research - Associated Student Government, Northwestern University

WANT TO GET INVOLVED IN RESEARCH AT NU?Are you interested in getting involved in undergraduate research but don’t know where to start?Northwestern University has several programs and opportunities specifically created to assistundergraduates in finding and carrying out independent research.UR@NUThe website of The Office of the Provost has a section called “UR@NU.” Filled with concise information andvideos from undergraduates currently involved in research, this website is the best source of informationfor topics such as “What is Research?/How to Get Involved” and “Research Opportunities.” It also providesvaluable information on sources of research funding once you have an advisor and project in mind.Check it out: http://undergradresearch.northwestern.edu/Undergraduate Research Assistant Program (URAP)A new pilot program through The Office of the Provost, URAP allows faculty members to request researchassistants for various projects. The projects are listed on the website, allowing interested students to submitapplications and communicate directly with the professor.Check it out: http://undergradresearch.northwestern.edu/undergraduate-research-assistant-program-urapScience Research Workshop (SRW)A program sponsored by the Searle Center for Teaching Excellence and the Departments of Biology andChemistry, the SRW program includes “science cafés” and peer-led workshops. During Science Cafés, facultymembers discuss their interest in getting involved in research, as well as a specific theme such as “How tonavigate the proposal process.” Workshops assist students in contacting science laboratories, developingresearch projects, and writing grant proposals.Check it out: http://www.northwestern.edu/searle/programs/undergraduateprograms/science-researchworkshop.htmlHumanities Research WorkshopsThe Office of the Provost has created a series of four workshops for those interested in humanities researchas opposed to science. The workshops – “Thinking About Research/Developing Questions,” “MethodologyFair,” “Resources and Opportunities,” and “Writing Workshop” – provide background information onperforming research and developing research proposals, as well as advising and mentorship.Check it out: http://undergradresearch.northwestern.edu/humanities-research-workshopsDepartment WebsitesThe best places for department-specific opportunities are department websites. Most departmentsin which research is performed have a “Research” tab on their website. Check out the website of thedepartment you are interested in for the most detailed information pertaining to research opportunities forundergraduates.Still Not Sure?Another option is to seek out specific faculty members who are performing research in a field ortopic you are interested in (you can find this information on department websites). Once you have a fewprofessors in mind, send out personal (not bulk) emails briefly introducing yourself and describing yourresearch interests. Then, meet with the professors and discuss what you could contribute to their research.Remember, don’t be afraid to talk with professors; most are happy to discuss their research and arewilling to involve undergraduates in their research!VOLUME 7, 2011-2012NORTHWESTERN UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH JOURNAL75