Undergraduate research can be an important and rewarding aspect of the college experience and allows students to further explore an academic field and even build their application for future graduate school applications.
Students can build many different and important skills through involvement in research including, communication, problem solving, teamwork, gaining a better understanding of published works, becoming familiar with the discovery process, and much more! It is also a great opportunity to gain experience, contribute knowledge, and establish a connection with amazing faculty mentors. Remember, research doesn’t only happen in the natural sciences, but can be experienced no matter what major field you are interested in.
It’s never too late to get involved in research and students need to be flexible and have a plan to learn about the many different opportunities available on campus. There are many campus partners who will guide you in shaping a individualize plan using the resources listed below.
CURE (Center for Undergraduate Research and Engagement) serves as a campus hub for undergraduate students to pursue advanced learning opportunities in research, scholarship, and creative endeavors. CURE connects undergraduate students with research opportunities, offers funding support for research and experiential learning, and creates opportunities for students to showcase their research.
- CURE posts several undergraduate research positions through HandShake (input > Center for Undergraduate Research and Engagement into the Search field to display current positions)
The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) is a resource for students. UROP seeks to support and advance faculty-mentored undergraduate research and creative scholarship. UROP provides assistance and guidance to students who are interested in getting started in research and helps to enhance undergraduate participation in campus research activities.
- UROP publicizes research opportunities on their home page, and hosts a research opportunities newsletter
The OURS (Oregon Undergraduate Researchers in SPUR) program offers funded opportunities for current UO undergraduate students to participate in ongoing research in life sciences laboratories at the university during the summer months.
The Undergraduate Research Symposium, that takes place each May is also a great event that showcases undergraduate research at the University of Oregon. Plan to attend this year to learn more.
This might means stepping a bit outside your comfort zone, but one of the best ways to discover research opportunities is to connect directly with a faculty member whose work you are interested in, or whose course you have taken. The CURE team, the UROP team, and your advisors can help support you in navigating ways to reach out to faculty members. Another fun fact is that students may be eligible for course credit for research and there are even some paid research opportunities students can apply to!
Connecting to research might be unfamiliar to many students, but rest assured that there are resources to help start the process. Take it step by step and ask for help and you’ll be conducting interesting research in no time.
Written by: Tara Parrillo; Director, TRIO Student Support Services
