Undergraduate student Christopher Ibarra uses a microscope to examine a neuroscience research specimen in the laboratory of Rita Fuchs, a faculty member of the Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience department of the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Undergraduate students take a tour of a laboratory in the biomedical research building as part of UNIV 199, “Introduction to Directed Research.”
Undergraduate student Seth Schneider prepares to work in a fume hood on his microbiology project in the laboratory of Cynthia Haseltine, a faculty member in the School of Molecular Biosciences in the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Undergraduate Research at WSU
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Office of Undergraduate Research

WSU undergraduates from all majors, in all years in college, and on every campus can be researchers who work with faculty mentors and contribute something new to their field. It’s easy to get started and plenty of resources will help you enjoy the experience.

Three views of undergraduate students engaged in research at WSU. From left to right, two students discuss an engineering project in the lab with their professor; a student performs a multipipetting procedure in a microbiology lab; and a student discusses a creative writing project with their professor.

SURCA

Join us March 23 in the CUB Senior Ballroom for SURCA 2026! All are welcome at SURCA — whether you are a WSU student, faculty or staff member, or a community member

Details on SURCA 2026
Students: Submit Your Abstract
Faculty & Staff: Sign Up to Judge

We’re Here to Help You

The faculty and staff in the WSU Office of Undergraduate Research help you envision your future as a researcher and turn that goal into reality. We:

Learn more about our office

What Is Undergraduate Research?

Research is the process of making new contributions to a branch of knowledge. It takes place in all disciplines, whether you are in the humanities, arts, and social sciences, or in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). And undergraduate students are an integral part of the research, scholarship, and creative activities that take place at WSU to bring knowledge to our world.

More about undergraduate research

What’s New

Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium Welcomes Guests This Friday

On Friday, Aug. 1, those students will share their research at the Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the Smith Center for Undergraduate Education (CUE) at WSU Pullman. The symposium is organized by the WSU Office of Undergraduate Research, part of the Division of Academic Engagement and Student Achievement in the provost’s office.

WSU Undergraduates Receive 36 Research Awards

Thirty-six Washington State University students from WSU Pullman, Tri-Cities, Spokane, and Vancouver have received $56,000 in fellowships to support their mentored undergraduate research efforts for the 2025-26 academic year. “Our ability to present these awards endorses each student’s interest in exploring projects and topics in their field and also helps each student to meet their financial obligations and still devote time to their research,” said Jeremy Lessmann, director of the WSU Office of Undergraduate Research.
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Get Connected

Meet with a Peer Mentor

Peer mentors, who are undergraduates currently involved in undergraduate research, are available most weeks to meet with you. They have the experience and training to answer your important questions, such as:

  • “How do I get started with my research or creative activity?”
  • “Will I get paid for what I’m doing, or am I eligible for a special scholarship?”
  • “How do I find the right faculty mentor for me?”

Schedule a meeting with one today!

Explore More

Undergraduate student practicing violin under supervision of a professor

Why & When to Get Involved?

Regardless of your major, getting involved in research will help you contribute to knowledge in a field, and benefit your intellect, skill set, and career readiness.
Getting Involved
A student standing with her research mentor in the lab

How Do I Get Started in Research?

We can show you how to engage with the research going on all around you at WSU. With our assistance, getting started in undergraduate research will be easier than you think.
Starting in Research
Undergraduate student researchers receive recognition at SURCA.

Receive Credit or Funding

We can show you how to engage with the research going on all around you at WSU. With our assistance, getting started in undergraduate research will be easier than you think.
Funding & Credit
Undergraduate researchers presenting their work at SURCA

Share Your Work & Results

Sharing new knowledge with the wider community in your field is essential to the research process. Opportunities abound to disseminate your discoveries both at WSU and beyond.
Sharing Your Work