February 3, 2026
The Interdisciplinary Research Teams (IRT) program officially launched at the start of this month with an orientation session for participants. This year’s program features 42 projects each led by one UC Irvine Ph.D. candidate. More than 100 undergraduates are participating in the program.
Sergio Gago, CalIT2 associate director for training programs, leads the orientation session for IRT participants.
This is the fourth year that CalIT2 is partnering with UCI’s Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) to offer IRT opportunities which connects graduate and undergraduate students to collaborate on interdisciplinary research projects. Each team typically includes one Ph.D. student mentor and two to four undergraduate students from different disciplines, working under the guidance of a faculty mentor.
Sergio Gago, associate director for CalIT2 Training Programs, led the orientation. He told the graduate students in attendance that there were several expectations for IRT project success. First, the expectation is that each team demonstrates meaningful research progress as stated in their selected proposals for the program. They need to practice and maintain strong mentorship and teamwork skills. They are also required to submit reports and presentations as scheduled and be able to clearly communicate project progress and results to anyone who may or may not be familiar with the subject matter.
“You have to determine what every member of your team brings to the project and how to leverage each other’s skills to have a successful team-based outcome,” said Gago.
Gago outlined the four keys the Ph.D. leads need to make the most of the skills their team has: consistency, respect, inclusion and honesty.
Gago interacts with the students, fielding questions and exchanging information.
“IRT teambuilding requires people skills,” he explained. “You need a good understanding of what the project entails, ways each person can contribute and clearly communicate expectations for your team to be successful.”
The IRT program will conclude with a research showcase and poster session on June 3 at 4 pm in the CalIT2 Building atrium. The public is invited. More information about the symposium will be provided as the time grows closer.
-Shelly Nazarenus
