Self-Paced Research Training
Our proprietary Zotero-based program builds the research skills that ensure your success in graduate school.
What Is Zotero — and Why Does It Matter?
Zotero is a free, open-source research assistant that helps you collect, organize, cite, and share scholarly sources. It is the tool used by researchers at every level, from first-year graduate students to tenured professors.
For adults entering graduate school after decades in the workforce, Zotero eliminates one of the biggest sources of anxiety: managing academic research. Instead of drowning in PDFs, bookmarks, and scattered notes, you have a single organized library that grows with you from your first course to your dissertation defense.
Our self-paced video training — delivered through Synthesia — walks you through every step at your own speed. Each module builds on the last, so by the time classes begin, you will be ahead of most of your classmates.
8 Modules
Your Research Training Curriculum
Work through each module at your own pace. Every lesson includes video instruction, practice exercises, and clear next steps.
Download & Install Zotero
Get set up on your computer in minutes. We walk you through downloading Zotero, creating your account, and configuring the basics.
Coming SoonBrowser Connector
Save sources from anywhere with one click. Install the Zotero browser extension and learn to capture articles, books, and web pages instantly.
Coming SoonLibrary Databases
Search and capture from academic databases. Learn to navigate university library systems and pull full-text articles directly into Zotero.
Coming SoonGoogle Scholar
Find and organize scholarly articles efficiently. Use Google Scholar alongside Zotero to discover research, track citations, and build your reading list.
Coming SoonOrganizing Your Library
Collections, tags, notes, and search. Master Zotero’s organizational tools so you can find any source in seconds, even years from now.
Coming SoonPDF Annotation
Highlight, comment, and extract insights. Learn to read, annotate, and pull key quotes from PDFs without ever leaving Zotero.
Coming SoonCitations & Bibliography
Generate perfect citations in any format. Connect Zotero to your word processor and create APA, MLA, or Chicago citations with a single click.
Coming SoonAdvanced Workflows
Groups, project libraries, and paper templates. Take your skills to the next level with collaborative research tools and dissertation-ready workflows.
Coming SoonAI Training Resources
In addition to Zotero research training, our students get access to AI training resources that complement their academic work. Artificial intelligence tools can help you summarize articles, brainstorm ideas, draft outlines, and check your writing — saving you hundreds of hours of unnecessary labor.
We believe every graduate student should be comfortable with these tools, and we provide a curated link to get you started.
Get Access
Full Training Included in Tier 2 & 3
Our complete Zotero research training program is included with the Scholar Success Program and Legacy Scholars Concierge tiers. A brief preview demo is included in the Discovery & Roadmap tier.