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As a leading research institution, we encourage creative and analytical inquiry. UW–Madison provides students opportunities to work alongside world-renowned scholars in pursuit of groundbreaking research with the potential to change lives.

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UW–Madison is distinct for its breadth of disciplines and cross-campus research collaborations. Hands-on research opportunities abound for undergraduate students and span the social sciences, medicine, humanities, and STEM fields.

It’s been really monumental for me to realize there are people who are really excited to help me get to where I want to go.

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Our entrepreneurial campus is its own Silicon Valley. We help our scientists and scholars navigate every step of the commercial path from discovery to market, and bring their life-changing innovations to the masses. Whether it’s applying for a patent, attracting investors, or creating a spinoff company, our business engagement professionals guide the way.

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Featured research.

Carousel of 3 notable research advancements. Use the headings or arrow keys to navigate between slides.

Slide 1 Finding a new human ancestor

UW–Madison anthropologists discovered fossils of Homo naledi , a new species on the human family tree, in 2013. A series of partnerships in South Africa continue to explore the beginnings of our universe, our species, and life on Earth.

Slide 2 Cultivating the first embryonic stem cells

In 1998, UW–Madison biologist James Thomson introduced the world to the first laboratory-derived human embryonic stem cells. The all-purpose cells are now used worldwide to test drugs and develop treatments for diseases.

Slide 3 Solving the mystery of cosmic rays

Stationed at the South Pole, UW–Madison researchers were among the first to find evidence of a source of high-energy cosmic neutrinos in 2017. Their discovery deep in the Antarctic ice helped to solve a century-old question of the origins of cosmic rays.

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Undergraduate Research Scholars Program

Research and Creative Practice at UW-Madison

Research and creative practice can help undergraduates explore academic paths, get hands-on experience relevant to graduate/professional school, consider career paths, and become eligible for scholarships and grants. Most of all it is a way to develop and follow your curiosity as a scholar and growing academic.

There are several paths for undergraduates to get involved in research or creative practice at UW. URS is just one specific way. Click here for more information on other paths.

Learn more about the URS Scholar experience by viewing this recent URS Scholar video, produced in spring 2021. The video features five Undergraduate Research Scholars representing a variety of research and creative practice placements. Time to cue the music and let some of our Scholars speak for themselves…

The URS Program

The Undergraduate Research Scholars (URS) program is a high-impact practice (HIP) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  The program facilitates learning both the skills of your field and acquiring an interdisciplinary perspective on research and creative practices. URS is also for those that are interested in developing critical thinking skills, communication skills, and growing as an informed well-rounded scholar.

URS is dedicated to enhancing the academic experience of UW-Madison students by providing first- and second-year undergraduates, and transfer students in their first year at UW with opportunities to earn credit for participating in research and creative practice with UW-Madison faculty and staff.

URS was created with the Wisconsin Idea and the university’s mission – to create, integrate, transfer, and apply knowledge – in mind.

The program includes two main components:

Partnerships between Mentors and Scholars. Scholars are matched with a Mentor from the UW-Madison faculty or staff for a year long research or creative practice project. Mentors facilitate Scholar education by giving them hands on experience and skill development in a particular field. Scholars also receive peer mentorship from two Fellows who are upper-level students with experience in research or creative practice.

Weekly seminars. Scholars take a weekly seminar facilitated by URS Fellows. Seminars are small classes where Scholars engage with a variety of topics related to the implications of research and creative practice in the world. Scholars also develop critical thinking, writing, and research presentation skills.

URS is made up of three important communities:

The Communities of URS

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Scholars are first- and second- year students or transfer students in their first year at UW. They attend weekly seminars every Wednesday, and participate in a mentored research or creative practice project. For more information about Scholars, click here .

Fellows are upper-level undergraduate students who lead Wednesday seminars for Scholars, and build class plans & syllabi with the supervision of the URS staff. Fellows are hired by the URS program and trained as peer mentors. They often serve as the first point of contact for Scholars as they navigate their research and creative practice experiences. For more information about fellowing, click here .

Mentors are UW-affiliated faculty and staff (i.e. professors, Principal Investigators, senior scientists…) from any discipline who offer year-long research or creative practice projects for Scholar participation. Mentors provide hands-on introductory education to their field of practice. To learn more about mentoring, click here .

Mission Statement

• We bring together first- and second- year undergraduates, and transfer students with faculty and staff to enhance the university’s mission of research and creative endeavor
• We help to create a diverse and inclusive scholarly community
• We develop leadership through peer mentoring
• We assist students in planning challenging post-baccalaureate opportunities

• University of Wisconsin-Madison

Undergraduate research

Branching out

As one of the premier research universities in the nation, UW-Madison offers you an unparalleled opportunity to enhance your education as an undergraduate researcher in a professor’s laboratory. You’ll likely work alongside graduate students, postdoctoral scholars and even other undergrads—and you might earn college credit or simply receive an hourly wage.

As an undergrad researcher, you’ll learn lab safety and operations, research methods, and how teams work together to accomplish a common goal. You’ll gain exposure to new ideas and technologies and expand your knowledge of engineering. You might be part of game-changing advances that you and your colleagues describe in research publications or decide to patent. All of these experiences, and more, can also help prepare you for advanced studies in engineering and other fields, or to contribute specialized knowledge in the workplace.

Uncovering the opportunities

Just like the process of conducting research, finding the right position for you might take a little investigating, but in the long run, it’ll definitely be worth it. Here are a few tips to get you started.

