2. Undergraduate Research Portal
ugr.ucr.edu/portal

3. What is undergraduate research?
An inquiry or investigation conducted by an undergraduate student that makes an original, intellectual, or creative contribution to the discipline...” - Council on Undergraduate Research
Involves supervision or mentorship from a faculty mentor

4. Why participate in undergraduate research?
Hands-on learning
Application of coursework info “real life” situations
Faculty mentoring relationships
Increases retention in the STEM disciplines
Effective career preparation and workplace engagement
Promotes interest in and training for graduate education
Develops critical thinking, written and oral communication, creativity, problem-solving, self-confidence, and intellectual independence
Increased satisfaction with college experience
Contribute to new knowledge or make an original contribution in an academic discipline
Plus many other benefits…

5. UCR Undergraduate Research
About one-quarter (22%) of enrolled undergraduates participated in undergraduate research in AY
Research courses for academic credit (e.g., courses, capstone courses, and research seminars)
Sponsored research programs (Chancellor’s Research Fellowship, Gluck Fellows)
Paid undergraduate positions (Student Helper I and II)
Participation in Undergraduate Research Symposium
This doesn’t include volunteers without course credit, or students receiving stipends

6. How do I get started?

7. Undergraduate Research Portal
Campus login required
Faculty postings specifically targeted toward undergraduate students

8. Search tips Search by college
BUT read all postings that interest you, even outside your major
Be willing to engage for academic credit or as a volunteer
Be flexible about your availability

9. How to connect with faculty
Write a formal
Dear Dr. or Professor Doe
Sincerely, Your Name
Provide an informative subject line, e.g., Inquiry about Undergraduate Research
Avoid slang and informal language

10. How to connect with faculty
Provide your basic information, but keep it brief:
Name, Major
Research interests, plus 1-2 sentences about why you would like to work with this professor
Relevant experience
Relevant courses completed
Contact information and availability
Interest in scheduling a meeting or visiting during office hours
Attach your resume and unofficial transcript
No more than 2-3 short paragraphs

11. Subject: Meeting to discuss undergraduate research opportunities in topic Dear Dr. Professor, I am a year student at university majoring in major. How you found out about the professor's research. Expression of interest in specific paper or topic. I would appreciate the chance to talk with you about your research in topic of interest and about possible undergraduate opportunities in your lab. My experience in research experience or class, confirmed my intention to develop my research skills and goal. I know you are very busy. We could schedule an appointment or I can drop by your office hours on day and time. I have attached my resume and unofficial transcript. Please let me know if there is any other information I can provide. I look forward to talking to you soon. Best, Name Source:

12. More resources for connecting with faculty
UC Santa Cruz:
Northwestern University:
Brown University:

13. Meeting with faculty Do your research
Review the faculty member’s web site
Read the faculty member’s recent publications, see if you find their work interesting
Talk to others who’ve worked with the faculty member

14. Meeting with faculty Be flexible and open to new opportunities
Be honest
Don’t provide reasons not to be hired, e.g., don’t ask how much you will get paid or stipulate your availability
Show your interest, e.g., you’ve read their publications or similar work, provide samples of your work
This is a faculty mentorship opportunity that should be mutually beneficial

15. Working with faculty Be professional Find out about required training
Complete necessary paperwork
Clarify work hours and expectations over or in person
Provide advance notice when you are not able to meet a deadline or commitment
Use this opportunity to learn as much as possible, even if it’s not what you expected

16. UCR Undergraduate Research
Research grant opportunities:
Publication opportunities:
Scholarships and Fellowships:

17. For more information
See you at next year’s Undergraduate Research Symposium!