Guidelines for finding a project

Most URP projects are found through direct contact with the faculty member supervising the research. While we do not maintain a current list of available projects at this site, nor do most of the schools or departments in the institute, we hope these guidelines can assist you in finding a project.

Start with what you know:
Most undergraduates find projects from faculty members from whom they have taken classes. Many professors will make announcements in their classes or post information about available projects at their offices. Some even have links for information on their current research projects at their personal websites. A good place to start your search is to determine a faculty member with whom you may want to work on a project. Check their website (click here for a departmental list of faculty) to investigate their field of research. If it sounds interesting, approach them about a possible URP project.

Do your research:
If you do not have a specific faculty member in mind, begin by checking the research conducted in your department or the research interests of the faculty in your department. Read about the different types of research that is going on in your department. You may also do projects outside of your major, so consider checking the research being done in other departments, too. A listing of past projects is also available including the topic and the faculty supervisor. Find a field of research that interests you and learn a little more about it. Check the faculty members that are involved in this research area and check their personal websites or their office doors for any information on current projects, or make an appointment to talk with them about any projects. When you find one that looks promising, approach them about working on it.

Before approaching a faculty supervisor:
Please be considerate of the faculty member that you are going to be asking for a project. Try to avoid knocking on their door without any idea of their field of research or current projects. Make sure you have already read about the research they do and show an interest in the topic. Be prepared to tell them of any relevant coursework you have completed or other experience that you have that would be applicable to a project they may have. If possible, write up a short resume outlining these details. If you are responding to an advertised project, take time prior to speaking with them to investigate the project fully. Be prepared with some specific questions and ideas about the project.

If you are ready to start looking for a project, click here.