Undergraduate Research Portal ugr.ucr.edu/portal

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

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…

UCR Undergraduate Research About one-quarter (22%) of enrolled undergraduates participated in undergraduate research in AY 2012-13 Research courses for academic credit (e.g., 190-199 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

How do I get started?

Undergraduate Research Portal http://ugr.ucr.edu/portal/ Campus login required Faculty postings specifically targeted toward undergraduate students

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

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

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

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: https://ugr.ue.ucsc.edu/email_examples

More resources for connecting with faculty UC Santa Cruz: https://ugr.ue.ucsc.edu/email_examples Northwestern University: http://undergradresearch.northwestern.edu/working-faculty Brown University: http://www.brown.edu/research/about-brown-research/policies/how-get-involved-research-projects-undergraduate

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

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

Working with faculty Be professional Find out about required training Complete necessary paperwork Clarify work hours and expectations over email 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

UCR Undergraduate Research Research grant opportunities: http://ugr.ucr.edu/student_grant_opportunities/ Publication opportunities: http://ugr.ucr.edu/journal/ Scholarships and Fellowships: http://ue.ucr.edu/scholarships/

For more information Email: ugr@ucr.edu See you at next year’s Undergraduate Research Symposium!