Finding research opportunities might seem overwhelming at first, but don't give up! A little effort can go a long way. You could land a research opportunity that not only complements your academic work at the University of Minnesota, but also helps you explore a career in research. Your CSE Academic Advising team has some helpful suggestions to get you started:
Reflect on your experiences and academic interests.
What topics do you enjoy? What innovations fascinate you? Make some notes and narrow down your interests.
Figure out what type of research experience you want.
Are you hoping for funding for your project? UROP offers funding to University of Minnesota undergraduate students to work on a research project with a faculty mentor. Applications are accepted twice a year.
Looking for academic credit? Doing a directed research experience may be for you. You can find information on the many research opportunities at the U by visiting the CSE Student Research webpage.
Looking for academic credit? Doing a directed research experience may be for you. You can find information on the many research opportunities at the U by visiting the CSE Student Research webpage.
Seek out faculty members for help.
Explore faculty bios on department websites. This is the best way to connect with faculty whose research areas align with your interests. Schedule a meeting with a faculty member or visit them during their office hours. Be honest and direct about what you are looking for. Another great resource, Experts@Minnesota, has a searchable database to help you find scholars who do research in your area of interest. You don’t need to stay within your department to do research if a professor in another department shares a research interest with you!
Complete the self-paced Think Like A Researcher online canvas course.
This free course is designed to help undergraduate students become comfortable with the research skills and tools needed to get started with faculty- sponsored research.
If you have additional questions about research opportunities, your CSE Academic Advisor is here to help. Contact your Advisor, or visit Advising drop-ins - Monday-Friday, 2 p.m.-4 p.m. in 105 Lind Hall.
If you have additional questions about research opportunities, your CSE Academic Advisor is here to help. Contact your Advisor, or visit Advising drop-ins - Monday-Friday, 2 p.m.-4 p.m. in 105 Lind Hall.
