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Research occurs in all disciplines, from Physics to Fine Arts, from Anthropology to Zoology. Research is not limited to the sciences, though it is often most prevalent in those disciplines. As a student in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, you will find research opportunities in all six departments of the college: Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Earth Science, Mathematics and Statistics, Physics and Astronomy, and Science Education, as well as the Environmental Science and Policy program.

Below are some suggestions on how to connect with research opportunities on campus.

Connect with Faculty

Gather information about faculty research areas of interest. There are several places to find this information:  informal seminars on campus; course instructors; talking to peers, especially those who may already be working in a lab; CNSM departmental and program websites, and the .

Find faculty whose research sparks your interest and curiosity. Initially, you may want to talk to students who work with faculty members whose research interests you. They can tell you about the structure of the lab , who is likely to mentor you (in addition to the professor), and the culture of the lab. These conversations will help you decide if the faculty member is a good fit for you.

Ultimately, you will need to meet with the faculty, and it is a good idea to prepare for that meeting. Read some of the scientific articles they have recently published, even if you just read the abstract and look at the figures. Many professors have e-copies of their publications on their research website. Or you can find their articles with a quick search on Google Scholar. Be prepared to talk about why you want to do research, what research interests you, and your future goals. Ask about expectations for research assistants, the time commitment, and your role in the lab.

Course Credit

For course credit you can typically expect to do 3-4 hours of research-related activities per week for each unit of undergraduate course credit. You can receive academic credit for conducting research in a professor's lab; options include: signing up for a one-unit seminar course (NSCI 496) or for Directed Research (BIOL/CHEM/ERTH/PHYS 496 and MATH 496/497).

Check the for further information for additional information about these courses.

Volunteer

There are no comparable guidelines for volunteer researchers but it is wise to only commit as much time as you can comfortably afford to dedicate. Whatever time commitment you work out for your research participation, remember that the professor and the lab team are counting on your consistency and dependability.

On-Campus Research Experiences

Research on campus can take many forms. The following are only a few examples.

Undergraduate Research Assistants

Undergraduate research assistants work in a professor's lab, typically for course credit under "directed research" or "independent study", are introduced to the theory, concepts and materials, technology and skill utilized in a laboratory. Depending upon the project, they may be paid for participation.

Graduate Assistants

Graduate Assistants (GAs) work in a professor's lab, typically are completing graduate degrees in that particular area of research, and may lead a particular project area of the lab.

Volunteer Researcher

Students can also volunteer in a professor's laboratory. These are unpaid positions and do not have course credit. The time commitment as a volunteer is generally more flexible and less demanding than other research activities. Tasks are generally more menial, but it is a good way to assess whether "research is for you."

Also the skills that you acquire will help with your professional development portfolio. Many professors require volunteer activity to show dedication and commitment before they will allow student to take course credit or enter a paid position in their laboratory.

Research Training Programs

There are a number of research programs for students that are funded by federal programs. Students admitted to these programs are generally provided salary for participation, either during the summer or throughout the academic year. These programs normally have eligibility requirements and a competitive application process.

See Finding Support to Do Student Research for more information about research training programs.

Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REUs)

Summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) provide valuable opportunities for college students to engage in hands-on research at public or private institutions across the country. These programs typically last between 6 to 10 weeks and place students in active research laboratories where they work under the guidance of a faculty research advisor. The goal is to immerse students in real-world research environments, allowing them to contribute meaningfully to ongoing projects while gaining critical technical and analytical skills.

Admission to REUs can be competitive and varies depending on the program’s focus and criteria. Some emphasize specific disciplines or skill sets, while others are broader in scope. Most programs are supported by federal grant funding and offer participants financial support in the form of stipends, as well as assistance with housing and travel expenses.

Beyond the academic and financial benefits, REUs also foster personal and professional development by encouraging collaboration, offering opportunities to build teamwork skills, and helping students clarify their academic interests and career goals. Participating in an REU can be a transformative experience that shapes a student's path in research, graduate education, or industry.

Summer Enrichment Programs

Most summer enrichment programs are summer residential programs for undergraduate students, which last anywhere from 4-10 weeks. Some programs may focus on strengthening necessary study skills such as problem solving, time management, and note taking. Other programs introduce students to science or health careers.