Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program
Undergraduates in any major are encouraged to seek out research experiences through UA's Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program. Dozens of opportunities are available on the Akron campus in areas of study beyond science and technology.
Three reasons why you should do research as an undergraduate:
- If you are unsure whether you want to major
in a subject, a research experience can provide clarity. Too
often, introductory courses for any discipline are unable to provide interested
students the excitement of hands-on research, and thus students may decide wrongly
that their major is “not for them.” Studies have shown that many who “stick it
out” through early courses will go on to earn their degrees if they have an
early experience with a research group. This is particularly true for students
underrepresented in science (read article on this topic).
- Research can help you make a deeper
connection to areas outside of your major. For instance, students in
art, design, humanities and social sciences who participate in research can
address real world challenges in ways that those without such experience
cannot.
- Student
research is also an important factor in being accepted into medical or other
professional schools. Such schools highly value research
experiences for undergraduates in their selection of candidates for admission. Additionally,
a letter of recommendation from a faculty member here about a student in a
research group can be persuasive to those making admission decisions at
professional or graduate schools.
Explore research opportunities
National Programs
- National Science Foundation – Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)
NSF funds a large number of research opportunities for undergraduate students through its REU Sites program. An REU Site consists of a group of ten or so undergraduates who work in the research programs of the host institution. Each student is associated with a specific research project, where he/she works closely with the faculty and other researchers. Students are granted stipends and, in many cases, assistance with housing and travel.
Search for an REU opportunity by subject
- NASA Glenn Research Center
"The NASA John H. Glenn Research Center's Office of Education (OE) supports the agency’s objective to advance the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and workforce pipeline by administering and offering educational programs at the international, national, regional, and local levels."
- The Smithsonian Office of Fellowships and Internships
The Smithsonian Institute offers a large number of intern and fellowship programs at the world's preeminent museum system. Opportunities exist for students from a wide variety of disciplines and at all academic levels.
Search for a research opportunity
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute
Undergraduate research opportunities are available in Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute laboratories. The number of laboratories with these opportunities varies throughout the year. Undergraduate students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in laboratory techniques, and to explore careers in biomedical research.
Find out more
- Council on Undergraduate Research
The Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR), founded in 1978, is an organization of individual, institutional, and affiliate members from around the world. CUR members share a focus on providing high-quality and collaborative undergraduate research, scholarly, and creative activity opportunities for faculty and students.
