Undergraduate Research Process

Guide to Getting Started and Being Successful

As an undergraduate, you can conduct research with WSU faculty mentors to create new knowledge, or add to the existing knowledge of your field. When we say “research,” we don’t mean just activities conducted in labcoats. It’s much broader than that; we define it as “research, scholarship, and creative activity” that makes valuable contributions to a branch of knowledge.

To make the process easier, we have prepared this three-part guide to help you.

Part 1: Getting Started with Research

This section will answer questions like:

  • Can I handle having a research job and doing classes at the same time?
  • How do I find a research position with a mentor at WSU?

You will find the resources you need to find job openings and learn how to speak with professors. More>>

Part 2: Being a Successful Researcher

This section addresses questions such as:

  • What does being a researcher involve?
  • What kind of time will I have to put in?
  • How will it affect my GPA?

These are some of the many questions the Office of Undergraduate Research members are asked at our information sessions. This section details the ins and outs of what it takes to be a successful undergraduate researcher at WSU. More>>

Part 3: Disseminating Your Work

Regardless of the form it takes, research is fundamentally about advancing knowledge. So what good is your work if you keep it yourself? The final section will discuss how to disseminate research and create buzz for your work within academia and industry. More>>

A Note to Students With Research Involving Humans or Animals

If your research involves humans, you may need IRB (Institutional Review Board) approval. It is your responsibility to work with your mentor to determine what you may need to do. Refer to the IRB Undergraduate Research Guidance as needed (on the IRB page, select “Guidance Sheets” to find the Undergraduate Researchers Guidance).

If your research involves animals, you may need IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee) approval. It is your responsibility to work with your mentor to determine what you may need to do. Refer to the IACUC Resources as needed.

Undergraduate Research Info Session

Undergraduate Research often hosts information sessions for aspiring researchers. Upcoming sessions will be announced on the Undergraduate Research calendar.