Research Experiences for Undergraduates 

In an undergraduate research role, you might:  

• Work on an actual research project led by a faculty member 

• Conduct experiments, analyze data, or develop models relevant to your field 

• Learn specialized skills and methodologies used by professionals 

• Contribute meaningfully to your field’s knowledge 

• Present your findings to peers and potentially at academic conferences  

• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities 

Undergraduate research develops skills employers and graduate programs highly value: 

• Deep technical knowledge in your field beyond classroom learning 

• Independence and initiative — you’re driving your own learning 

• Problem-solving skills — real projects don’t always go as planned 

• Communication skills — presenting your work clearly (both written and oral) 

• Resilience — research involves dead ends, failures, and persistence 

• Professional credibility — you have concrete examples of meaningful work to discuss in interviews or applications 

Search the U.S. National Science Foundation for opportunities across any of these research areas: 

• Astronomical Sciences 

• Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences 

• Biological Sciences 

• Chemistry 

• Computer and Information Science and Engineering 

• Cyberinfrastructure 

• Department of Defense (DoD) 

• Earth Sciences 

• Education and Human Resources 

• Engineering 

• Ethics and Values Studies 

• International Science and Engineering 

• Materials Research 

• Mathematical Sciences 

• Ocean Sciences 

• Physics 

• Polar Programs 

• Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences 

• Undergraduate students must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions to qualify for an NSF-funded REU 

• Applications are typically due between February and March 

• Students must contact the individual sites for application materials 

• Programs generally require between one and three letters of reference, a transcript, 0-2 essays, a letter of interest, and a resume 

While REU refers to a specific kind of research experience, there are many other ways to do research as an undergraduate. To find out: 

• Talk to your department: Contact your department chair, academic advisors, or faculty members whose research interests you 

• Check faculty websites: Many professors list undergraduate research openings on their department pages or research group websites 

• Attend departmental seminars: Faculty often discuss their research at student seminars. If you’re interested, reach out afterward to ask about opportunities 

• Search research databases: Some universities maintain listings of undergraduate research positions. Ask your department if they have one 

• Apply for formal programs: Some universities offer structured undergraduate research programs with applications and funding. Check with your college about options 

• Be proactive: If you can’t find a formal opening, email a faculty member whose research interests you 

• Time commitment: Research positions vary, but often require 10-15 hours per week 

• Duration: Most commitments are semester-long or longer 

• Learning curve: Your first weeks will likely involve training and learning the methods and tools of your field 

• Expectations: Faculty expect you to be reliable, take initiative, and ask good questions. You won’t know everything, and that’s okay. You’re learning. 

• Outcomes: You’ll contribute to research that may be published, presented, or inform future work in your field. Even if the research doesn’t lead to publication, you’ll have meaningful work to discuss. 

Before starting, clarify: 

• What will I be working on? What’s the research question or project? 

• What’s my role? Will I design experiments, run them, analyze data, write, or some combination? 

• Who’s my main point of contact? Will I work directly with the professor or with a graduate student mentor? 

• What’s the time commitment? How many hours per week, and for how long? 

• Will I be paid or get course credit? What’s the arrangement? 

• Are there opportunities to present or publish? Will I get recognition for my contributions? 

• What happens after this semester? Can I continue, or is it a one-time opportunity?