Campuses:
As a world-class research institution, the University of Minnesota ensures its faculty and research endeavors impact not only society but also enhance the student experience. Many professors teaching your classes are actively involved in exploring a wide array of issues. And they bring their findings directly into classroom lectures, laboratories and discussion sections. As a result, you'll be exposed to the latest research findings, trends and new technologies directly from the experts.
There are several ways you can get directly involved in research as an undergraduate student:
The University of Minnesota's Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) offers financial awards twice yearly to full time undergraduates for research, scholarly or creative projects undertaken in partnership with a faculty member. It encourages students to conduct research and pursue academic interests outside of their regular courses by employing them to work on special research projects.UROP applications are judged on both the quality of the proposed project and the educational benefit to the student; awards are not based on financial need.
For more information on the UROP program, contact Bill Ganzlin by email at bganzlin@umn.edu or by phone at 612-624-3047.
Application materials and additional information about undergraduate research may be found at www.research.umn.edu/undergraduate
The Research Apprenticeship Program is a two-year program designed to provide an early opportunity for students to develop their interests in formal research through faculty mentorship and with the support of an action-oriented programmatic model encompassing the research experience from beginning to end. Intrinsically, the Apprenticeship experience will stimulate minds, broaden perspectives, expand intellectual and social networking and strengthen connections in the University and global community.
Students will be selected to participate in the Research Apprenticeship Program based on their expressed interest in undergraduate research and the academic qualifications demonstrated in their undergraduate application for admission. Students accepted in the program are awarded a $1500 scholarship and $300 for expenses.
First-year Research Apprentices will have the opportunity to learn about the research process, meet professors who have similar research interests to their own, and develop a research proposal. During their second year, Apprentices will conduct their research and summarize their findings in a formal research paper. They will end their program by presenting their research at the annual University-wide Undergraduate Symposium.
Click here for an overview of the RAP Program schedule for this year's incoming RAP students.
Contact:
Bill Ganzlin, Chair, CFANS Undergraduate Research Program Committee
bganzlin@umn.edu or 612-624-3047
If you're looking for a flexible, on-campus job, many professors hire students to help them with their research projects or to work in their labs. Wages are competitive and taking advantage of such openings offers a great chance to work closely with graduate students and professors on large-scale projects. Many students start in a lab position during their freshmen or sophomore year on simple tasks and gradually work up to more complex responsibilities by their senior year.
