How to get involved in undergraduate research

The term “undergraduate research” can encompass a wide variety of activities on a university campus. For our office, undergraduate research refers to those activities in which a student works on a research or creative project under the mentorship of a faculty member. These projects explore a specific topic within a field, and that topic may be developed independently by the student or in collaboration with the mentor.

Participation in undergraduate research can occur in one of many different modes including: paid positions, for course credit, scholarship opportunities, honors theses, or as volunteers.

The Council on Undergraduate Research, the national professional association for undergraduate research administrators and faculty, defines undergraduate as "[a] mentored investigation or creative inquiry conducted by undergraduates that seeks to make a scholarly or artistic contribution to knowledge." 

• Enhance your application to graduate school.
• Explore career directions.
• Participate in real-word, hands-on experiences.
• Develop your personal and professional skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and perseverance.
• Reinforce knowledge learned in the classroom.
• Develop a strong personal connection with a faculty mentor.

 

Other research students:

• The LSU Research Ambassadors are available to answer your questions, chat about their experiences, and give advice. View a list of the ambassadors and their contact info.

Faculty:

• Talk to your course instructors and ask them about research.
• Reach out to faculty directly via email and/or stop by their office hours. 

LSU Office of Undergraduate Research:

• Contact us! We’re happy to answer your questions or provide guidance on how to approach faculty or search for opportunities.
• Email us at lsuour@lsu.edu or stop by our open office hours which are held on the following days and times:
  • Tuesdays from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. in Hatcher 333
  • Wednesdays from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. in Hatcher 331
  • Thursdays from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. in Hatcher 330

Below are some common words and terms you will see associated with undergraduate research. 

Adjunct
An adjunct professor is a type of academic appointment in higher education where the professor does not work at the university full-time.

Faculty
The teaching staff of a university or college.

Graduate student
Someone who is pursuing an advanced degree (Masters or PhD) after having earned their undergraduate degree.

Instructor
A college or university teacher whose job typically only entails teaching.

Research Mentor
An experienced person who trains and guides a student through a research or creative project.

PI or Principal Investigator
The individual responsible for the preparation, conduct, and administration of a research grant. This phrase is also often used as a synonym for "head of the laboratory" or "research group leader."

Post-doc or Postdoctoral Researcher
A person professionally conducting research after the completion of their doctoral studies. Postdocs most commonly have a temporary academic appointment, sometimes in preparation for an academic faculty position.

President's Student Aid (PSA)
An LSU funded work study program awarded with certain freshman merit-based scholarships that offer students an opportunity to earn money while in school.
Students can earn up to approximately $1,550 for fall/spring as payment for their work in a student employment position. President’s Student Aid is awarded for 4 years (8 semesters) if students maintain the retention requirements including 24 credit hours earned over the academic year and a 2.0 cumulative GPA. 

Professor
An academic rank at universities an other post-secondary education and research institutions. A typical professor's job is to both conduct research and to teach.  The standard academic ranks for professors at LSU are:
Assistant Professor
Associate Professor
Professor

Research Associate
A professional who works in a research setting to support the efforts of a team or individual.

Federal Work Study
The Federal Work-Study Program allows students who show financial need to earn money to assist with their educational expenses.
Work-Study is usually $3,000 for fall/spring or $3,600 for summer/fall/spring but it can vary according to your need-based eligibility. This is determined through the FAFSA and whatever aid you may already have (grants, scholarships, etc.)