• Check directly with your professors to see if they offer undergraduate research experiences, or know of others who do.
• You can also drop by your department’s main offices to find out which professors in your major hire undergraduates.
• Check out Handshake for opportunities, or visit the university’s student jobs website.
• Depending on their current projects, engineering research centers also hire undergraduates.
• Access directories of faculty and staff by department to search for faculty research of interest to you.
• Use the  Wisconsin Discovery Portal  to locate the right UW-Madison researcher for your collaboration and research needs.
• Beyond the college, check out these UW-Madison resources here and here for finding and funding research positions.

Tracking the results

Beyond picking up a little extra cash and experience to add to your resume, you can participate in research for credit. If you go that route, you’ll need to get approval—generally from your professor—before you start. And of course, you’ll want to make sure the rest of your education stays on track, too. Here are a couple of pathways to earning credit for your research.

Independent Study Projects

Depending upon the project topic and scope, you could receive credit for proposing and developing an independent research project. If you’re interested in conducting independent research, talk directly with your engineering instructors or stop by an engineering department office.

Engineering Honors in Research Programs

Individual engineering departments offer honors programs in which you can plan and conduct independent engineering research projects under the mentorship of a professor. To learn more about whether you’re a good fit for and meet the qualifications to pursue an honors in research program, check out Guide and then find a professor you want to work with.

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Undergraduate Research at UW-Madison

One of the most exciting things in life is to discover something new. Undergraduate students at UW–Madison are fortunate to have the opportunity to work with some of the world’s leading researchers to push the frontiers of knowledge. The opportunities range from assisting with ongoing research to designing and directing their own projects.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Hilldale undergraduate/faculty research fellowships.

Hilldale Undergraduate/Faculty Research Fellowship support undergraduates (with at least junior standing) conduct research in collaboration with a UW–Madison faculty member or research/instructional academic staff member.

Holstrom Environmental Research Fellowship

Holstrom Environmental Research Fellowship support undergraduates (with at least junior standing) conduct research focused on environmental issues in collaboration with UW–Madison faculty or research/instructional academic staff.

Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program

The goal of the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program is to increase the number of students in doctoral degree programs who are low-income and first generation undergraduates or students who come from groups underrepresented in graduate education.

Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP)

Explore a number of summer research opportunities for undergraduate students collected by the Graduate School.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities in Science

Explore a variety of undergraduate research opportunities in science provided by WISCIENCE.

Undergraduate Research Scholars

The Undergraduate Research Scholars Program (URS) is dedicated to helping first- and second-year undergraduates get hands-on experience in research or other creative endeavors by working with UW faculty and research staff.

Wisconsin Idea Undergraduate Fellowships

Wisconsin Idea Fellowships are awarded annually  to semester-long or year-long projects designed by an undergraduate student (or group of students) in collaboration with a community organization and a UW-Madison faculty or academic staff member. Project areas include, but are not limited to, community development, health related issues, economic development, the arts, education, environmental issues, criminal justice, hunger and poverty alleviation, etc

School and College Honors Programs

Many of the school/college-based honors programs also have research components.

Related Resources

• Undergraduate Symposium More
• Awards for Mentoring Undergraduates More
• Undergraduate Research Mentor Training More
• Honors Programs More

Guide to Undergraduate Research

Need help engaging in research on campus?

Undergraduate students play a critical role in the research process and are increasingly encouraged to actively engage in research. At WISCIENCE, we aim to connect enthusiastic undergrads with life-changing research opportunities.

We hope this guide to undergraduate research, created by a WISCIENCE undergraduate research peer leader, strengthens your resolve to pursue academic research and offers the tools you need to succeed at UW–Madison.

Download Full Guide

Resource quick links:

Introduction to research, section one: getting into research, section two: succeeding in research, need more help, resource downloads.

There are many reasons to participate in undergraduate research, and several different paths you can take to get involved.

• Why Research?
• Types of Research Experiences
• Funding Options

What Can You Gain from a Research Experience?

• The opportunity to help solve real-life problems you care about
• A chance to learn about the newest research that hasn’t even been published yet
• Professional mentoring and networking—advice on careers and educational paths, plus a source of letters of recommendation
• Understanding which kinds of technical skills are necessary for a research career
• An opportunity to find out if you like different kinds of scientific work
• Transferable skills employers look for—leadership, teamwork, communication, organizational skills, critical thinking, self-confidence, perseverance

Research Experiences for Academic Credit

Opportunities for getting research experience may be a part of some STEM courses, honors programs, and research courses like Exploring Research in STEM (INTEGSCI 150) and Undergraduate Research Scholars , or you can take an independent study course (e.g., 299 or 699) through your mentor’s department.

• A semester-long independent research project usually earns 1-2 credits. It is typical to spend 3-5 hours a week doing research for 1 credit. Ask your advisor if independent study fulfills requirements for your major.
• You may be required to write a paper or create a poster about your project. This is a great opportunity to gain communication skills—just make sure you budget enough time to do it well.
• Some courses and academic programs help you find a mentor, and some don’t, so check with the instructor.

You will likely start out by performing basic procedures and work up to independent research.

Research in Part-Time Employment

Working as a student hourly in a research lab can be a great way to get experience in lab procedures while earning money.

• To find out about student hourly positions currently open, visit the UW Student Job Center .

Not every job involves research, so it is good to ask about the tasks involved during the interview process.

Research as a Volunteer Experience

While the majority of students earn credit or receive pay for their undergraduate research, some research groups ask students to volunteer their time. If this is the option offered to you, we recommend that you clearly understand the expectations of the length of the volunteer experience, times to be in lab, tasks and/or shadowing, and any final products, summaries, or reports.

