Why participate in Undergraduate Research?

There are many reason to choose to do undergraduate research. One of the main reasons is to get involved in and learn more about the subject matter that interests you most. When you are able to apply what you have learned in the classroom to a research project, it makes the material come alive.

Another reason to become involved in an undergraduate research project is the chance to get to know, and work closely with, a faculty member and his/her research group. Professors can be very intimidating at times, but by working with them, and contributing to their research, you begin to realize that they really are just like you (a regular person).

By choosing to work with a particular professor on a research project, you are also able to develop and improve your skills that will help prepare you for the work force. Most of these skills you will most likely not have obtained from a regular classroom environment.

Here are some ways to find a research position:

(click HERE for a PDF version)

1. Define your interests: What's your passion? What do you enjoy learning about?

2. Visit the ORA website and see if there is a position listed that interests you. You can also check the Off-Campus/On-Campus area on this websit to see if there are any positions that would interest you.

3. If there is not one listed, define a subject that interests you, go to the departments' websites and browse through the faculty webpages.

4. Read 1 or 2 of the recent research papers that the faculty member has published. Try to understand as much as possible, but do not worry if you have trouble with it. Scientific papers are not easy to read - some even seem to be written in a different langauge.

5. Contact the faculty member and ask if there are any openings for an undergraduate researcher. A sample email (for a pdf version click HERE)is provided for you. Modify it to suit your needs and add personal information. Some advice: do not include items that do not apply to you (e.g. if you have not read a paper, do not discuss it as if you have - they will know).

6. Set up an appointment to meet (for a pdf version click HERE) speak with your potential research advisor. Be punctual and dress appropriately. First impressions count.

7. When speaking to your potential research advisor, make sure that you understand the expectations that the research advisor has of you. Clarify any points that are not clear.

8. Hopefully, you are now underway to an exciting new adventure in undergraduate research!