Frequently Asked Questions

A mentored investigation or creative inquiry conducted by undergraduates that seeks to make a scholarly or artistic contribution to knowledge. 

Please Note: Research occurs in all fields/disciplines, not just STEM.

While many people think of research as strictly a STEM experience, that is not the case. Research looks very different across the different fields/disciplines out there, but it happens in all fields/disciplines. If you need help uncovering what research in your area looks like, visit the Office of Undergraduate Research.

It’s important to keep in mind that just because other students are looking for research opportunities, it doesn’t mean they are after the same ones as you. You are actually your biggest competitor.

Finding a position is a lot like finding a job, takes some luck and some tenacity, and it also requires that you do your best to find a good research fit and approach mentors with your best foot forward.

Past research experience is not a requirement. Mentors understand that their job is to train you and show you how research is done. While it can be helpful to share any special skills you have related to the research project, and some mentors may prefer for you to have certain knowledge first, don’t let lack of experience stop you from reaching out or applying to any opportunities.

The best time to get started is when you’re ready, don’t worry about other students. Make sure that you have the time and energy for a research project. Make sure that it will fit with your schedule and not interfere with your other responsibilities. Mentors will expect 6, 8, or even 10 hours a week. Make sure that works for you and set yourself up for success.

It’s okay to start right away if you are ready and it is also okay to wait. Most students wait until their sophomore or junior year. If you wait until your senior year it can be a little difficult (not impossible).

While there is some nuance we’re skipping over, for students looking for research it is fair to assume anyone with professor in their title is doing research and it is fair to assume they would be open to working with undergraduate students.

Some faculty outside of STEM fields aren’t used to using the term research to describe what they do, but they are doing research (as evidenced by publications). They may use terms such as scholarship or scholarly work instead, but again, it’s still research.

Don’t worry if a professor’s bio doesn’t show recent publications, they are still doing work in that area. The webpage hasn’t be update.

You can search for faculty bios on departmental websites. Also, we recommend using the databases made available through NC State University Libraries to locate recent publications. The Office of Undergraduate Research and NC State University Libraries are happy to show you have to use these databases.

Anyone can be a research mentor so long as they have the appropriate amount of expertise in the given research field. While most commonly mentors are faculty, a mentor does not have to be a faculty member. Additionally, mentors doe not need to work at NC State. NC State students should also note that they can do research with mentors at Duke and UNC Chapel Hill.

There is no good or bad time of the year or the semester to start reaching out to potential mentors. Opportunities become available at different times throughout the year independent of the academic calendar. Generally it take at least a couple of weeks to get set up to begin an undergraduate research position.

The Disability Resource Office can help students and their research mentors with accommodations regardless of whether or not the research is being done for course credit.

While mentors should be understanding, we understand that broaching this subject can be worrisome on your part. The Office of Undergraduate Research can provide guidance on how to talk with potential or current mentors about accommodation needs. We also recommend using the resources in our Conflict Resolution and Concern Escalation Protocol if you are concerned that your rights may have been violated.

It depends, often a research project will last multiple semesters. However, some projects can be shorter. This is something to discuss with potential mentors.

It depends, often mentors are looking for 6, 8, or even 10 hours a week. However, some projects may need less time. This is something to discuss with potential mentors.

It depends. The specific tasks you’ll be doing is something to discuss with potential mentors. To be considered research though, you should be utilizing critical thinking skills and analyzing data, not just washing dishes or inputting data.

Make sure you and your mentor discuss expectations at the start of your project and periodically throughout. Make sure you have have regular communication. Most problems come down to a lack in one or both of these areas. Utilize the Office of Undergraduate Research’s Mentor-Mentee tools too.

Take advantage of the Office of Undergraduate Research’s Professional Development and other workshops. These will help round out your skills as a researcher and early career professional. You can also talk with Office of Undergraduate Research staff about any questions, needs, or concerns you have.

Utilize the time with your mentor(s). Ask for recommendations for resources, learn about the professional organization(s) that support your field(s), ask about their experiences and what they have learned from them, have them connect you to their larger network.

Take advantage of opportunities to share your research (no matter the stage). The Office of Undergraduate Research hosts the follow opportunities for students to present: Research Slams, Fall Sidewalk Symposium, Spring Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium, and Summer Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium. Additionally, we help students attend local and national conferences for undergraduates and can support you presenting at a discipline-specific conference.

Undergraduates getting their name on a publication, especially while they are an undergraduate, is very rare. There are too many factors outside of researchers’ control that lead to research becoming publication ready. It is better to focus on the other benefits of doing research such as the skills you’re gaining and the knowledge you’re learning.

When you do mentored research, the research is the product of your mentor and the host institution. It is best to consider yourself as an artist commissioned to paint a piece of art. While you may have done the work, and can sign your name to it, the piece itself belongs to the one who commissioned it.

It is important to never share your research with anyone without first getting permission from your mentor. Some fields are very competitive and sharing research prematurely can have negative effects.

It depends on your mentor and your department. For credit, most departments on campus have a means of granting students course credit for undergraduate research (usually called Independent Study). Students should talk with their academic advisors about this.

For payment, mentors do not always have funding available to pay an undergraduate. Often when they do, they prefer the student to be a volunteer first (to prove themself) before paying them later on. This is a conversation to have with your mentor. The Office of Undergraduate Research has several funding programs and links to additional funding that students should explore.

For payment and credit at the same time, check with your department. Each department on campus has their own rule about whether or not students can be paid at the same time they are getting course credit for the same research.

The Office of Undergraduate Research has put together a Conflict Resolution and Concern Escalation Protocol for students and mentors. Additionally, students are encouraged to visit the Office of Undergraduate Research if they have any problems. Our goal is to help you have a positive experience

We pronounce OUR by spelling out the letters ‘O’ ‘U’ ‘R’ rather than pronouncing it as the word “our.” We know some of our colleagues say “our” and that’s fine with us.

The small arboreal mammal you’re seeing throughout this site is called a tarsier. Tarsiers are one of the smallest primates and are native to Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and the Philippines. Their name comes from the word tarsal, referencing bones in the ankle. Tarsiers have particularly long tarsal bones—making their legs and feet twice as long as their head and body. Additionally, they are nocturnal, completely carnivorous, and have the largest eyes relative to body size of any mammal. Sadly, they are also endangered.

You’ll find tarsiers on the Office of Undergraduate Research’s website because they are our director’s favorite animal. Stop by our office and ask Dr. Goins why, they’ll be happy to tell you.