Are you ready to take the next step in your academic journey and explore research opportunities at the University of Arizona? Engaging in research can be a transformative experience that enhances your skills, helps you build meaningful connections, and prepares you for your future career. This blog post outlines the essential steps and resources available at the University of Arizona to help you find the right research opportunity for your goals.
Why Pursue Research at the University of Arizona?
As a top-tier research institution (R1), the University of Arizona offers numerous benefits to students involved in undergraduate research. Research can help you:
- Identify your academic strengths and personal interests
- Build a network of faculty, peers, and professionals
- Gain hands-on skills transferable to future academic or career paths
- Become a more competitive applicant for internships, graduate school, or employment
Studies show that students who participate in undergraduate research experiences (UREs) are 1.8 times more likely to advance to continuing education programs, while students who participate in internships are 1.7 times more likely to secure full-time employment after graduation.
Types of Research Opportunities at UArizona
There are a variety of research opportunities available to fit your needs, including:
- Summer Research Programs: Programs like the Undergraduate Biology Research Program (UBRP), Undergraduate Research Opportunities Consortium (UROC), and National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) provide valuable summer research experiences.
- On-Campus Employment: Find research-related jobs through platforms like Handshake, where you can apply filters to find “undergraduate research” positions. These roles may also be available through Federal Work-Study.
- Long-Term Projects: Participate in long-term research through Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP), which offer sustained, interdisciplinary research opportunities. Examples include NASA-related research or interdisciplinary teams focused on gender equity, climate change, or nanoelectronics.
- Course-Based Research (CURE): If you prefer to integrate research into your coursework, the University of Arizona offers CURE courses that allow you to gain research experience while earning academic credit.
Where to Find Research Opportunities
At the University of Arizona, you have several resources to help you find research positions tailored to your interests:
- Handshake: Log in to Handshake, the university’s platform for job listings and internships. Filter your search by “undergraduate research” to find on-campus research opportunities.
- ur.arizona.edu: This is the official Undergraduate Research portal, where you can find information about research programs, faculty profiles, and opportunities across campus.
- career.arizona.edu: The SECD website is another valuable resource that connects students with research opportunities, workshops, and personalized career advice.
- Faculty and Advisors: Don’t hesitate to visit your professors’ office hours or meet with your academic advisor. Faculty members often know of upcoming research projects or have opportunities in their own labs. Your advisor can also guide you toward relevant research experiences within your major.
- Undergraduate Research Ambassadors (URA): These students have experience in finding and securing research positions. You can meet with them one-on-one via Handshake for personalized advice on how to find and apply for research opportunities.
Finding research opportunities is about perseverance, organization, and utilizing the resources available to you. Start by identifying your interests, use platforms like Handshake, ur.arizona.edu, and career.arizona.edu, and don’t hesitate to seek guidance from Undergraduate Research Ambassadors or faculty. Research can help shape your academic path and future career—so take the leap and explore what’s out there!
