ph.D.
Geoscience Education & Inclusion Program Manager
Cascadia Region Earthquake Science Center (CRESCENT)
University of Oregon
1600 Millrace Drive, Suite 205A
Eugene, OR 97403
Phone: 541-346-4754
