Student Research

UNIVERSITY RESOURCES FOR UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

The Undergraduate Research website provides extensive information on undergraduate research at Northwestern, including guidance on developing research plans, finding faculty mentors, and securing funding.

The Study Abroad Office and your College Adviser can provide guidance on doing research abroad.

The Office of Fellowships offers information and guidance on turning undergraduate research into a stepping stone to fellowships and awards to fund for graduate school or for further research, abroad or in the US, after graduation.

Weinberg College is committed to promoting undergraduate immersion in challenging, well-focused research projects. Through developing a research topic, deciding how to tackle it, interpreting what you learn, and reporting your findings, you can gain skills and experiences that lend depth and focus to your studies.

Research is conducted in a variety of different environments, such as labs, libraries, museums, health clinics, and archeological digs.

Doing research provides an opportunity to apply and expand on the knowledge gained in your classes as well as to interact with faculty members in new ways. It lets you experience the complexities, frustrations, and joys of generating new ideas and knowledge. Doing research can also help you decide if you’d like to do more, an important question for many students as they plan for the future; if the answer is yes, then your undergraduate research experience becomes a valuable credential.

RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR STUDENT RESEARCH

Research takes many forms and varies greatly from discipline to discipline. Activities can range from preparing materials and collecting data in science labs to conducting and summarizing library research to managing databases, conducting data analyses, organizing project records, and much more.

Some students work with faculty members to develop independent study projects based on personal interests. Conduct research through independent study.
Other students become involved in ongoing faculty research as a research assistant. Work as a research assistant.
Some seniors with strong academic records graduate with department honors. One requirement for honors in every Weinberg College department and program is the completion of a substantial research project or other integrative type of work. Learn more about earning honors in your major.

Funding student research

The University, Weinberg College, and some departments and programs all provide funds to support student research on a competitive basis.

The Baker Program in Undergraduate Research at Weinberg College offers grants to support undergraduate students in independent research, creative work, and presentations at academic conferences. Learn about grants to support undergraduate student research.

Recognition for student research

Student research is recognized in numerous ways at Northwestern. Each year selected students showcase their work at the Undergraduate Research and Arts Exposition sponsored by the Provost’s Office. Initial research experiences are sometimes gateways to expanding a project into a senior thesis submitted for departmental honors in a major.

Student research can also be a path to earning fellowships and awards from outside the University. For more information, see the Office of Fellowships.