Summer Research Opportunities

There are opportunities for summer research experiences both on and off campus. Most summer programs provide stipends and some provide for travel expenses and/or housing/meals. Most are for students who have completed their sophomore or junior years. A GPA of 3.0 or above may be required. Application deadlines range from late January to mid-March (these may change—check early for the current year’s deadline).

Programs Across the Country:

The following websites list research programs available nationwide:

• National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates
• Summer Internship Program: National Institutes of Health
• Research Experience for Undergraduates Directory

Fellowships, Scholarships and Internships

No listing of this type can be complete since new opportunities arise frequently, but here are some great places to start:

• The Undergraduate Academic Awards (UAA) Office administers a number of campus-wide scholarships open to students from all colleges and majors. 
• The Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH) has a comprehensive listing of scholarship opportunities. Sign in with your campus NetID to find available applications.
• The Research Guide for Undergraduate Research Funding provides information for students looking for funding for education and education-related programs in the U.S.
• For assistance with applications and proposals, take advantage of the Writing Center . 
• Check bulletin boards in departments for announcements on internships and other research opportunities, and ask faculty members and advisors.
• Visit career planning offices for additional lists of funding opportunities for research.

Summer Programs

Many summer research programs offer full financial support. For more information on summer programs, view the previous tab. 

Community-Based Research Funding

• Wisconsin Idea Fellowships support collaborative service-learning and community-based research projects among undergraduate students, faculty and community organizations. Recent projects have included student-led diabetes prevention programming for at-risk Madison populations and student efforts to enhance science education in rural school districts.
• The Ira and Ineva Reilly Baldwin Wisconsin Idea competitive grant program is open to faculty, staff and students who develop innovative initiatives or add new dimensions to existing outreach activities through partnerships with the broader community. They are intended to advance The Wisconsin Idea by strengthening partnerships and collaborations, sharing and applying knowledge, and expanding access to lifelong learning.
• Morgridge Center for Public Service Community Service Awards . The Morgridge Center for Public Service launched awards for students and community organizations in 2007.  These awards have been created to recognize the long history of engagement by students and community organizations to advance the Wisconsin Idea and make a difference in the community.

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So, you want to engage in research on campus? That’s great—UW–Madison is excited to have you! The research finding process can be daunting, but with a bit of introspection and some internet searching, you’ll be well on your way.

• 1. Narrowing Interests
• 2. Finding Research on Campus
• 3. Sifting and Winnowing
• 4. Professional Emails
• 5. Interviews
• 6. Follow-Up

Step One: Narrow your interests

Before searching for potential mentors, determine what you might like to study. Interested in Biology? Physics? Psychology? Math? UW–Madison has an extraordinary number of opportunities across all these disciplines. Reflecting on your interests and exploring different research groups will help you understand which topics interest you the most within broader areas of study.

If you are interested in undergraduate research opportunities, what’s motivating you to get involved? Consider the influence of the factors below on your research pursuit.

• Academic Major
• Academic Goals
• Career Aspirations
• Extracurricular Interests

When looking at a particular research area, try asking yourself, “how does this field fit with my major/career?”, “what about this field aligns with my interests?” or “why is this field better for me than another?”. This stage in the process is also a great time to discuss your interests with family, friends, and advisors. Those who know you well may illuminate interests you have difficulty identifying.

Additionally, you can explore the UW Experts Database to read interviews and articles about exciting research on campus using a keyword search. You might also look for inspiration in pop culture. Watch a documentary or a sci-fi movie and see what intrigues you. Think about which parts draw your interest and which areas seem particularly mysterious. There may be a group on campus that researches that subject.

After identifying a few exciting research areas, you can brainstorm specific keywords. For example, in the broad scope of “biology,” you may be interested in “genetics” as a particular research area, or “cancer” as a disease you would like to learn more about. In the next step, this list of keywords will help you find investigators that share your passions.

Step Two: Finding Research on Campus

After narrowing your research interests, you may be wondering where to find researchers in these fields. How can you gather specific information about research groups and projects?

Below is a handy list of sites for finding researchers on campus:

• Research at UW
• UW Experts Guide
• UW Departments
• UW Research Centers
• Graduate School Programs
• Student Job Center

Research at UW compiles valuable information about UW researchers, including areas of expertise, contact information, publications, and collaborations. Simply search by keyword/phrase to find relevant research groups across departments.

Another helpful website is the UW Experts Guide , which organizes principal investigators by research topic, making it easy to find research groups within your general interests. After selecting a research topic, you can find brief introductions to each researcher’s work and projects.

The UW Research Centers website is an excellent resource for finding opportunities on and off-campus. When you click on a particular research center, you will be directed to a page with more details about ongoing research projects at their facility.

If you have declared a major, or know which majors align with your research interests, you can search various major department websites . Each department curates a list of its faculty. You can learn more about ongoing research projects by reading departmental faculty webpages or linked research group websites.

The Graduate School Programs website links to each graduate program on campus. Graduate programs often include faculty from several departments, so you can find investigators researching a common subject, even though they may have different appointments.

The Student Job Center is the best place to look for paid research positions. The positions listed will likely include maintenance duties, like cleaning, collecting samples, or making reagents. If you are looking for an independent research project, be sure to check the requirements before you decide to apply. Research assistant positions are still an excellent way to see if you enjoy the work atmosphere. In addition, you may have opportunities to transition from maintenance tasks to independent research.

