During the academic year, most undergraduates earn academic credit for their research assistance. Students who hold college work-study grants may earn their grant money doing research. In the summers, a salary or stipend is often possible. Undergraduate researchers are typically sophomores, juniors and seniors. The program provides general information to students thinking about whether a research experience would be desirable for them.
Undergraduate research can begin as early as the freshman year.
Initial participation may simply involve advisement and browsing through the Undergraduate Research Reading Room. A good beginning step is to talk about research with one or more professors in a field of study that is particularly interesting to you. The advisor can help you to clarify your research interests, abilities, and time commitments and help you to identify and approach appropriate faculty researchers. A student may be involved with a faculty researcher as an assistant for much of his or her undergraduate career. Students may also begin their Honors Degree with Distinction or Degree With Distinction research and thesis work without first serving as a research assistant.