Because research is regarded as an important and integral part of the educational experience, Stony Brook encourages students to become involved through innovative research-oriented courses and through independent projects carried out under the supervision of faculty. The opportunities for Stony Brook undergraduates to participate in research are enormous. There is a wide variety of disciplinary and interdisciplinary projects through academic departments and interdisciplinary programs. Every department has an Undergraduate Research Liaison , a faculty member with the responsibility for helping interested students find appropriate research placements. The Undergraduate Research Liaisons are good first stops for students who know the broad discipline on which they want to do research, but need assistance in identifying a good research supervisor.
Students engage in research for credit as part of their regular academic schedule, or for pay.
Every department and program has mechanisms such as independent research courses or directed readings to support undergraduate research. In addition, Stony Brook undergraduates may conduct research at local off-campus hospitals, research laboratories such as Brookhaven National Laboratory and public and private sector organizations. Opportunities are particularly good during the summer when many colleges and universities offer undergraduate summer research programs in a wide variety of subjects. The University also sponsors several programs that allow students to share their work . The Center for Biotechnology is now accepting applications for its 2001-2002 internship programs.