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

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 book (Spring 2022)!

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!

In addition to the steps and suggestions below, check out the research database, ForagerOne. You can review faculty and staff for research interests and opportunities. Not all faculty/staff have updated profiles; they may not have “actively recruiting” toggled, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t recruiting. Do not message faculty/staff through ForagerOne; use NCSU email. Supplement ForagerOne perusal with NCSU department/program pages, etc.

Meet with the OUR

There are many research opportunities and researchers at NC State. Meet with us to discuss undergraduate research and navigate moving forward.

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, especially research tabs. Explore current projects, labs/research spaces, research groups, and creative knowledge being developed. What work is happening that aligns with your interests?

Identify Researchers

Identify a few researchers whose work excites you. They might be faculty or staff associated with the previous step, a course instructor, someone you saw present at a seminar or event, or someone new to you. Become knowledgeable about their work – review goals, methods, findings. Attend lectures, performances, or productions of theirs.

Contact Potential Mentors

Write an email to schedule a meeting (the OUR can help with communications). Briefly tell the potential mentor your interests, why you want to work with them, and that you’d like to learn more about their research. Be concise; you’ll have time to promote yourself when you meet.

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 do they have for the future? If you are excited about what they are learning, show your enthusiasm.