“The time will come when diligent research over long periods will bring to light things which now lie hidden. A single lifetime, even though entirely devoted to the sky, would not be enough for the investigation of so vast a subject... And so this knowledge will be unfolded only through long successive ages. There will come a time when our descendants will be amazed that we did not know things that are so plain to them... Many discoveries are reserved for ages still to come, when memory of us will have been effaced.” ~Lucius Annaeus Seneca
Students have many opportunities to get involved in research at all stages in the undergraduate program. Students can get hands-on experience with the methods and the tools used in their discipline, including high-end research instruments, field work, working with volunteer human subjects, and more. Many departments provide for-credit research and independent study courses (usually course number 395), and these credits often satisfy requirements within the major. Research experience is important for students who are considering pursuit of an advanced or professional degree as well as for students who are interested in discovery and creativity. The web site for each department in the College lists the faculty and their research interests. Explore and feel free to contact any faculty member whose research intrigues you.
Consider applying for:
- Summer Undergraduate Research Awards (SURA). These $5,000 awards provide a stipend for summer research work, enabling a student to focus their summer time on gaining research experience in their discipline.
- Travel Awards up to $500 are available. The student must be presenting a paper or poster to qualify for funding. To apply complete the Undergraduate Travel/Research Award Form.
- Have some interesting research results? Present your work at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research. This annual conference hosts 3,500 – 4,000 undergraduates from around the world, presenting posters, oral presentations, visual arts, and performances. Other opportunities are listed in the UK Office of Undergraduate Research and in the Stuckert Career Center.