After searching these websites, you may have identified a few particularly attractive research groups. Ultimately, you will want a list of 5-20 researchers you are interested in working with, as you may need to email quite a few groups to find a research opportunity. Therefore, it is important to keep track of faculty information in a well-organized list of potential mentors. Here we have provided a Mentor Search Spreadsheet , which can help you keep track of the information you have gathered during your search.

Step Three: Sifting and Winnowing

Hopefully, you found an abundance of interesting research groups on campus. However, if you feel overwhelmed by the wealth of information you’ve assembled, don’t worry—This is the perfect time to take a step back and review your priorities. It is important to consider your time commitments, research interests, and learning needs during your search. Below are some strategies to help you refine your list of potential research mentors.

When reviewing potential mentors, it is best to start with a shortlist of candidates, usually around ten researchers. We recommend contacting five researchers at a time during each round of introduction emails (explained in the next section).

Start sifting and winnowing by re-ordering your potential mentor list by level of interest.

Assign each research group an “interest score” between one and ten, with one being the group for which you have the least interest and ten being the group for which you have the most (it’s okay to have more than one group with the same interest score).

Use your assigned interest scores to rank your list. Put the groups in descending order, with the highest interest scores at the top of the list and the lowest at the bottom.

The first ten groups are likely the best candidates for your initial rounds of introductions but be sure to save the rest of your list. If at any point you need to reach out to more research groups, it may be necessary to look further down your list.

If you are having trouble assigning interest scores, revisit Narrowing Interests for tips on introspection.

Consider learning more about the research groups before evaluating potential mentor candidates. Peer-reviewed articles can be challenging to read without context, so be sure to search for accessible media, like popular press articles and interviews. The UW Experts Guide may have useful and comprehensible info, but not all research groups are listed. Twitter and other social media platforms also host active research communities that are worth exploring.

Step Four: Email Introductions

After you have selected your top research groups, you can begin to craft email introductions. Your email is the first impression you make with potential mentors, and it is important to write professionally and concisely. Therefore, we suggest you…

• Start your email with a professional greeting. Address the research mentor as Dr. or Prof. last name . Open with “Dear,” “Hello,” “Good morning,” or “Good afternoon” as your greeting.
• Email during traditional business hours (9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Monday–Friday).
• End your email with a polite closing line, such as “I look forward to hearing from you,” “Thank you for your time,” or “Sincerely.”
• Include an email signature with your information, including your full name, major/minor, academic year (or expected graduation date), and university email address.

Consider these reflection questions as you write your email:

What is the purpose of your email?

Here you should be brief but clear about why you are emailing. If you have seen the research group posting open positions for undergraduates on their website or Student Job Center, reference that here. If you haven’t seen any specific information about recruitment (which is normal), be clear that you are interested in undergraduate research opportunities in their investigative group.

Why are you interested in their research topic and what do you hope to learn from this experience?

This is the most important part of your email and should be tailored toward each research group. Avoid generalities, like “I am interested in science, so I would like to engage in undergraduate research.” Instead, be specific about what has made you interested in a particular research group’s work. For example, you could mention the particular research projects that intrigue you, previous research you found impressive, or techniques you would like to learn more about. It is normal to encounter techniques or concepts that you don’t understand, but this gives you the chance to ask questions and demonstrate your interest to potential mentors. Generating questions from reading publications is particularly helpful during the interview phase of research-finding (discussed in section six). Essentially, this “why are you interested” part shows investigators that you made an effort to learn about their research and highlights your motivation to be part of their team, making you stand out.

Do you have any previous experience or skills relevant to this opportunity?

It’s okay if the answer is no. Focus on your interest in their research topics and what you hope to get from an undergraduate research experience. After all, you can always be trained for techniques. What matters the most to many investigators is your interest in their research, eagerness to learn, and devotion to training. Additionally, many faculty like to work with students early in their careers. If the answer is yes, elaborate on your previous experience, but be wary of overconfidence, and understand that each research group may approach techniques differently.

What is your anticipated time commitment? Would you like to earn credit? Would you prefer to volunteer?

This is where you should indicate how you would like to engage in undergraduate research. You will have the chance to further discuss options once accepted into a research group, but it is still necessary to provide a brief outline of this information in your introduction email. This gives the investigator a sense of the commitments they can expect to make during your training.

To attach or not attach

Some research groups may request specific information/documents be included in your introduction email, the details of which can usually be found on their website. Of course, including your resumé, cover letter, or transcripts in your email never hurts but may not be necessary. Unless otherwise specified, only include the documents you feel comfortable sharing in your introduction. You can find a resumé template here . If you need extra help writing your resumé, the Writing Center and Career Services have excellent workshops and one-on-one appointments to help you formalize and revise your text. Additionally, Research Peer Leaders at WISCIENCE are available to help with email and resumé drafting via one-on-one appointments and drop-in hours.

If a week has passed and you haven’t heard from an investigator, don’t be disappointed. Some researchers receive hundreds of emails every day, and it’s possible your email was simply lost in their inbox. Therefore, we recommend waiting two weeks before sending a follow-up email. However, if two weeks have passed and you are still interested in their research, send a follow-up email to restate your enthusiasm. Feel free to include any additional interests, accomplishments, or questions in your follow-up.

Step Five: Interviews

After establishing a rapport with a research group, you may be invited to interview if they have open slots for undergraduates. Investigators typically interview students to assess their fit within the research team. Of course, you are also determining how you would mesh with their research culture. The interview format is often casual and conversational but can be structured like a traditional job interview. Either way, it is important to be professional and well-prepared.

