The Road to Research as an Undergrad

Everything you need to know about the wide world of research at Arizona.

Getting involved in research may seem daunting at first, but the good news is that research is available to University of Arizona students in a wide variety of disciplines, including first-year students. And the best part? You can get involved as early as your first year on campus.

But what opportunities are there? And how can you get started? Let’s take a look at some resources!

 

Why Pursue Research?

Even if you’re not sure about graduate school or even what career you want to pursue, research can help you discover new interests and find out what you enjoy. Research is also a great résumé-builder and develops skills like communication, leadership, working with data, networking, and critical thinking. 

At Arizona, undergraduate research is managed through the newly formed Undergraduate Research & Inquiry Collaborative. The collaborative brings together resources from different offices on campus to connect students with the tools they need to get started in research.

The collaborative is managed by Kimberly Sierra-Cajas, the director of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry and Kelley Merriam-Castro, the program manager for Undergraduate Research Initiatives. 

“Research can drive policy, research can drive change,” Merriam-Castro said. “This is where the new knowledge is created that helps us become a better society.”  

The collaborative is particularly interested in making research accessible to different groups of students, such as first-generation or transfer students.

“We need students from all backgrounds involved in research because they lend a very unique perspective,” Sierra-Cajas said.

 

Getting Started: Finding Courses, Workshops, and Projects

Through this Undergraduate Research & Inquiry Collaborative, students can attend workshops that break down different aspects of the research process, and access a database of university faculty that are interested in working with undergraduate researchers.

In addition, there are a growing number of courses that incorporate research activities available at Arizona. Offerings are listed and updated through the collaborative’s website.

• Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) allow students to tackle research questions and work with faculty on projects early in their academic careers. Many of these courses have no prerequisites and help students gain experience as soon as possible.
• Vertically Integrated Projects (VIPs) are multidisciplinary research opportunities led by faculty that undergraduate students can apply for and earn credit through. 
• Wildcats also have the opportunity to join the Council on Undergraduate Research for free. This connects students with a whole network of researchers and resources. 
• Another great resource for interested students is the Undergraduate Research Ambassadors, a group of six current students who have been in your shoes and are well-versed in the world of undergraduate research. They’re available to meet with students of any discipline to give them practical advice and help them find the perfect project. 

There are plenty of research projects that will meet the needs of different students, including summer opportunities, paid opportunities, and flexible projects designed for even the busiest students. 

The Undergraduate Research and Inquiry Collaborative provides funding for faculty members to hire student researchers. Students can work on research projects through work-study funding as well. 

 

Connect With Your Professors

If you’re not sure what to do first, think about a class you’ve really been interested in. Finding a faculty member whose work interests you is a great way to get started. 

“Make connections with professors in your classes, go to their office hours and ask questions,” Merriam-Castro said. She recommends meeting them in person and finding a time that’s convenient for everyone. 

Merriam-Castro encourages students to look at the world around them and ask questions about what intrigues them. Nearly anything, in any field, can become a research question.  

“The earlier you can narrow down your career path interests, the better, because then you make decisions based on what you actually have tried,” Sierra-Cajas said. 

 

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Reach out to undergradresearch@arizona.edu with any inquiries about undergraduate research and find more information at ur.arizona.edu. 

 

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The Benefits of the W.A. Franke Honors College

You may have been admitted to the W.A. Franke Honors College automatically thanks to being a National Scholar, or perhaps you’re interested in applying to the Honors College to challenge yourself academically. But how do you know if life as a Honors Wildcat is right for you?

Here are some common questions students have to consider.

 

What perks do Honors students receive?

• Priority class registration – You’re more likely to get the classes you want, and create the schedule you want.

• Research opportunities – Honors students have unique pathways to research and can get involved with research projects as early as your first year.

• Honors-only classes – From GenEds to special interest courses, you get more flexibility to pursue your interests.

• Opportunity to live in the Honors Village – You’ll be surrounded by students with similar mindsets and interests – plus, advisor access and spaces to study and play.

 

Is the Honors College harder?

You get more, but you also have to do a little bit more. To be an Honors student, you need to take 30 honors credits (transfer students may take less, depending on credits), which include a few Honors GenEds and the Honors Thesis. That leaves dozens of Honors credits that you get to choose – or even design. What are Honors classes? Honors classes are similar to non-Honors classes, but tend to be more discussion-oriented/seminar-style. 

 

The benefits of the Honors College

The W.A. Franke Honors College isn't just about bragging rights (though those are pretty cool, too). It's an opportunity to make the most of your time at Arizona and your springboard to launch your dream career. Here's how:

• Get ahead of the game  – The Honors College offers exclusive experiences that supercharge your resume and make you stand out to future employers.

• Pathway to success – You’ll receive personalized guidance and opportunities to achieve your goals in medical, law, or graduate programs.

• Real-world ready – Don't just learn; do. We'll connect you with internships and funding so you can gain invaluable experience in your field.

 

What kind of research do Honors students do?

The University of Arizona has more than $1 billion in total research expenditures. That provides ample opportunity for Honors students to undertake their own research, or join existing research projects under the supervision of a faculty member. Research opportunities begin with the First Year Project, which gets you into the action ASAP. 

 

How is the Honors Village different from dorms?

It’s called the Honors Village because it’s so much more than just a residence hall. Just steps away from your spacious suite, you can find honors classrooms, collaboration spaces, academic advisors, a dining hall, the North recreation and wellness center, and even a relaxing courtyard where you can clear your head. 

Check out this student-led Honors Village tour:

 

What other benefits are available to Honors students?

Join Honors-exclusive clubs, like the Honors Student Council. Participate in Service Learning opportunities or join Honors Study Abroad or Study Away, which are travel opportunities designed specifically for honors students to earn honors credit while exploring the world. 

 

 

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At the end of the day, joining the W. A. Franke Honors College gives you access to a close-knit community in and outside the classroom. The benefits begin your first year, and last beyond your time at the University of Arizona.

 

Apply to the Franke Honors College

Explore Honors Student Profiles