What is Undergraduate Research?
The term “undergraduate research” can encompass a wide variety of activities on a university campus. For our program, undergraduate research refers to those activities in which a student works on a creative or research project under the mentor-ship 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.
Why participate in Undergraduate Research?
Here’s why LSU undergraduates participate in research:
- 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
Types of Undergraduate Research experiences and how to find them
For course credit
Many departments offer courses, such as Independent Study or Special Problem courses,
in which you can conduct research.
Talk to your academic advisor or a faculty member about how to take one of these courses.
For pay
Students can earn an hourly wage working on their research.
Search our Mentor Database for faculty looking for student researchers, look for on-campus
jobs in Handshake, or apply for an LSU Discover Research Project Grant.
Visit the Mentor Database
Visit Handshake
Visit the Research Project Grant page
University scholarships and work study
Students with Work Study, President’s Student Aid, or a President’s Future Leaders
in Research scholarship can opt to work with a faculty mentor for an hourly wage.
Students who are eligible for these funding sources are contacted directly by the
Financial Aid and Scholarships office. Make sure to reply to their emails to indicate
your acceptance of the funds. Looking for a faculty member to work with? Search for available faculty in our Mentor Database. Or schedule an appointment with an LSU Discover advisor.
Other funding opportunities
There are several scholarship and grant opportunities available to LSU undergraduates
through various departments and programs. You can apply directly for these.
View funding opportunities with links.
Volunteering
Students may also want to consider getting involved in research as a volunteer opportunity.
The best way to find these opportunities is to reach out directly to a faculty member.
Search for available faculty in our Mentor Database.
Who to talk to about Undergraduate Research?
Other research students
The LSU Discover 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
The LSU Discover Mentor Database is where faculty list their names, research topics, and contact info. Students interested in research should email them directly. View the Mentor Database.
LSU Discover
Contact us! We’re happy to answer your questions or provide guidance on how to approach faculty or search for opportunities. Email us at lsudiscover@lsu.edu or stop by our open office hours which are held on the following days and times:
Tuesday from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. in Hatcher 333
Wednesdays from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. in Hatcher 331
Thursdays from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. in Hatcher 330