When preparing for an interview, you can start by reading a few recent publications. These often illustrate the group’s current initiatives and trajectory. Researchers will not expect you to understand every detail of their projects; however, you should at a minimum read the abstracts and grasp the main ideas/significance of their work. During the interview, you should be able to state your specific interests in their work, just like you have done in your emails, but in more detail. This means you should be able to articulate what about their research fits your interests and pursuits. Be sure to listen attentively and ask follow-up questions when appropriate.

You may also generate a few questions to ask during the interview. This demonstrates your eagerness to learn about their research topic and ability to think critically. Their answers may strengthen your resolve to study in a particular field or could point out aspects of their research that are less attractive. Either way, the information gained empowers you to make the best possible decision. Additionally, questions are a great way to gauge what you can achieve through a research experience. We encourage you to ask about expectations for undergraduate students and opportunities to publish and present research.

Remember that the interview process is just as much about them interviewing you as it is you interviewing them. Be clear about what you want from this research experience. You can ask about what your specific roles and tasks might be and how many hours you would be expected to work. You may also discuss options for compensation, including course credit or hourly wages. This is a good time to bring up long-term goals, including future professional goals and how they tie into undergraduate research. If opportunities to pursue funding (fellowships, grants, scholarships, etc.) or capstone projects are important to you, be sure to share this information. In turn, investigators may ask how long you are looking to be involved in an undergraduate research position, and while you are not committing to a timeline during the interview, you should be prepared to offer a general idea of your plans.

Overall, investigators are always looking for mentees who are passionate about their research. Be yourself, express your interests, and ask lots of questions—We know you’ll be great.

Step Six: Follow-Up

Congratulations! You’ve completed your interviews. You’re almost done. At this point, you’ve already written a ton of emails, but you’re not finished yet. Following up with researchers after your interview is the important last step in securing an undergraduate research position.

You may have been offered a position at the end of your interview, but more likely, you’re waiting to hear back over email. This is a great time to send a follow-up email thanking the researcher for their time and reaffirming your interest. These emails should be sent soon after your interview—We recommend 24 hours afterward. If you have interviewed with more than one research group, take a step back and evaluate which experience would better fit your needs. Keep in mind that the subject area is important, but the mentoring experience is paramount when deciding between undergraduate research experiences.

After some time has passed, you may begin to receive offers to join research groups. It is an extremely rewarding feeling and validating of all the hard work you’ve put into this process. You may jump at the opportunity to join a research group, but do not feel inclined to accept the first offer you receive. It’s important to think carefully about your preferences. After all, accepting a position is a commitment for yourself and the research group.

If you haven’t heard from the investigators you’ve interviewed with, that’s okay too. Feel free to reach out again after about a week. In the event that a research group is not able to accommodate you, thank the investigator for their time, ask them to keep you in mind for future openings, and inquire about opportunities with research collaborators. Oftentimes, investigators may know of other groups actively recruiting students and can direct you towards similar research.

When the time comes to accept an undergraduate research position, thank the investigator again, confirm your acceptance, and set up a time to review next steps. The onboarding process is different for each research group, but you can expect to be paired with a primary research mentor and given materials (papers, online trainings, protocols, etc.) to review before starting.

For the research groups that you decide to “turn down,” it is important to thank the investigators and inform them of your decision.

Take a deep breath. You’ve overcome your first set of hurdles, and now you’re a part of an exciting research team. Now it’s time to discuss how to make the most of your unique undergraduate research experience.

• 1. Mentor-Mentee Relationships
• 2. Research Group Culture
• 3. Learning Approach
• 4. Goal Setting
• 5. Time Management
• 6. Presenting Your Research

Part One: Mentor-Mentee Relationships

This may be the first mentoring experience you’ve had, and as such, it is important to acknowledge the differences between a mentor, teacher, and advisor. You’ve likely had a great deal of experience with teachers, but unlike your relationship with teachers, your mentoring relationship will be close, communicative, and fluid—there will be give-and-take. Additionally, while your mentor may offer advice, this is not their sole role, separating them from the academic/professional advisors you’ve likely encountered. In sum, a mentor is a teacher, advisor, and friend rolled into one.

Mentoring will look different in each research group, but you will likely be paired with an experienced team member to guide you through the research process. Your mentor may be a graduate student, postdoc, staff scientist, principal investigator, or even another undergraduate. Whomever your mentor may be, establishing a co-supportive relationship is key to succeeding in a research experience.

It is a good idea to start your mentoring relationship by setting expectations, boundaries, and goals. One way this is achieved is through a research mentor-mentee agreement, which is a formal document (sometimes) signed by you and your mentor after you have discussed and recorded expectations and commitments. By signing the agreement, you and your mentor agree to adhere to the expectations set. You can download a sample mentor-mentee agreement here .

Here are a few areas to consider when forming your mentor-mentee agreement:

• Your research experience should further your knowledge of the research area.
• Your research experience should bolster your academic/professional profile.
• Your work should actively advance the research group’s agenda.
• Your time commitment should be routine and appropriate for the credit/pay provided (if applicable).

While you have agreed to a set of guidelines in your mentor-mentee agreement, it is important to understand it is a living document, and adjustments can be made when necessary. In fact, it is good practice to revisit your mentor-mentee agreement periodically. The frequency of review will be dependent on the volatility of your commitments.

Like any supervisor, it is important to discuss conflicts with your mentor should they arise. These could be issues with schedules, workload, or competencies. Your mentor should be receptive to feedback just like you, but if there are consistent issues, it is okay to speak with another team member, or if necessary, the Dean of Students Office .

