Research and Getting Experience

There are many ways to become involved in research as an undergraduate, something you should seriously consider. Work with an advisor to discuss what's best for you. Be sure to learn about opportunities available for research and internships (check the listserv).

Undergraduate Biology Research Program (UBRP)

UBRP is designed to involve students in science through biological research. Students are paid for their research efforts and they develop an understanding of scientific method, a realistic view of biological research, and skills necessary to be successful in post-graduate studies.

http://ubrp.arizona.edu

NASA Space Grant

The UA/NASA Space Grant Program hires undergraduate (sophomores-seniors) research interns for a mentored research experience. Fields of inquiry include exploration, earth observations and our changing environment, information sciences, biological and physical research, science education, journalism, and policy. Successful applicants work alongside upper-level graduate students, faculty, and practicing scientists, mathematicians, engineers and even professional journalists. Applications are available online at http://spacegrant.arizona.edu.

Paid Research

Faculty often have funding that allows students to get paid to work on a research project. Don't expect to conduct cutting edge research right away. You may have to pay your dues by cleaning glassware, entering data, or cleaning cages. But doing grunt work is important, and gets your foot in the door.

Honors Grant

Students may seek their own funding through the Undergraduate Research Grants program. Undergraduates can apply for a stipend or other expenses needed for research. Student proposals must have the support of a faculty member, who cosigns the proposal and commits to serve as a research mentor and advisor. Applications are available each January from The Honors Center in Slonaker House. The proposal deadline is in early March.

Internships

Students can gain pre-professional experience by working as interns with resource management agencies or conservation organizations over the summer or during the school year. Interns earning University credit keep a log of activities and write a completion report supported by scientific literature and submitted for faculty review. Arizona Game and Fish Department offers internships every summer (see Dr. Mannan for details), and internships with other organizations are posted on the listserv.

Independent Study

If you have a great idea for gaining experience or conducting a project and you know a faculty member who would be interested in guiding you through the process, you can conduct independent study for credit (see course numbers 299, 399, 499). See your advisor for more information and how to use Independent Study as a technical elective.

Volunteer

Chances are you won't be able to find a paid internship, research experience, or part-time natural resources job right away. Scan through faculty websites and talk to teaching assistants and advisors to find out who is doing the kind of work that interests you. Then talk to those professors or graduate students to find out if they could use a volunteer on their research projects. Again, it gets your foot in the door and is valuable experience.

Get to know faculty, graduate students, and staff. Go to office hours. Ask questions. Don't be afraid to be interested and enthusiastic. If you are intimidated by face-to-face contact with a total stranger, give them a call or send an email first.