Help for Undergraduates

• How do I benefit from doing undergraduate research?
• How do I find out who can do undergraduate research?
• How do I get started doing research?
• How do I apply for research funding?
• How do I find out what funded programs are available for undergraduates at MU?
• How do I find out where I can present my research?
• How do I find more information?

Have another question? Contact the MU Office of Undergraduate Research in 422 Tucker Hall at 882-5979, or visit them on the Web at http://undergradresearch.missouri.edu/.

How do I benefit from doing undergraduate research?

By participating in an undergraduate research you will:

• DEVELOP a one-on-one mentoring relationship with an MU faculty member that will earn you a great recommendation letter – a necessity for acceptance into medical school, law school and most other professional and graduate programs
• Help CLARIFY your academic and career interests and goals
• ACQUIRE knowledge in your academic field that transcends classroom study
• ENHANCE critical skills in communication, independent thinking, creativity and problem solving
• ENHANCE professional and academic credentials to support applications for scholarships, awards, career employment and entry into graduate and professional schools
• ENGAGE in the creation of new knowledge on the cutting edge of an academic discipline and apply that knowledge to real world problems
• PARTICIPATE directly in the University’s central mission of scientific discovery, scholarly activity and artistic creation

How do I find out who can do undergraduate research?

All MU undergraduates can do research!

Since all MU undergraduates are required to complete a "capstone experience" as part of their degree requirements; many students choose to fulfill their capstone requirement through a mentored research project for academic credit during their junior or senior year.

However, you do NOT need to wait until you are an upperclassman to participate in research. The Honors College Discovery Fellowship Program and the EXPRESS Program are both undergraduate research experiences available to first-year students. Many students begin working with faculty by performing support work as volunteers or earning an hourly wage.

Opportunities for students to engage in independent undergraduate research vary across academic disciplines and range from volunteer to funded intern experiences.

How do I get started doing research?

Undergraduate research is an evolving experience students may participate throughout their years at MU. Students aren't required to begin during their freshman year, but they are encouraged to begin exploring the possibilities.

Visit the Undergraduate Research Web site for more information including current opportunities for undergraduates and research internship programs.

How do I apply for research funding?

You are not eligible as a principal investigator, but you can apply as a co-principal investigator.

How do I find out what funded programs are available for undergraduates at MU?

For information on funded programs, visit the list of current undergraduate research programs.

How do I find out where I can present my research?

Students can present their work at the MU Undergraduate Research Conference held each spring on campus. There are also a number of discipline specific "research days" such as Cardiovascular Day, Nutritional Sciences Week, Life Sciences Week and Neurobiology Poster Day held on campus. A select group of students is offered the opportunity to present their research at the Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol each year. These students must be Missouri residents and participate in a screening process and preparation workshops. Students may also accompany their faculty mentor to regional and national professional meetings in their field of study. Many professional societies and meetings provide reduced registration rates for students or student travel awards..

How do I find more information?

Contact the MU Office of Undergraduate Research in 150 Life Sciences Center. The Web site is undergradresearch.missouri.edu.