# How to get involved with research as an undergraduate There are so many ways to get involved in the process of scientific research as an undergraduate student. Becoming a student researcher can be a fun and empowering experience. Reseachers are quite literally building new knowledge and as an undergraduate student, you have an opportunity to contribute to that effort. I highly enourage students to pursue undergraduate research to gain direct, hands-on experience with the practices of science. Even if you aren't planning on a career in research, learning how science works first hand is a valuable experience. >**So, you have decided you want to get involved in research at your institution, but where do you start?** I get this question all the time and this page serves as my attempt at an answer. I am an Assistant Professor at a primarily undergraduate teaching institution (Cal Poly, SLO) and these are the three ways I encourage my undergraduate students to get involved in research. Other institutions may have other options, too. Here, I provide general insights on three types of research experiences you could seek out, along with some specific examples for students at Cal Poly. These are not listed in any particular order, and each has benefits and limitations. Explore the options and find the experience that is right for you! ## Inquire about funded faculty research projects Many faculty members lead ongoing research projects with opportunities for undergraduate student involvement. Research of this kind is usually funded by an external source (e.g., a grant) that can support some level of undergraduate student work. Undergraduate research assistant positions are often paid hourly or with a stipend for a given set of work. Student research assistants often work together in teams towards a shared research goal. For example, you might work on a laboratory procedure for samples collected by another set of researchers working on the same project. Student research opportunities like this vary greatly across different projects. The best way to learn about these kinds of research opportunities is to reach out to the faculty member directly. Send them an email or visit their office hours to express your interest in reseach, and ask about ongoing projects they may be looking for students to work on. The process of applying and getting involved in a project will vary based on the project and faculty member. Cal Poly example: At the time I am writing this, I am leading a research project supported by a grant funded by the CSU Agricultural Research Institute studying plant-soil linkages in rangelands along California's coast. This project supports several students to work in the field and lab on various components of the project. Some students will work on the project for a single quarter, where others will work on the project for a year or more. ## Apply for undergraduate research programs Many universities and funding bodies organize programs to faciliate research experiences for undergraduate students. These programs are usually structured over a certain period of time (e.g., year, semester, quarter, summer) and connect students with faculty research projects affiliated with the program. These programs advertise the application process through many avenues, so look out for these opportunities in your email inboxes, list serves, and newsletters. Students can apply to these programs (application processes and expectations vary) and then are matched with a faculty member or research project to work on for the duration of the program. Many programs also provide additional professional development experiences like workshops, seminars, panels, and cohort-building activities. Most programs offer stipends for student researchers to participate in the program. These programs are great for students who are new to the research process and are looking to work through the process with a cohort of students. Cal Poly examples: - [BEACoN Research Mentoring Network](https://beaconmentors.calpoly.edu/network) - College-specific undergraduate research programs (e.g. [CAFES Summer Undergraduate Research Program](https://cafes.calpoly.edu/surp); [CSM Frost Summer Undergraduate Research Program](https://cosam.calpoly.edu/undergraduate-research)) - [CSU LSAMP Program](https://lsamp.calpoly.edu/) - [CSU Agricultural Research Institute Science Fellowships](https://www.calstate.edu/impact-of-the-csu/research/ari) - [NSF Research Experience for Undergraduate Programs](https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/) ## Enroll in an independent study course Many universities with active research programs will have courses that are designed to faciliate undergraduate research. Sometimes the courses are intended to allow students to pursue a research question or study of their own design. These courses can be great opportunities for students to follow a curiosity they might have about a given topic and learn to design and execute a scientific study. The nature of these kinds of projects can vary in scope depending on the student and the faculty advisor. If you are interested in pursuing this kind of research experience, reach out to a faculty member in the area you are interested in and ask about the possibility of completing an independent study course. Cal Poly examples: - NR 200 / SS 200: Special Problems for Undergraduates - NR 400 / SS 400: Special Problems for Advanced Undergraduates > Did you find the helpful? Please get in touch and let me know: [[contact me]]