Preparing for Undergraduate Research

Now is the right time to get involved in undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activities regardless of your major or class standing.

Getting started in undergraduate research involves two important components. The first is developing your research skills, and the second is finding the right opportunity for you to engage in research, scholarship, and creative activities.

ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS

Just as every research project begins with a good question, your own start in undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activities should begin by asking yourself:

  • What kind of research is most interesting to me?
  • What skills are needed for the research I am interested in?
  • What opportunities for research, scholarship, and creative activities are available for me to engage in as an undergraduate student?
  • How much time do I have each week to commit to research and still keep up my grades?

Working through these questions as you search for research projects will help you identify those opportunities that are the perfect fit for you, as well as make important decisions about how to develop your own research skills.

OBSERVE OTHER RESEARCHERS

Socially and professionally speaking, research never happens in a vacuum. No matter how talented and successful they are now, even the most accomplished researchers had to start somewhere. The best place to start is by learning about the research going on all around you. You can begin to develop your own research skills by looking to the example of others in many ways such as:

  • Listen carefully when faculty talk about their research in class or better yet, just ask them about it.
  • Attend a seminar or presentation by an expert in your area of interest, or attend a lecture on a topic new to you (it might resonate with you more than expected).
  • Check websites and social media from organizations aligned with your field of interest to learn about new developments.
  • Attend Lincoln University Scholars Undergraduate Research Showcase (SURS) and learn about the undergraduate research that other students are doing.
  • Visit the Langston Hughes Memorial Library in person or online to read research articles, look through industry journals and e-journals, and peruse databases on dozens of topics.

As you progress through your own career, you will find that the practices listed above will always be important for maintaining your effectiveness as a researcher.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR PROGRAMS

Sign Up for Our Information Sessions

We host information sessions offered in both fall and spring semesters.  The sessions are designed for those interested in—but not yet working on—research, scholarship, and creative activities. Attend to learn how to get involved in research and gain skills that will prepare you for a mentored research project. Attend Our Information Sessions

The Office of Undergraduate Research offers a number of workshops on getting involved with undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activities. Watch for workshop announcements on our events page.

Meet with Our Peer Mentors

Undergraduates currently involved in research serve as “peer mentors” and are available to meet with you on the main campus in Wright Hall room 121. Their experience and training will help them answer your questions, such as getting started, options for financial support for your efforts, and finding the right mentor. An online scheduling system helps you schedule an appointment with any of the available mentors profiled on our website.

ENGAGE IN COURSE BASED RESEARCH

Some classes at Lincoln University involve course-based research. These courses provide a convenient opportunity to engage in research, scholarship, or creativity activities in your discipline while you are earning credits toward your degree. (More information coming soon)

Channels to Research Opportunities

Lincoln University has many excellent programs that support students engaged in undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activities. Such programs include:

  • Research Scholars available to incoming Freshmen and Sophomores(Coming soon)
  • Students Targeted toward Advanced Research Studies (STARS) program (independent study overseen through the Center for Undergraduate Research available to Juniors and Seniors)
  • Team Mentoring Program (Coming soon)
  • Undergraduate Research Club (Coming soon)