Getting Started with Undergraduate Research

How to Get Started with Your Research

Why Get Involved in Research?

Whether you’re just curious or already passionate about diving deeper into your field, getting involved in research is a rewarding way to build skills, connect with mentors and make a real impact.

Hands-On Learning: Apply what you learn in class to real-world problems.
Mentorship Opportunities: Work closely with faculty experts and research teams.
Skill Development: Strengthen critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and technical skills.
Career and Graduate School Preparation: Stand out on applications and explore career paths.
Personal Growth: Discover new interests and build confidence in your abilities.

Who Can Participate?

OURS+GO encourages any undergraduate students in the College of Engineering & Science to consider getting involved with undergraduate research! You don’t need previous experience. Curiosity, commitment and a willingness to learn are the most important starting points.

How Does Research Work? Is it for me?

The first step in any research or creative project is figuring out what interests you. You probably have many interests that feel completely disconnected from each other. Not a problem. Think about what you’d like to learn.

How To Narrow Down Your Interests

Undergraduate research is a chance to individualize your education! What do you want to learn more about? What is something that has kept you thinking?
Think about the following questions:
- In the next 10 years, what is the most important problem you think people will need to solve?
- What experience from your favorite class kept you thinking after you left class? Did you want to talk about it with a friend?
- If you could showcase a project in your portfolio to a future employer, what kind of project or output would it be?

The goal of this step should be identifying things you’re interested in for whatever reason and want to learn more about!

You can also think about research areas by topic — the WHAT? or by methods – the HOW?
There is no right or wrong way to think about the type of research that you engage in! The most important thing is that you’re interested, because that will lead to a better experience and better connections.

Find a Research Mentor

The first step in getting involved with research is finding a mentor whose work aligns with your interests. Start by exploring faculty profiles on your department’s website or browsing recent publications to see what topics spark your curiosity.
Don’t be afraid to reach out—most professors are excited to work with motivated undergraduates. When contacting a potential mentor, introduce yourself, explain why you’re interested in their research and ask if they’re open to meeting to discuss opportunities. You can also attend departmental events, research fairs or ask advisors for recommendations to help you make connections.
Now that you have some ideas, it’s time to find people studying what you want to explore. Build your academic network – whether you end up working with them or not, the more people you talk to, the stronger your research project will be.

Get the Funding Conversation Started

Ann Serra, Dir. OSPRA
serraam@udmercy.edu
(313) 993-1469

Quick Links

CAYUSE SUPPORT
Michele Favoretto
favoremi@udmercy.edu
(313) 993-1428

Forms

Required Forms/Templates

Helpful Links

Working with OSPRA from project concept through award has significantly increased my awareness and understanding of the processes and UDM policies.

OSPRA Workshops

OSPRA offers a series of workshops throughout the academic year. Browse the workshop schedule and register today.

NEW Faculty Members

OSPRA Workshops offer the perfect opportunity to lean more about the sponsored research activities at UDM and gain an understanding of the process and policies. Register today.