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.
- Search for faculty using the Research Project Database.
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 your research supervisor to be certain.
Proposal and Planning
Complete these steps prior to data collection.
Obtain Needed Approvals if Applicable
- Work closely with your advisor to develop your idea.
- If using human subjects, animals, or biopathogens, do not collect data until you receive IRB, IACUC, or IBC approval.
- Proposals look different for each discipline. Your advisor can help you determine what a research proposal looks like for your field.
- For Honors students, review The Honors College Process for Thesis Proposal and submit your written research proposal.
Note: This stage is not required for internships and assistantships for a single semester.
Research Execution and 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.
Demonstrate Your Knowledge
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 database.
Additional Resources
Apply for Funding
The Student Transformative Learning Award (STLA) runs several times a year and is designed to support student projects, including research initiatives.
Apply to the Honors College
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.
Consult with your advisor and program office for complete requirements and additional details specific to your situation.