Undergraduate Research

Research involves a relationship between the student and a faculty/research mentor that takes place outside of the classroom environment and course requirements. Research is an important component of students’ educational journey at UTA and the hands-on, experiential learning that students receive through research can make that journey more beneficial. The College of Science encourages undergraduate students to become involved in research as early in their academic careers as possible, in order to enhance and broaden their educational experience.

Why should I become involved in research as an undergraduate?

• Enhances student learning through mentoring relationships with faculty
• Increases retention and graduation in academic programs
• Increases enrollment in graduate education and provides effective career preparation
• Develops critical thinking, creativity, problem solving, and intellectual independence
• Develops an understanding of research methodology
• Promotes an innovation-oriented culture

UTA Undergraduate Research Programs

The UTA Office of Undergraduate Research has various resources which can help students become researchers. These include the following excellent programs, which can help match students with faculty mentors and which provide financial assistance:

• Undergraduate Research Assistant Program (UGRAP)
• Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP)
• McNair Scholars Program
• Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP)
• inSTEM

When can I start?

You may begin your undergraduate researcher experience as early as your second semester of your first year at UTA. The optimal time is sophomore year and beyond, but this can vary by individual. When you start depends on:    

• Your readiness
• Model of research you are interested in 
• Assisting a professor in their research (on their research team) vs. conducting supervised independent research (student-led)
• Conventions of the field
• Degree plan and class schedule
• Faculty expectations

How do I get involved?

• Identify your interests
• Find a faculty mentor who does research in your area(s) of interest
• Prepare and contact your potential faculty mentor(s)
• Apply for a research program
• Get in the lab and start conducting research!

What do faculty mentors expect of students who want to do research?

• Ability to demonstrate genuine interest and curiosity
• Demonstrate self-motivation and show initiative
• Responsibility
• Commitment for a particular length of time and/or number of hours each week
• Some professors may ask you to complete a prerequisite and/or attend training sessions