About Undergraduate Research

What is undergraduate research?

Quite simply, research is the search for knowledge. USU students have the opportunity to make their own discoveries. That process can involve lab work, field study, archival investigation, and creative production. Students may work independently, with faculty, or as part of a team. The Undergraduate Research Program supports students in all fields of study.

What kind of projects do students undertake?

This year alone, Utah State students have conducted a wide range of products, in areas ranging from epidemiology to genetics, water quality to cancer prevention, nutrition to cheese production, coyotes to newts, sculpture to composition, and Greek mythology to art history.

How does USU support student research?

Not only does USU encourage students to pursue research projects, but it also provides financial support for many of those projects. Since 1975, the URCO Grant Program has been giving cash awards for research projects each semester, and fellowships allow students to begin working on research projects as freshmen. Literally hundreds of students are employed in research jobs on campus. Travel support also provides students with funding to present their research at professional conferences.

Where can undergraduate research take me?

While you are an undergraduate, you can do your research in the superb mountain environment of Logan, Utah, or at any number of field sites. After graduation, you’ll be better prepared to get a job or go to grad school, thanks to a stronger resume and professors who will know you well. Undergraduate Researchers are also more likely to receive prestigious scholarships such as the Goldwater, Rhodes, and Udall.

What's in it for me?

The skills you gain from your research experience will look great on a resume or a grad school application. Need that letter or recommendation? Research will help you make important one-on-one connections with professors.

 Top Ten Reasons to Get Involved in Undergraduate Research

In undergraduate research, teaching and scholarship become parts of one simultaneous, overlapping, shared process. Undergraduates     can become active scholars throughout their undergraduate careers, not just at the last stages.

1. Get involved in research, scholarship, and creative activity that is innovative.
2. Engage one-on-one with faculty in the work of your discipline
3. Clarify and prepare for your career by developing an understanding of research methodology in your field of study
4. Develop critical thinking, creativity, problem solving, and intellectual independence as well as team skills and communication skills.
5. Reinforce what you are learning in your classes with a steady supply of hands-on research opportunities
6. Investigate a problem or question, carry out a project, and then share those discoveries with their peers.
7. Get your hands on plenty of internships, fellowships, and summer research experiences
8. Become more competitive for national and international scholarships and fellowships.
9. Become one of the undergraduate researchers who have been shown to persist in finishing their undergraduate degrees at a higher rate and also pursue graduate education at a higher rate.
10. Become one of the alumni who have reported more satisfaction and higher gains after participating in undergraduate research.

In addition to these reasons, research has been proven to enhance the following:

• Analytical Skills
• Math & Stats
• Teamwork
• Time Management
• Leadership
• Writing Skills
• Troubleshooting
• Understanding of Ethics
• Business Relationships
• Communication
• Self-Confidence

 

 For more information about the Undergraduate Research program, watch this video created by Utah State University:

To learn more about Undergraduate Research at USU, take a look at this printable brochure.

For a national look at Undergraduate Research, visit http://www.webguru.neu.edu/

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