More Than Research Help: How Research Mavs Are Helping Mavericks Build Confidence

Since launching in 2024, UTA Libraries’ Research Mavs program has helped thousands of students build confidence in their research skills through peer-to-peer support, personalized consultations and online assistance. 
 

Behind every number is a student who had a question, faced a challenge or needed guidance finding the next step in their research process. Those individual moments of connection have helped Research Mavs grow into an important resource for students across campus. 

 
In less than three years, Research Mavs has completed 344 one-on-one research consultations, answered 7,121 questions through online chat, and surpassed 10,000 total student interactions through consultations, chat, email support, and other research assistance. 

 
More importantly, each interaction represents a student gaining confidence, developing new research skills and learning that they do not have to navigate the research process alone. 

 
“Research Mavs are the people on campus who can take a frustration and turn it into a newfound skill,” said Collin Stephenson, Research Success Librarian. “That is one of the most important things we as a library can offer.” 

 
Created by UTA Libraries as a peer-to-peer research support program, Research Mavs connects students with trained student employees who understand the challenges of academic research firsthand. Working alongside librarians, Research Mavs help fellow Mavericks navigate library resources, develop search strategies and evaluate information. 

 
The program’s continued growth reflects UTA Libraries’ commitment to providing students with meaningful support that helps them succeed academically and prepares them with skills they will carry into their careers. 

 
Helping Students Find Their Way Through Research 

 
For many students, the research process begins with a simple question: 

 
Where do I start? 

 
Finding credible sources, understanding databases and narrowing a topic can quickly become overwhelming. Research Mavs help make that process more approachable by connecting students with peers who understand those challenges and can help them take the next step. 

 
“There are some students who really only want to talk to another student,” Stephenson said. “They feel comfortable asking questions, and our Research Mavs can provide that connection while still delivering a high level of support.” 

 
That peer connection is one of the program’s greatest strengths. 

 
Research Mavs do more than help students locate information for an assignment. They help students understand the research process, build problem-solving skills and gain confidence in their ability to approach future challenges. 

 
“Our number one goal is to give students the confidence to be independently successful at research,” Stephenson said. “All research is a conversation, and all scholarship is a collaboration.” 

 
Growing Support Across Campus 

 
The impact of Research Mavs continues to grow as more students take advantage of the program. 

During the 2025–2026 academic year, Research Mavs completed 146 consultations, with 74 percent of students meeting with a Research Mav for the first time. 

 
Each first-time consultation represents a student discovering a new resource and learning that support is available throughout their academic journey. Stephenson believes the most meaningful moments happen during individual conversations. 

 
“You can look at a big number like 10,000 and say, ‘Wow, look how much we have accomplished,’” Stephenson said. “But what stands out to me are the comments from students and the moments where you see someone come in stressed and worried and leave feeling confident.” 

 
Turning Research Challenges into Learning Opportunities 

 
Many students approach research believing they need to figure everything out on their own. 

Research Mavs helps change that perspective by showing students that asking questions, seeking guidance and working through challenges are important parts of the learning process. 

 
A search that does not produce the expected results is not a failure. A topic that needs narrowing is not a setback. Each challenge provides an opportunity to learn. 

 
“There really is no such thing as failure when you are researching,” Stephenson said. “Every challenge is an opportunity. Sometimes you discover a research gap. Sometimes you discover you need different terminology. Every step helps you learn.” 

 
Bringing Research Support Closer to Students 

 
As Research Mavs enters its third year of full-time operation, UTA Libraries continues to expand opportunities for students to connect with the program. 

 
Research Mavs are growing their presence through Mini Clinics, providing quick research assistance in high-traffic areas across campus. The program is also becoming a regular part of library instruction sessions, where Research Mavs join librarians in classrooms to provide additional peer support. 

 
“When we brought a Research Mav into the classroom, we saw students connecting in ways they may not have with a librarian alone,” Stephenson said. “Our students are incredible, and they allow us to spend more time addressing individual needs.” 

 
Building Student Leaders 

 
The success of Research Mavs is also reflected in the students who serve within the program. 

Experienced Research Mavs are stepping into leadership roles, mentoring new team members and helping strengthen the program’s future. 

 
These student leaders help prepare new Research Mavs not only to answer questions, but also to listen, encourage and create a welcoming environment for their peers. 

 
“We want our staff to understand how to hear the unspoken needs of the people who come to us,” Stephenson said. “How do we respond in ways that empower people rather than making research feel intimidating?” 

 
Through this mentorship model, Research Mavs continues to develop stronger researchers, stronger student leaders and a stronger culture of collaboration across campus. 

 
Preparing Mavericks for the Future 

 
The skills students develop through Research Mavs extend far beyond a single assignment. 

The ability to find information, evaluate sources, solve problems, and think critically is a set of skills students will carry into their careers and communities. 

 
By helping students become more confident researchers, UTA Libraries is helping prepare Mavericks for success long after graduation. 

 
“Our goal is to help students become independently successful researchers,” Stephenson said. “We want them to know they have support but also know they can do this themselves.” 

 
For UTA Libraries, student success is at the center of everything we do. 

Every consultation, every chat conversation, and every classroom interaction represents another Maverick gaining confidence, developing new skills, and taking another step toward achieving their goals.