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Welcome and thank you for your interest in the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR)! Our office supports undergraduate research on campus through in-person and online workshops, information sessions, and individual advising sessions.听
OUR Mission
The mission of the Office of Undergraduate Research is to enhance undergraduate student participation in research, contributing to the improvement of student outcomes by developing and supporting faculty-mentored original investigation within and beyond the curriculum. To achieve this mission, we conduct programs and events that facilitate research opportunities and experiences for CSUDH undergraduates in all disciplines, class levels and backgrounds.
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听听听Getting Started in听Undergraduate Research
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What is Undergraduate Research?
At CSUDH, we use the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) definition to define undergraduate research:听 An inquiry or investigation conducted by an undergraduate student that makes an original intellectual or creative contribution to the discipline.
Why Should I Get Involved?
Undergraduate research allows you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with experts in your field of study, mentorship, and to build strong faculty relationships and academic networks.听 Classwork will become more meaningful as you learn how to apply what you鈥檝e learned to real-world problems and issues. Undergraduate research will help prepare you for graduate school and equip you with transferable skills for any career. This experience allows you to test the waters and help decide if graduate school is for you or prompts the realizations about the kind of work you enjoy most and what career path you wish to pursue.
How and When Should I Get Started?
The first step is to identify your research interest. Then, take a proactive outreach approach to contact potential mentors in your area of interest. Talk with current or past professors you have taken courses with and enjoyed. Inquire about the kind of research happening in your field through the department or meet with an academic advisor. Talk to fellow students about different projects they are working on. Attend the CSUDH Annual Student Research Conference (SRC) to be an eyewitness to what other students are working on and the faculty they are working with. Most students often start their research journey in their junior or senior year, after they鈥檝e laid a foundation in their major. However, you may have the option to explore research as early as your freshman year. Some faculty may want you to have taken a certain course before joining. As you reach out to faculty, you will learn about any prerequisites they may have. Keep in mind that prior research experience is not expected from undergraduates. Students usually start with entry-level tasks at their skill level and build from there. However, you are expected to show up ready to learn, try your best, and ask questions when you don鈥檛 understand something.
Are there Funded Research Opportunities?
Funded research gives students the advantage of working in their field of study while getting paid. Financial support can enable students to cut back on work hours and allow more time dedicated to research. Although funding is not available for all students, there are opportunities out there. Consult with your department or academic advisor about opportunities, as they may be aware of faculty with research grants that offer hourly student research assistant positions. There are also federally funded programs such as LSAMP, Mellon Mays, CAHSI, and McNair that provide financial support and professional development. These programs are usually limited to those who are not US citizens or permanent residents. If you are not eligible for these kinds of support, there are still options available to you, and our office is committed to providing access to research opportunities. If you are undocumented and in STEM, that are available to you.听
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