Navigating undergraduate research on Indiana University’s campuses can be really challenging, especially with the various opportunities spread across different departments and subjects. There are so many different programs on campus, and it can get overwhelming to navigate which ones are a good fit for you.
Because of all the ways to get involved, I’ve compiled a list of three great ways to get involved in undergraduate research while studying at IU. These are pieces of advice and resources I have accumulated from my experiences and can serve as a great foundation for finding and pursuing undergraduate research.
1. Apply to as many opportunities as you can, and get involved as early as possible.
Indiana University has so many great programs to apply to before your freshman year even starts. Programs such as ASURE and STARS are examples of these programs, and they can help you get a head start on research. There are also programs that can be applied to during your first year. IUUR has a great list of programs on their website, and there are several that first and second year students can apply to.
It can be really difficult to navigate through which programs you want to get involved in, but if you are at all interested in the work being done in these programs I highly recommend applying to them. Getting involved in research early helps you to develop important skills that can help you secure more opportunities later down the road.
Getting involved while you are still eligible to apply and partaking in these programs will help you to gain valuable experience, connections with faculty that will serve as mentors for you, and a more practical understanding of what research really is and if it's something you want to continue to stay involved in.
2. Reach out to advisors about what you want to become involved with, and what your goals are.
One of the first advisors that you can easily reach out to and discuss your plans and goals involving undergraduate research is your academic advisor. Your academic advisors have insight into what programs their departments offered and how you can become involved.
Another advisor that you may have the opportunity to contact is a Hutton Honors College advisor if you are a part of HHC at IU. They may be able to connect you with different programs, faculty, or advisors. There may also be special courses offered that can help you to get involved in undergraduate research.
Finally, the IUUR office has advisors you can contact as well to discuss research and research opportunities. Their office may be able to point you in the right direction and offer insight on more niche opportunities and forms of research on campus.
3. Get involved in clubs and organizations on campus that can connect you with research or help with skills involved in research.
There are so many amazing clubs and student organizations that are connected to research in various ways at IU, and being involved in these clubs is a great way to get connected to opportunities. Examples of these clubs include Chemistry Club, Biology Club, and even Psychology Club. Many clubs will share research opportunities to apply to that are related to their field, host research nights where faculty and/or students can discuss and present their research, and workshops to develop important practical and professional skills.
In addition to this, being active and involved in these clubs offer a great opportunity to network with other students and faculty. Making these connections outside of required coursework can help you not only in undergraduate research, but also in securing internships and jobs after graduation.
Overall, getting involved in research can be really difficult, but it is also very rewarding. The practical and professional skills in addition to the insight that being involved in research provides is truly valuable to all different types of study. Undergraduate research can help you to develop and foster skills that can be applied to so many different situations, and being involved can open the door to so many exceptional opportunities down the road.