Office of Undergraduate Research

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work on a project outside of my major?
Absolutely. You will find that many research projects, especially larger ones, will need students from different backgrounds and with different skills. For example, an engineering product development project may need someone with knowledge of psychology and human factors to research human interaction with the product.

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What if I have my own idea for a project?
Students may work with a faculty member on an existing research project or on a project based on the student’s own ideas. You must have a project advisor, though. If you want to pursue your own project, find a faculty advisor who is interested in your topic.

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Can I get funding for an independent project, or to go to a conference?
In many cases, yes. There are various sources of funding. First, make a budget on paper, to show clearly how you intend to use extra funds in relation to your research. If your research advisor does not already know that you are seeking funding, bring up the subject with him or her. If your advisor is able and willing to provide funding, great. If your advisor is not able to provide funding, he or she may be able to help you by making a request to the department or suggesting funding sources to which you might apply. Some departments and programs offer awards or travel grants in support of undergraduate research. In addition, two types of College-wide award programs are described starting on the Fellowships and Awards page of this web site. 
You may also contact the Office of Undergraduate Research, at steven.manly@rochester.edu, for help in this area. In general, you will need to provide (1) a description of your project, (2) a budget, (3) your resume, and (4) your transcript, and you will need (5) to request a letter of support from your research advisor. 

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 I'm not an engineering or science major. Can I still participate?
Definitely. You will find that faculty members in virtually every department at the University conduct research and may need undergraduate researchers to assist them. Usually, a brief profile including research interests is included in the “FACULTY” section of a department’s webpage. 

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Do I have to be an upperclassman to do research?
Absolutely not. If you are truly passionate about a certain research area, it will help to express your interest as soon as possible. While some projects may require that you have completed certain classes or labs, it doesn’t hurt to express your interest and ask faculty members if they are willing to train and accept students with less experience.

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What is the suggested timetable for participating in undergraduate research?
In your First Year: Gain some basic knowledge through your classes and course projects that could be applied to a research project. Most projects will require knowledge from different fields of study, not just your major. Investigate the research being conducted by the faculty members teaching your classes. Determine which research projects interest you personally and express your interest to faculty members.
As a Sophomore: Begin to look more closely at research opportunities in your field of interest. Take more courses by a faculty member whose research interests you. Begin working on a resume that outlines the applicable courses you have taken and class projects you have done. Talk with a faculty member about the possibility of doing an independent research project and begin familiarizing yourself with their work. Around December, look into summer research programs, most of which come with a stipend, or a paid summer research assistantship, which might continue into the next fall.
As a Junior: Take an independent research project for credit, pay, or experience. Consider taking on a project that lasts for more than a semester. Consider taking additional courses that will assist in your research field.
As a Senior: Continue on the same or a new project. Submit an abstract to a conference detailing the work you have done and/or will finish this year. Include your research project as experience when you apply for employment or graduate school.

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Undergraduate Research Student

Sam Boyer '06 (2007 T5)
Medieval Studies and Linguistics
T5 in International Politics and Culture
“Research is an intense and personally demanding process. Not only does truly good research require every inch of my mind to produce, but it takes my education to a whole new level. The methodical nature unlocks new ways of looking at the world, exponentially increasing the sophistication with which I look at the people and forces around me.”

Research: "Law and Society in Later Medieval England." (Medieval Senior Thesis)