Getting Started

Steps for Becoming Involved in Undergraduate Research: 

Step 1: Define your research interests. Determine which subject most interests you. Do you have a specific project in mind, or do you want to acquire a specific set of skills?

Step 2: Identify a potential faculty mentor. Start by searching for opportunities with faculty members who are looking for undergraduate research assistants. In many cases, this step requires that you actively seek the advice of others. For example, ask your faculty adviser for suggested faculty mentors that are doing research in your area of interest. Ask other students who are participating in research who they work with and to describe their research experience. Ask your class instructors for suggestions. Look at university websites that list faculty research interests. Attend campus seminars to become familiar with areas of research. Talk with your professors! 

Step 3: Discuss research opportunities with potential faculty mentors. To begin, make an appointment with the potential faculty mentors. Let them know that you are interested in research and seek information about the possibility of working with them. Start this proccess the semester before you hope to begin research. Read about the faculty mentor's research program. Look at the Undergraduate Research Center Proceedings to see what previous students have worked on. Finally, be prepared for your appointment. Be on time. Bring a copy of your unofficial transcript or a list of relevant courses. Explain why you are interested in undergraduate research and indicate how much time you will be able to commit.

Step 4: Select a mentor, select a project and get going!