How to Get Started in Research

The best way to get involved in undergraduate research is to try to meet with a faculty member in a discipline of your interest and learn about their research. Some faculty have active research projects and some will work with you to develop projects that meet your interests.

If you don’t know a faculty member in your area of interest, the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) supports opportunities for students to participate in undergraduate research. We do this in several ways. We have created an OUR-Search (Student Engagement and Access Research Community Hub) database, which allows students to express their interest in getting involved in research and provides a list of faculty who are seeking students to join their research.

What is research?

Research is standing boldly at the edge of human knowledge and perception and pushing that edge forward or breaking it down to advance our understanding of the world we live in and improve the human condition.

Research is a systematic investigation designed to extend the knowledge of what is already known of the physical, biological, or social world. Research consists of asking a question that has not been asked before, taking the necessary steps to discover the answer, and then presenting the knowledge acquired to a larger audience.

So what does that mean?

• Research is learning how new knowledge is generated
• Research is generating new knowledge
• Research is disseminating results through publishing your work

The overall goal of the research process is to produce new knowledge.

Research is done by faculty, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, technicians, and undergraduates (YOU!). It is done in academic institutions, industry, government agencies, foundations, private agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

How can I find a faculty mentor?

Here are some tips some help you connect with faculty:

1. Start by reaching out to the faculty you know. Talk with current and past professors from courses you have enjoyed. Even if the professor is not currently seeking an undergraduate researcher, they may know of colleagues that may be available to take you in.
2. Consult with your academic advisor. They may be available to take you in or can connect you with someone in the department who could.
3. Join the OUR-SEARCH network.
4. Search for the department you are interested in on the USD website and look through faculty profiles.
5. Talk to other undergraduate researchers who are currently engaging in research. They can help you navigate how to find a faculty mentor.

Here are some tips for contacting a potential faculty mentor:

1. Send an email. Express your research interests and why you want to work with them. Let them know what your availability is to meet with them in person to chat.
2. Go to office hours/set up a meeting. Express your research interests and why you want to work with them. Let them know your career goals.
3. Consider meeting a variety of faculty to get a feel for different personalities, interests, and mentoring styles to figure out what will work best for you.

What programs are available to fund my research?

1. STAR and BURST Scholars Program
2. McNair Scholars Program
3. Beckman Scholars Program
4. Keck Undergraduate Humanities Research Fellows Program

Check out our Student Funding Opportunities page for more information and ways to support your research!