Frequently Asked Questions

Q.
A. Why should I conduct research as an undergraduate?
Performing research as an undergraduate student is a great way to work with faculty members. This will enhance your overall collegiate experience, allowing you to learn more about an area of interest, apply your classroom knowledge, think about a career, and expand your skills. Being able to list research on your resume or curriculum vita makes you stand out to prospective employers or graduate schools.
Q.
A.
I’m not a “science” major… can I still do worthwhile “research?”
Research can mean many things- the point of it is that it represent unique contribution to your field. This can be in the form of creative performance, new ideas, and new knowledge. As you can see, that description doesn’t only include chemistry and physics… even if those are a couple of cutting-edge areas.
Q.
A.
I’m only a sophomore… is it too soon to start working on something?
The sooner you start, the better! Conducting a research project in your first or second year allows you to get further involved in it, and faculty members like early-career students because research takes time. While some research requires lab and coursework experience, it is better to get involved early and try to work ahead.
Q.
A.
I already have a research project in mind; can I work on it?
To work on something you have thought of yourself, all you have to do is find a faculty member to work on it with you. So if you have always had an idea for a project, develop the idea with a faculty member performing similar research.
Q.
A.
How do I find out about research opportunities?
This website is the first and foremost resource for undergraduate research. If you can’t find what you are looking for, however, feel free to talk to faculty members you have had for class, your department chair and faculty, and friends. Perhaps they will know of someone who will be interested in mentoring you.
Q.
A.
Can I do a project outside of my major?
Of course! You are encouraged to seek opportunities inside and outside of your major. Your undergraduate experience is the best time to explore your interests—whatever they may be.
Q.
A.
Can I get credit for my research?
It depends on how you go about doing your research. You may be able to work something out with your faculty member, turning your research into an “Individual Investigation” or an “Independent Study” class, but that is at the discretion of the department with which you are working.
Q.
A.
Can I get funding for my project?
See the Funding, Grants, and Travel page.
Q.
A.
How much time will a research project take?
Time commitments vary widely from project to project--be sure to discuss your expectations with your faculty mentor and learn what expectations your faculty has for you.
Q.
A.
How do I know if I have enough time to commit to a project?
It is important to be realistic about your research as well as your time. Students are very busy, usually working at least part-time in addition to their studies. You should review your commitments, your coursework, leisure activities, and possible employment situation. Some projects are more intensive than others, so you should seek research that complements your interests and time schedule without overextending yourself. Research for the sake of research is a good thing, but a true accomplishment is conveying that in a finished project to others.
Q.
A.
Can I have more than one mentor?
Certainly- just make sure they know about each other and what your commitment to each is.
Q.
A.
What do I do when I want to meet with a potential Faculty Mentor?
Be well prepared. Have topics in mind and know what the faculty member’s area of expertise and interest is. Contact that faculty member by e-mail. Make sure you are familiar with the professor’s work before you compose the e-mail. If available, read their profile and articles they have written in journals or find out what they have performed. This shows the faculty member that you are committed to research in general. When you meet your potential faculty mentor, be on time, dress professionally, answer questions honestly, have questions ready to ask them, and thank them for their time. What you research and how you do it is between you and your faculty mentor.

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Q. A.	Why should I conduct research as an undergraduate? Performing research as an undergraduate student is a great way to work with faculty members. This will enhance your overall collegiate experience, allowing you to learn more about an area of interest, apply your classroom knowledge, think about a career, and expand your skills. Being able to list research on your resume or curriculum vita makes you stand out to prospective employers or graduate schools.
Q. A.	I’m not a “science” major… can I still do worthwhile “research?” Research can mean many things- the point of it is that it represent unique contribution to your field. This can be in the form of creative performance, new ideas, and new knowledge. As you can see, that description doesn’t only include chemistry and physics… even if those are a couple of cutting-edge areas.
Q. A.	I’m only a sophomore… is it too soon to start working on something? The sooner you start, the better! Conducting a research project in your first or second year allows you to get further involved in it, and faculty members like early-career students because research takes time. While some research requires lab and coursework experience, it is better to get involved early and try to work ahead.
Q. A.	I already have a research project in mind; can I work on it? To work on something you have thought of yourself, all you have to do is find a faculty member to work on it with you. So if you have always had an idea for a project, develop the idea with a faculty member performing similar research.
Q. A.	How do I find out about research opportunities? This website is the first and foremost resource for undergraduate research. If you can’t find what you are looking for, however, feel free to talk to faculty members you have had for class, your department chair and faculty, and friends. Perhaps they will know of someone who will be interested in mentoring you.
Q. A.	Can I do a project outside of my major? Of course! You are encouraged to seek opportunities inside and outside of your major. Your undergraduate experience is the best time to explore your interests—whatever they may be.
Q. A.	Can I get credit for my research? It depends on how you go about doing your research. You may be able to work something out with your faculty member, turning your research into an “Individual Investigation” or an “Independent Study” class, but that is at the discretion of the department with which you are working.
Q. A.	Can I get funding for my project? See the Funding, Grants, and Travel page.
Q. A.	How much time will a research project take? Time commitments vary widely from project to project--be sure to discuss your expectations with your faculty mentor and learn what expectations your faculty has for you.
Q. A.	How do I know if I have enough time to commit to a project? It is important to be realistic about your research as well as your time. Students are very busy, usually working at least part-time in addition to their studies. You should review your commitments, your coursework, leisure activities, and possible employment situation. Some projects are more intensive than others, so you should seek research that complements your interests and time schedule without overextending yourself. Research for the sake of research is a good thing, but a true accomplishment is conveying that in a finished project to others.
Q. A.	Can I have more than one mentor? Certainly- just make sure they know about each other and what your commitment to each is.
Q. A.	What do I do when I want to meet with a potential Faculty Mentor? Be well prepared. Have topics in mind and know what the faculty member’s area of expertise and interest is. Contact that faculty member by e-mail. Make sure you are familiar with the professor’s work before you compose the e-mail. If available, read their profile and articles they have written in journals or find out what they have performed. This shows the faculty member that you are committed to research in general. When you meet your potential faculty mentor, be on time, dress professionally, answer questions honestly, have questions ready to ask them, and thank them for their time. What you research and how you do it is between you and your faculty mentor.