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Getting Started

Have questions about finding opportunities, finding mentors, or what research means? The best way to get started is to ask us questions! OUR staff and OUR ambassadors are here to support you.

Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate Research (UGR) is scholarly study in any discipline in which inquiry, discovery, and creativity culminate in advancements in science, technology, the arts, or the humanities. It is the behavioral endeavor employed only by humans and, in this case, it is undergraduates who work under the mentorship of proven scholars, experts, and professionals. Any undergraduate may participate in UGR. Students from all disciplines can engage in the excitement of scholarly research.

CALS Dr. Rodolphe Barrangou in his lab in Schaub Hall. CRISPR Photo by Marc Hall
CALS Dr. Rodolphe Barrangou in his lab in Schaub Hall. CRISPR Photo by Marc Hall

Examples of Scholarly Research Projects

  • Going on archeological digs to learn about past cultures, societies or the evolution of life on Earth
  • Designing complementary art for unique architectural settings
  • Developing new ways to manage wildlife and plant populations and their habitat
  • Studying ancestral lineages using the tools of modern genetics
  • Defining product design based on marketing data
  • Reinterpreting a literary author’s intentions based on the site where it was written
  • Finding ways to grow more food on less land with less water, fertilizers and pesticides
  • Predicting stock market shifts based on uncertainties of the last four years
  • Developing inexpensive textile fibers that are soft, durable and easily cleaned
  • Engineering nano-machines for administering potent drugs in small amounts into the body

  • Want more examples? Take a look at our most recent Symposium abstract books!

Six Steps to Getting Involved

Not sure what to do or have questions about the steps below? Schedule an appointment or drop by the OUR to meet with one of our student ambassadors or staff members. We’re happy to help!

This document provides information on frequently asked questions regarding expectations and credit/paid opportunities.

In addition to the steps and suggestions below, review faculty and staff pages, research space sites, department pages (including research sections), ePack, etc. The OUR has recently retired its researcher database but will be soliciting student feedback as we create/seek out a new one (expected to launch in Fall 2024).