Part Two: Research Group Culture

During your undergraduate career, you’ve identified environments best suited to your working habits. Perhaps you like to hunker down alone and complete your tasks in one lump sum; maybe you like to take frequent breaks and consult with others. Just like your schoolwork, there’s no right way to conduct research, but your work environment might be contingent on available space and team norms. Learning how to work effectively in the research space and navigating your research group culture is essential to succeeding and feeling comfortable in your new position.

Not all research groups operate the same way, and each research group can set their own standards within the greater umbrella of the field. Some teams adhere to a strict work schedule of 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. while others choose to follow a ‘work when there’s work to do’ routine. Oftentimes the types of research a group performs dictate the schedules of team members. This is an important point to consider when deciding which projects to join. Since you will likely work under the direction of a research mentor, be sure to share your availability and decide on a research schedule that suits both parties.

As a research group member, you’ll likely pick up on team norms in a matter of time, but there are a few general rules to follow below.

• Clean up after you’re done using a space.
• Let someone (usually your mentor) know when you run out of a necessary research material.
• Keep detailed records of your work (typically in a notebook which does not leave the research space)
• Organize your files; physical and digital.
• Attend all required meetings, and don’t be late.
• Follow safety protocols.
• Don’t touch other team members’ materials and data unless directed.

These are all basic rules of thumb. Your research group will likely have amendments and additions to this list, but these are a good place to start.

In addition to research, many teams will choose to host learning opportunities (e.g. journal club) or social events. As a junior researcher, it is understandable if these events are intimidating, but keep in mind these events are for your benefit too. Unless otherwise specified, it is a good idea to engage with your team in as many ways as possible, but of course, do so at your own comfort.

Part Three: Learning Approach

You may choose to stay with your research group for just one semester or over four years, but no matter how long you’re around, you’ll want to learn as much as possible. Below are five ways to engage in the learning process during your research experience.

Ask lots of questions. As you’ve heard since kindergarten, there are no dumb questions. The more you ask, the more you’ll learn about a particular topic or technique. More than likely, your mentor will appreciate your questions, as they show you are critically thinking about new information. In the beginning, you might feel like you are asking too many questions, but mentors understand that it takes time to grow comfortable in a new area, and repetitive questions are always preferable to procedural mistakes.

Debrief with your mentor. After going through a new technique, you will have absorbed a lot of information in a relatively short period of time. It is a great idea to review that information before it fades. Not only will this help you solidify the process, but you will gain a deeper understanding of the rationale for each step.

Use the internet. Follow that Wikipedia sub-link! While your mentor is a great go-to for information when you’re in the workspace, you may have to find different sources when you’re at home. Wikipedia and YouTube can be good sources for accessible science material. While you’re learning the lingo of your field, it can be helpful to follow links for terms you are unfamiliar with. After performing a deeper dive, you’ll understand the material better, and you may come away with novel questions.

Apply your course knowledge. You’re in school for a reason: to learn material you can later apply to your life and career. Why not start applying that knowledge here? Many research techniques are based on fundamental concepts. Reevaluate protocols critically by revisiting your lecture notes.

Look outside of your field. Interdisciplinary research has produced some of the most exciting discoveries in history. Standard practices may be drastically different between fields, but often, aspects of research techniques are directly translatable. Exploring research methods outside of your field may change how you view your team’s techniques and possibly offer ways to optimize your workflow.

Part Four: Goal Setting

You’re part of a research team. You have a mentor. You know your topic. Now what? As an undergraduate researcher, you have virtually limitless opportunities to learn and succeed in your field. You may not win a Nobel Prize, but you can set your sights high. Many undergraduates achieve funding for their projects, publish articles, and present at conferences. There’s certainly no reason to feel under-accomplished if you don’t, but goal setting is an important driving force in your training process.

Start small. Set a short-term goal—what’s something you hope to accomplish in the next week?

Examples of short-term goals include…

• Learning new research techniques (e.g., DNA isolation, soil sample collection, survey design, AutoCAD).
• Strengthening interpersonal connections (e.g., Learn the names of everyone in your research group).
• Understanding research fundamentals (e.g., read a research paper, attend a seminar, complete an online course).

Ultimately, short-term goals are aimed at achieving larger long-term goals. They serve as action items to keep your progress in check. When setting short-term goals, it is important to consider how they fit within your training plan. Ask yourself, “how might achieving this goal help me grow as a researcher?”

Long-term goals may be things you hope to accomplish in a year or within the span of your research experience. These are often multi-step processes and significant achievements.

Examples of long-term goals include…

• Publishing research (in an undergraduate journal or peer-reviewed collection).
• Achieving funding (through a paid position or research fellowship).
• Presenting a study (to one of your classes or at a research conference).

These are no small tasks; they’ll take time and work to achieve, but with dedication and support from your research group, you’re sure to succeed. Keep in mind, you are not alone in your research experience. Members of your team are available to help you achieve your goals. Be sure to converse with your mentor about your aspirations within your research experience and beyond. They will likely have valuable guidance and can point you towards resources.

Step Five: Time Management

As your research training progresses, you will accumulate more skills and gain opportunities to participate in research projects. Additionally, you may earn more responsibilities and be asked to commit more time to your research. Therefore, time management is essential to balancing research, schoolwork, and personal life. Below are some tips for attaining a balanced research commitment.

Ease into a schedule. Overcommitting is common but can be a quick way to burn out. Commit your time conservatively until you understand how long it takes you to complete tasks. Turning down exciting initiatives can be disappointing, but your mentor almost certainly prefers you complete a few tasks than start many.

