Research and creative inquiry are foundational aspects of higher education. Both students and faculty benefit when undergraduate students are involved in research. Faculty mentors can help facilitate the development of undergraduate student researchers by working with them one-on-one through a research experience.
Mentoring undergraduate student researchers
Mentoring undergraduate researchers is key to successful partnerships between faculty and students. Mentoring may include planning, setting clear expectations and benchmarking, relationship building, appropriate training in methodology and professionalism, and developing a students’ self-sufficiency.
Below are some research mentor resources.
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UFRM’s undergraduate research contract - Consider completing this document at the beginning of an undergraduate research experience to help ensure that both you and your student get what is wanted out of the experience.
- The Council of Undergraduate Research - The Council of Undergraduate Research (CUR) is the preeminent organization centered around strengthening undergraduate research and creativity activity. Penn State faculty, staff, and students are eligible to take advantage of the University’s enhanced institutional membership and register for an individual membership at no cost. Membership benefits include access to CUR Quarterly, CUR’s online archive of Webinar Recordings and materials, and more.
- Videos on High Quality Mentoring – The Center for Engaged Learning at Elon University has several videos on undergraduate research and mentoring.
- Mentoring Guide | Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) | UC Boulder has an extensive set of information and resources on mentoring.
- UFRM offers training and workshops on mentoring and can provide other training as needed. Contact [email protected].
Finding undergraduate researchers to mentor
Research mentors across Penn State interested in connecting with undergraduates can use the Penn State Research Opportunities Database.
What is the Research Opportunities database?
The Penn State Research Opportunities Database is a cross-university resource that allows students to search for research opportunities by research area, campus, position type (paid, credit, volunteer, etc.) and work setting (on campus or remote).
What types of research can be posted?
Research opportunities in any research area can be posted! This includes projects that may be termed “creative inquiry” or “creative activity” such as those in humanities, music, visual and performing arts. You can include specific projects or more general research opportunities.
How do I post?
Posting is a 2-step process. First, you must create an account. Once you are confirmed, you can create the post(s). More information can be found on the Using The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Database page.
Funding undergraduate researchers
Funding is available for undergraduate researchers, particularly those who are working on independent projects.
- Erickson Discovery Grants – Provides summer funding to start, continue, or finish an independent project. Applications close early February.
- Student Engagement Network Grants – SEN provides support for virtual, remote, and/or in-person engagement opportunities. There are 3 application cycles per year.