Many faculty members welcome motivated undergraduate students of all classifications to contribute to their research. Follow these basic steps to get involved in undergraduate research:
- Review the Faculty by Research Area.
- Identify two to three faculty members whose research interests you.
- Request a meeting with the faculty members and include your resume.
- Meet with the faculty members and express your interest in his/her research.
- Ask if they have any paid or volunteer research opportunities for undergraduate students.
- Follow up your meeting with a brief thank you by email and reiterate your interest in their research.
- Meet with your academic advisor to discuss the possibility of receiving course credit.
Academy of Distinguished Alumni First and Second Year Undergraduate Research Program
First and second year CAEE students are encouraged to apply for the Academy of Distinguished Alumni Undergraduate Research program. This highly-selective program accepts 12 first and second year students who are enrolled full time (12 or more hours) to participate in faculty research projects and is supported by a $1500 award. Applications open at the beginning of each fall semester, and remain open through late November/early December. Funding is available for the following spring and/or summer semesters.
Students should use this Google form to submit both a resume and a one-page (maximum; single-spaced, 12 point font with 1” margins) statement that addresses the following:
- Specific career interest(s)
- A summary of why they are interested in research
- How they believe that participating in research will impact their academic and professional career
- Areas of research and/or faculty members they are interested in working with (applicants are encouraged to talk to faculty members about their interest)
- The semester the project will be completed (spring or summer)
Awardees must fulfill the following requirements as a part of the program:
- Participate in a canvas course in the Spring and complete 2-3 research related assignments
- Write a 1-page report thanking the Academy Members along with a summary of their research experience within 30 days of completing the program.
- Prepare a poster summarizing the project that would be ready to use in a poster-session.
Students will be assigned to a research unit based on project availability.
Fall 2024 applications are due by December 5, 2024. Questions? Contact