Organize your time. Plan out the sum of your time dedicated to conducting research each week, known as macro-scheduling, AND the time dedicated to particular research tasks, known as micro-scheduling. Research groups often have mechanisms for scheduling that will assist with your time management. Below are examples of how to approach scheduling your research.

Macro-scheduling : Use digital calendars (e.g. Google Calendar, Outlook Calendar) to record the time you plan to conduct research each week. Set up repeated events if you have a consistent schedule but make adjustments when needed. Additionally, if you are enrolled in research credits or paid hourly, share your calendar with your mentor—It’s an easy way to log your hours.

Micro-scheduling: Use a To-Do List or planner to map out your tasks for the upcoming week. Note the time required to complete each task so that you can keep your schedule within your weekly allotment. If you can’t complete a task within the purview of your schedule, chat with your mentor—You may be able to push a task back or have someone cover for you.

Most importantly, remember that preparation and planning will help your research run smoothly. Mistakes occur when research is rushed, and the best way to avoid this is by giving yourself the time you need to succeed. If you have time left over during a given week, get a jump on next week’s tasks. Just remember, it’s always better to give yourself extra time to complete a task than not enough.

Becoming part of the scientific community involves not only conducting research, but also communicating about it effectively. Writing about research, talking about it, summarizing it, and creating posters and other visual presentations about it are valuable skills that you may need to take extra initiative beyond the classroom to learn.

A great opportunity for undergraduates to gain these skills is the Undergraduate Symposium , an annual UW–Madison event at which students in all fields present research and other work to each other and the UW–Madison community. Each participant has a mentor, and professional development workshops are also available to help you polish your skills. You can learn how to:

• Write an abstract
• Create an effective poster and/or other visual presentation
• Develop a short talk about your research
• Discuss your research with people who are unfamiliar with your field

These skills are not only useful in informing others about your research, they can also help you become a better collaborator and present yourself and your ideas in a job interview or an application to a graduate or professional school.

On-Campus Resources

• Undergraduate Symposium
• Writing Center
• Library Workshops

National Conferences

• ABRCMS (the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists)
• NDiSTEM Conference by SACNAS (Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science)

“Guide to Undergraduate Research” was developed Spring 2022 by Undergraduate Research Peer Leader Colman Freel at WISCIENCE and is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0 .

Check out more WISCIENCE resources:

• Upcoming Find a Mentor Workshops
• Steps to Finding a Research Mentor
• Video Series: Finding a Research Mentor
• Research Mentor FAQs
• Document Guide to Undergraduate Research More
• Document Resume Template (Finding a Research Mentor) More
• Document Sample Mentoring Agreement More

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

By joining Psychology research labs, undergraduates have a unique opportunity to get involved in the innovation and discovery happening at UW-Madison.

Psychology research labs at UW-Madison are led by faculty (sometimes called principal investigators or PIs) and cover a broad range of sub-areas within the field:  biology, brain, & behavior; clinical psychology; cognition & cognitive neuroscience; developmental psychology; perception; and social & personality psychology. Psychology labs at UW-Madison focus on different species (humans and other animals) and ages (from infants to aging adults).

FINDING A LAB TO JOIN

To learn more about our faculty research interests , please visit the Research Overview page. The Research Overview provides detailed information about Psychology’s six areas of concentration and allows students to see which faculty members conduct research in each area. Students can click on faculty to learn more about their research area(s) and access their lab websites.

Students should view these Undergraduate Research Opportunities – Tips to learn more about applying to join research labs.

Students can find a complete list of Psychology Department and Psychology-affiliated* labs here:  contact/application information for research labs . This link contains a sheet indicating whether a lab is currently working with Psychology undergraduate students. Additionally, the sheet provides information about how to join different labs.

*Psychology affiliates are members of other Departments (besides Psychology). All Psychology affiliates can work with Psychology undergraduates in the context of research for credit and/or thesis  projects.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Opportunities to earn course credit : Psychology faculty members and affiliated faculty typically have opportunities for undergraduates to participate in research in their labs each semester. Detailed information about which labs have openings and how students can apply can be found here: contact/application information for research labs .

Notes regarding course credit : For each credit a student is enrolled in they are required to work approximately 3 hours a week. So, if a student enrolls in 3 credits, they are  expected to work approximately 9-10 hours a week. Different labs have different policies on meeting times and work hours so it is important to discuss this with the lab manager or faculty member.

Prerequisites : Enrollment in all undergraduate independent study/research courses requires consent of the instructor. Individual labs may have additional course or GPA pre-requisites to apply to their labs. Check here for more information: contact/application information for research labs .

Important Note : Undergraduate research positions are exclusively for students enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. You must be a current UW-Madison student to apply to work in a Psychology research lab.

Undergraduate Research

Be a part of the groundbreaking research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison as an undergraduate researcher

Explore Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Undergraduates who participate in research in the Department of Chemistry have the opportunity to work with world-class researchers and be part of groundbreaking research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Join the faculty, staff and students of the chemistry department by participating in undergraduate research.

How to Get Started

1. Identify Your Interests

2. Land the Right Opportunity

3. Start Undergraduate Research

Upcoming events.

Graduate School Applications and Peer Review November 6, 2024 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Chemistry 1311

Members of CURB will be helping students prepare their applications for graduate school. They will be providing tips on how to start your application as well as peer review for students that are further along …

Intro to Research November 6, 2024 @ 5:30 pm Chemistry 1435

This events helps students find research opportunities on campus. There will be a presentation on how to find and apply for research positions on campus. Then there will be a panel of current Chemistry Undergraduate …

Cocoa and Cram December 12, 2024 @ 11:00 am - 4:00 pm Chemistry 1435

CURB is offering a fun and helpful place to study for your finals! Come join them in Chemistry 1435, the Learning Studio, for some hot cocoa and stress relief as you study.

