Q: What is Undergraduate Research?
A: Undergraduate research is a collaboration between a student and a faculty member in making a creative, original contribution to a given discipline, first by investigating that topic, then by sharing their findings with the academic community, usually through a conference presentation or journal publication.
This research is not limited to the traditional sciences, but includes the arts, education,
engineering, health sciences, humanities, or any other topic which interests a student.
Original creative work is also included (writing a short story or screenplay with
a faculty mentor, for example). Research projects can be anything from the investigation
of the growth of cancer cells in cats to a study of common themes in 18th century
Russian poetry, to interviewing survivors of a natural disaster, or working with a
local business in designing a new marketing campaign.
The research enhances the student’s involvement in and knowledge of a given field and brings new ideas to all who are interested in that field, therefore encouraging further research or creative work.
Q: Why do undergraduate research?
A: Undergraduate Research…
- Helps you obtain greater knowledge of a field beyond the classroom
- Demonstrates application of knowledge beyond the classroom
- Demonstrates initiative, leadership skills, and an ability to collaborate
- Demonstrates good communication skills (i.e., conference presentation/publication)
- Enhances your resume
Q: Who does undergraduate research?
A: Anyone may choose to conduct research as an undergraduate at WCU.
- Students with declared and undecided majors
- Students across all disciplines and majors
- Both Honors and non-Honors students
- Freshman and upperclassmen