Undergraduate Student Research:Undergraduate Research Process Checklist for Students

Interested in conducting research but not sure where to start? We can help!

Getting Started

Choose a Research Discipline

  • Research does NOT have to be in your major field but can be.
  • Consider your familiarity and interest in potential subject areas.

Select a Research Advisor

  • Meet with faculty to find an advisor to oversee your research. A non-comprehensive database of faculty can be accessed here.
  • Complete the Research Advisor/Student Agreement to be filed with the Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Research.

Complete your CITI Trainings

Before conducting any research, you must first complete required trainings through the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) website.

  • All students must complete Responsible Conduct in Research.
  • Human subjects researchers must complete IRB Training.
  • Animal subjects researchers must complete IACUC training.
  • Biological and/or chemical samples researchers must complete IBC Biosafety Training.

Note: Some departments offer single-semester assistantships or research internships in which students assist with labs, projects, etc. but are not long-term projects. Many of these are posted on Hire-A-Lion or can be arranged directly through the academic department. In these cases, you may only need to complete the items under “Getting Started.” Check with the research supervisor to be certain.

Proposal & Planning (prior to data collection)

Write Your Research Proposal* (not required for internships and assistantships for a single semester)

  • Work closely with your advisor.
  • Note: Do NOT collect any data during this phase.
  • Proposals look different for each discipline. Your advisor can help you determine how a research proposal looks for your field. Here are some pointers as well.

Submit Proposal for Approval

  • Submit your written proposal electronically via Laserfiche as well as your CITI training certificates.
  • Proposals will route for approval and you will be notified once all approvals have been received. Note: this does not include IRB or IACUC approval which have separate application processes.
  • Defend your proposal (if required). Check with advisor and department for defense requirements.

Research Execution & Completion

Conduct Your Research*

  • Begin data collection (if applicable) only after all approvals
  • Work consistently throughout the process
  • Continue with your written work – all research should have a final written document to upload to the library database.

Complete a Public Demonstration of Knowledge

  • Options include the Honors Day symposium, the Annual Research Symposium, a comparable professional conference, or a traditional thesis defense. Check with your advisor to discuss the best option for you.
  • Send your final written document for upload to the library here.

Other Resources

Apply for project funding through the Student Transformative Learning Award.

Consider joining the Honors College if interested in graduating with Honors!

  • The Honors College allows you to graduate with Honors while completing Honors experiences and courses. The items marked with asterisks (*) require additional course registration to graduate with Honors.
Apply Here

Consult with your advisor and program office for complete requirements and additional details specific to your situation.

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