News from the Office of Chemistry Undergraduate Research

Spring 2024 travel grant award application is open, apply to join the chemistry undergraduate research board for the 2024-2025 academic year, share your research and be featured in our undergraduate research spotlight, drilon etemi presents at national organization for the professional advancement of black chemists and chemical engineers (nobcche), undergraduate researchers present at national conference on undergraduate research (ncur).

• More News posts More

Student Spotlights

Diana Alexandra Morales Mijares

Address: "The path you take may not be the one you’ve originally chosen, but it feels good to embark on an unexpected journey with better beginnings."

Mahak Kathpalia

Address: "Research does not always involve correct and conclusive answers. Navigating your way through different fields of study to figure out the best possible explanation is what makes the process rewarding."

Kylie Plouff

Address: "Don't ever be afraid to reach out for an opportunity to learn from others, learning from others allows research to prosper. Research is one of the best and most fun places to learn and get your hands dirty."

Rodrigo Villanueva

Address: “To me, organic chemistry is like an elegant, never-ending puzzle. There are numerous solutions to an infinite amount of problems, which I think is a beautiful thing.”

Read more student and faculty spotlights

Research for Undergraduates

Participating in research as an undergraduate is both rewarding and beneficial. When participating in research, you gain practical experience and knowledge of the field, that will benefit you in your career or graduate school. Plus, you will get to work closely with a faculty member and/or a graduate student or postdoc and contribute to cutting-edge research. There are research opportunities both within the Department of Statistics and outside the department.

You may also be interested in the  Undergraduate Research Scholars  (URS) program and the  Inter-LS 250  course on “Undergraduate Research Experience” for undergraduate research scholars, or the  Inter-LS 260  course on “Internship in the Liberal Arts and Sciences”.

How to find and enroll in research opportunities

Note that you may find a research opportunity and enroll at any point of the semester.

Within the department

Undergraduate research opportunities in the Statistics department tend to be more focused on the development of new methods rather than the application of existing methods to new problem areas. For example, method development may involve simulations, or comparisons between different statistical methods.

Tips for finding and identifying research opportunities:

• Review faculty on the  Faculty Directory  website page and learn more about their research focus areas by clicking on the website link next to each faculty listed. Ideally, you want to look for information on their research and determine if their research is something you are interested in.
• Contact the faculty you would like to do research with using a professionally written email. In the email, make sure to introduce yourself, express why you are interested in their research, and include a resume and a list of relevant courses you have taken. Make it personalized, but keep it short!
• Following up on your email, usually, the faculty will suggest a time to meet and talk about a potential research involvement, which is an opportunity for both you and the faculty to identify whether this is of mutual interest.

Once you have found a faculty member who agrees for you to join their research team, you and the faculty member should be in contact with our Curricular Coordinator ( [email protected] ) to give you permission to enroll into STAT 699 (or STAT 681/682 for Honors students).

As per  campus policy , the student and faculty member should prepare a study plan, that “must include expectations for learning and student work, the time and place for regular meetings, the number of credits to be earned upon successful completion, and any other issues related to the learning experience.” Students and faculty in Statistics are encouraged to use this template study plan , download it and fill it out as appropriate.

Outside the department

Undergraduate research opportunities outside the Statistics department tend to be more data-centered, allowing you to sharpen your data wrangling and data analysis skills. Researchers dealing with large and noisy data are interested to welcome in their lab’s statistics undergraduate students, who can bring a complementary set of analytical skills.

• Look on the Guide to see a list of departments on campus and create a list of departments of high interest that you would like to do research in.
• Review the faculty in those departments, and look at their research interests. Most departments will have a list of faculty with either a personal website page or a list of research interests.
• Contact the faculty you would like to do research with, using a professionally written email. In the email, make sure to introduce yourself, express why you are interested in their research, and include a resume and a list of relevant courses you have taken. Make it personalized, but keep it short!
• If you are unable to secure a research opportunity within your first-choice department or first-choice faculty, repeat steps two and three with other departments / faculty members that are at some interest to you.

Once you have found a faculty member who agrees for you to join their research team, you and the faculty member should be in contact with the department’s enrollment manager to give you permission to enroll in the department’s research/independent study course. This may be a 399, 499, 599 or 699 course typically.

If you are wanting to receive elective credit (pre Fall 2019 majors) in the statistics department for a research opportunity outside the statistics department, please download and fill out this form. Note that a report on your research must be submitted for final approval : see instructions in the form for details. Submit your completed form to: [email protected] .

• Start early! You should begin researching different opportunities your second semester of your freshman year.
• Set some time aside each week to research and reach out to faculty. Typically, you would want to set aside one hour a week.
• Make sure your resume is up to date and organized. Visit a career advisor for review of your resume.
• Be patient. Faculty members are busy so do not panic if they do not respond to your email immediately. They also receive many requests, so make sure to personalize your request and explain why you are specifically interested in their research. With that in mind, make sure to reach out to multiple faculty members in case your first-choice faculty members do not have openings for undergraduate students.
• Give something to respond to. Ask a specific question about their research, or propose a time to meet, or ask if course x or y would be good to take to join their team some future year. This will prompt the faculty to respond, especially if your questions are specific.
• Follow up with the faculty if they do not get back to you after some time.