Research

How can you discover more about your major, work closely with faculty mentors, and stand out amongst your peers? Undergraduate research provides opportunities to do all of this and more. Completing a research, scholarship, or creative project in close collaboration with a faculty member, and presenting the results at the SRU Spring Research Symposium or at a professional conference is an achievement that brings many benefits.

First and foremost, the experience will give you insight into a specific interest area that you cannot gain in any other way. The research process is a valuable skill to learn, and it is transferable to many areas of human endeavor.
Employers and graduate school admissions officers are always looking for the experience that distinguishes you from other applicants for employment or entry to graduate school. One of the most important achievements a student can add to a resume or portfolio is completing a research project in collaboration with a faculty member and presenting the results at an academic forum.

Are you ready to turn your passion into a meaningful experience that goes beyond what you do in the classroom every day? Here are a few ways to get started:

• Speak with your discipline's librarian and try to get as much information about your topic area as possible.

• Talk to a faculty member in your academic department. Explain your desire to work with the faculty member in potentially getting his/her help in designing a research study.

• Speak to the student liaison from the Center for Student Research for additional information and helpful tips.

SRU is an institutional member of the Council for Undergraduate Research (CUR), an organization that focuses on providing undergraduate research opportunities for faculty and students at predominately undergraduate institutions.