Welcome to the Museum Research Traineeship

 

Program Status

The Museum Research Traineeship (MRT) program concluded on August 30, 2026, following the completion of the National Science Foundation grant funding period.

Throughout its duration, the MRT program provided a unique interdisciplinary education and research experience for graduate students. The program supported trainees in developing innovative approaches to interpreting museum objects and data to advance scientific inquiry and address societal challenges.

The University of New Mexico extends its sincere appreciation to the students, faculty, staff, and partner organizations whose contributions helped make the program a success. Their efforts created a lasting impact on research, education, and interdisciplinary science.

 

About the MRT

The University of New Mexico (UNM) is an innovative, interdisciplinary, graduate-level education and research experience through the Museum Research Traineeship (MRT).

The program centers on interpreting and characterizing museum objects, such as biological specimens, pottery sherds, fossils, geological samples, and associated data.  It is designed to educate, train, and provide opportunities for students to work with a community of students, faculty, and partners to develop new ways to interpret and integrate museum objects and data into exciting scientific endeavors in scientific inquiry.

The MRT will prepare trainees for career opportunities that impact future research, education, and policy and tackle big challenges facing society today, including climate-forced environmental change, emerging pathogens, ecosystem transformation, loss of biodiversity, and more.

Learn more about the MRT here.


Visit Renowned Museums Collections at UNM

 

Research at The University of New Mexico

The University of New Mexico (UNM), the state’s premier Carnegie-designated R1 research institution, is proud to offer a graduate-level research experience through the Museum Research Traineeship (MRT). 

In a state rich in history and tradition, the MRT is dedicated to supporting students in STEM and encouraging collaboration across disciplines to better understand our past, present, and future.