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Why Undergraduate Research?
The benefits of participating in research as part of an undergraduate education are clear and  undisputed. First and foremost, participation in research is the best way to understand the true nature of science and the scientific process. A research experience extends beyond simply working in a laboratory, and also includes communicating the results of that research in presentations and writing. Engaging in research deepens and broadens a student’s experience and knowledge in their chosen field, while developing those problem-solving skills that all potential employers are looking for in their applicants. Active participation in undergraduate research is an important element in a successful application to both graduate and medical school.
The possibilities for undergraduate research in the College of Science are considerable. The variety of potential topics and depth of scholarly inquiry reflect the resources available and the diversity of faculty research interests within the College. With increased emphasis by the University on scholarly engagement, the opportunities for undergraduate research will continue to increase. This includes courses that incorporate a significant research component that provides both a useful introduction to a given research area and, in of itself, represents a significant research experience.
Opportunities to participate in research extend beyond the academic year, through summer internship programs both at Notre Dame and throughout the nation. Such programs are often but not exclusively supported through the National Science Foundation’s Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program, including several programs offered at Notre Dame.
Finding an Undergraduate Research Position
The search for research opportunities is best started sooner rather than later. Below is a list of things that can be done to begin the process of identifying potential research opportunities:
- Contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies in the department of your intended major. Your Director will often know of faculty who are undertaking research in a specific scientific area. Consider going outside your department, and indeed outside the College of Science; relevant and worthwhile research experiences can certainly be found in the Colleges of Engineering and Arts and Letters.
- Visit departmental websites, where faculty will describe their research interests. Faculty may also provide an estimate of the number of undergraduates they typically mentor at one time and post opportunities to work as technicians in their laboratory – a useful way to get experience working in a lab. If you know of undergraduates already working in labs, talk to them about opportunities that may exist in those labs.
- Talk to instructors of your courses, especially those you have enjoyed. Your professors may have opportunities available in their laboratory, or may know of faculty looking for undergraduate researchers. Similarly, the teaching assistants in courses you are taking may also know of opportunities in faculty laboratories where they are doing their graduate research.
- Visit the University of Notre Dame Career Center. The Career Center, and the career counselors that work there, can provide information on numerous internship research opportunities outside of the semester and off-campus. On the Career Center website (career.nd.edu) you can also find the ‘Go Irish!’ database of research and internship opportunities.
- Visit the University's undergraduate research website, UR@ND (science.nd.edu/undergradresearch). The site has valuable information on research opportunities, including finding funding for your research and related activities, such as proposal writing workshops.
- Use Notre Dame's Alumni Network
Ultimately, you'll need to do some footwork, knock on doors and be persistent. Many times it’s simply a combination of luck and just talking to the right people that will give you the kind of undergraduate research opportunity you are looking for. If you show some flexibility and keep your ears and eyes open for opportunities, you will almost certainly be successful.
Useful Contacts and Sources of Information
Dominic Chaloner
Undergraduate Research Coordinator
College of Science
(574) 631-2441
chaloner.1@nd.edu
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| Opportunity |
Description |
Deadline |
| COS Travel Grants |
The College of Science has limited funds available (maximum of $500 per student) to support travel by undergraduate students to present their original research at scientific meetings and to support travel for research off-campus. |
Open |
| College of Arts and Letters and College of Science Joint Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (AL/SCI-UROP) |
The College of Arts and Letters and College of Science Joint Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (AL/SCI-UROP) enhances undergraduate education by providing financial support to students who wish to engage in independent research that crosses the traditional boundaries between the sciences and the liberal arts. |
March 16 |
| 2011 Library Undergraduate Research Award |
The 2010 Library Undergraduate Research Award recognizes undergraduates who demonstrate excellent research skills and who incorporate library resources, collections and services into their scholarly and creative projects. |
April 5 |
| ND Nano Center |
Several undergraduate research fellowships available for summer 2010. The NURF program offers motivated undergraduates the opportunity to learn more about a specific area of research and be part of a cutting-edge project. |
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GLOBES REU Program Summer 2011 |
For further information please see the GLOBES website or contact vanderso@nd. |
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Bernoulli Awards for Undergraduate Statistical Research
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Prizes are awarded in recognition of outstanding research papers authored by an undergraduate student or students that use statistical methods to analyze an applied problem that is judged important, timely, and original. The competition is open to undergraduates of any major at the University of Notre Dame.
Web: http://econometrics.nd.edu/bernoulli-award/ |
April 2 |
College of Science - Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships 2011
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The College of Science, with support from generous donors, the Clare Boothe Luce Foundation, the Balfour Foundation, and Indiana University School of Medicine South Bend, will provide up to 40 Notre Dame undergraduate students with fellowships to engage in research during the summer of 2010. |
March 1 |
Cancer Research Internships |
Download .pdf |
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| Alumni mentorship |
Undergraduates conduct with alumni at universities, hospitals and other research laboratories across the country. |
Varies |
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