This community provides resources to help you explore and gain hands-on experience in research. Research allows you to dive deep into a topic, solve problems, and create new ideas. By collaborating with faculty, staff, and professionals, you’ll engage in the research process: learn from experts, define questions, conduct investigations, and share your findings. It’s an exciting journey of discovery and growth!
What are Research Experiences?
Research experiences involve a four-step learning process: identifying of a methodology, setting up a concrete investigative problem, carrying out research, and disseminating findings. These collaborations can happen between students and faculty/staff, or professionals. You can find research opportunities in undergraduate, graduate and professional research programs, research experiences, independent study, assistantships, theses, capstones, and scholar programs.
What You Gain From Research Experience
Develop in-depth knowledge and expertise in research methods relevant to both academia and industry.
Analyze complex problems and generate innovative solutions.
Gain hands-on experience with specialized tools and software.
Build relationships with faculty, researchers, and professionals.
communicate research findings in written reports and presentations, valuable for academic publications or industry reports.
Gain practical experience for graduate studies and industry roles.
Before You Start, Think About
Align research with your academic interests, industry goals, or explore new ideas. Consider theoretical, applied, lab-based, or fieldwork research.
Be realistic about the time you can dedicate to research while balancing coursework and other activities.
Consider whether you prefer a collaborative environment or independent research. Seek out opportunities where you can be mentored by faculty, researchers, or professionals.
Research participants must adhere to ethical standards, ensuring the integrity, confidentiality, and responsible conduct of research activities.
Get Started
Get involved in research happening right here at UF
- Connect with Professors: Review faculty profiles in your department and email those whose work interests you.
- Undergraduate Research Programs: Explore opportunities through the Center for Undergraduate Research, such as the University Scholars Program or CURBS. (add Links to both)
- Research-Based Courses: Enroll in classes like research methods, independent study, or senior capstone courses.
- Experiential Learning Dashboard: Use the Experiential Learning Dashboard to search for additional research opportunities and filter by experience type.
Remote and national opportunities can expand your experience beyond campus.
- Attend Research Showcases and Events: Connect with students, faculty, and campus partners involved in research.
- Use Office Hours Strategically: Ask your professors about their research journey and how you can get involved.
Take Action
Use the steps below to begin exploring and engaging in research experiences that align with your academic interests, curiosity, and long-term goals.
- Reflect on the academic subjects or fields you’re most passionate about.
- Explore faculty profiles and their research areas.
- Write down a list of topics or questions that intrigue you.
- Determine the type of research.
- Define what you hope to achieve through your research experience: Do you want to deepen your academic knowledge, contribute to a specific project, or gain technical skills for industry roles?
- Consider
Reach out to faculty:
- Select faculty whose research aligns with your interests.
- Craft a clear, concise email introducing yourself, your research interests, and why you’re interested in their work.
- Ask if they have any available opportunities for undergraduate students.
Build connections:
- Attend research showcases, conferences, and campus events to meet other students, faculty, and researchers.
- Use office hours strategically to connect with professors and ask about their research experiences, challenges, and advice for aspiring researchers.
- Consider seeking mentorship from faculty, senior researchers, or industry professionals who can guide your research journey.
- Investigate UF’s Center for Undergraduate Research to see if you qualify for programs like the University Scholars Program, CURBS, or other faculty-led initiatives.
- Look for research-based courses that will provide hands-on experience, like independent studies, research methods, or capstone courses.
- Use the Experiential Learning Dashboard and search by filters
- Remote and National Programs: Apply for external opportunities such as:
- Explore opportunities outside UF to gain broader exposure.
- Learn data analysis software like Excel, SPSS, R, or Python.
- Gain experience in qualitative research methods using tools like NVivo or Dedoose.
- Practice literature reviews using UF Libraries or Google Scholar
.
- Take advantage of LinkedIn Learning’s free tutorials available to UF students on research and data analysis tools.
- Keep track of your research experiences, skills learned, and projects worked on.
- Consider publishing or presenting your findings at the Undergraduate Research Symposium or through academic posters.
- After completing a research project or internship, reflect on what you’ve learned, how it fits with your career aspirations, and whether you want to explore new research avenues.
- Update your resume or LinkedIn profile to reflect your research experience, including specific skills, methodologies, and accomplishments.
