Getting Started

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

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

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 with any question(s) — big or small!

In addition to the steps and suggestions below, check out the research database, ForagerOne. You can review faculty (and applicable staff) for research interests and opportunities. We also recommend that students make and update their profiles.

Determine Your Interests

Think about what you want to do. What problems do you want to solve? What are you curious about? What fascinates you? Research is interdisciplinary, so don’t be afraid to consider opportunities outside your major.

Explore Research Happening at NC State

Look at college and department websites – all of them have a research tab on their homepage. Explore current projects, labs, research groups, and creative knowledge being developed. What work is happening that aligns with your interests and excites you?

Identify Researchers

Identify five to seven researchers whose work excites you. These might be faculty (or applicable staff) associated with the research projects you just investigated, a course professor, someone you saw present at a seminar or event, or someone new to you. Become knowledgeable about their work – review goals, methods, findings. You could even attend lectures, performances, or productions of theirs.

Contact Potential Mentors

Write an email to schedule a meeting (or ask about office hour availability). Let the faculty member know you would like to learn more about their research. This isn’t the time to sell yourself yet – that’s coming! Not sure how to write the email – schedule an appointment with the OUR or drop by for help.

Meet In Person or on Zoom

Use this as an opportunity to learn more about the research: What motivated the faculty member to do this work? What excites them? What plans they have for the future. If you are excited about what they are learning, show your enthusiasm.

Make the Ask

If you’re interested in contributing to the research, ask if there’s an opportunity to be involved as an undergraduate researcher. If there isn’t, ask if the faculty member could connect you with a colleague or two who might have projects that align with your interests.