Undergraduate Research Center

•  How important is GPA when applying for research positions?
• There are many factors that go into selecting a research assistant to join a research team. Sometimes GPA is taken into account but this is not the case across the board and is dependent on the individual faculty member. Most faculty put a much greater emphasis on your level of interest in the topic, curiosity, and personal motivation.
• Do I have to interview for research positions?
• Whether formal or informal, there is generally some sort of interview process when searching for an undergraduate research position. The interview is a time for the faculty member to get to know you and for you to get to know them. Be prepared to answer questions about why you are interested in that particular research lab/project, what skills you have, your motivations for engaging in undergraduate research and maybe even your goals are just a few examples of questions you can expect. You should also be prepared to ask the faculty member questions at the end of your interview. Sometimes interviews are conducted one on one with you and the faculty member or with a small panel of people from the research lab/project. This is great experience for you to practice your interview skills.
• How many faculty should I be contacting at once?
• There is no limit to how many faculty you can contact; however, you want to be sure to personalize each email you send to faculty members that shows you know the type of research they are doing, and include specific details about your motivation and interest in working with that particular faculty member on that specific lab/research project. You should only be applying or inquiring about positions/opportunities you are genuinely interested in accepting if you are invited to join a lab/project. Do not send a generic email to multiple faculty at the same time.
• When should I start doing research?
•  This is dependent on the individual student. Some students feel like they are ready to start research right away and others feel like they want to wait a quarter before starting. The most important thing is to consider what type of research experience you are looking for and begin looking for opportunities that match your desires. Don’t know what you are looking for? Check out our URC Discovery Cafe series or contact the URC at urc@ucdavis.edu and one of our team members can help you get started.
• What does undergraduate research look like?
• Research takes many forms, and what it looks like varies depending upon your major and interests. Some examples of research tasks/activities include surveys and interviews, data analysis, laboratory benchwork, fieldwork, archive work, modeling/computations, design projects, creative arts compositions, creative writing/poetry, film production and social justice/policy are just some of the hands on experience students can expect when engaging in undergraduate research.
• Is it common for a student to participate in multiple research groups/labs?
• Students may have multiple experiences throughout their undergraduate career. Although this is possible, it is recommended that students participate in only one research experience at a time, keeping in mind that a full research experience takes at least one year to complete. Participating in one research area for a longer period of time helps you discover more about the area and develop advanced skills. An extended research position is also more likely to lead to publication and other advanced opportunities.
• Can non-STEM majors get involved in science research?
• There are many different opportunities to discover new knowledge and contribute to academic research and creative activities on campus in all disciplines. A student’s major does not restrict the type of research in which a student can participate. Research can be done outside of one’s major to complement interests. If a faculty member/lab has prerequisites, they will likely be listed on the position announcement or their website.
• What are some of the benefits of undergraduate research?
• There are many benefits to undergraduate research! While most students are told that this is a great way to meet faculty and get a good recommendation letter, there are many benefits that go beyond a letter of recommendation. By participating in undergraduate research you can earn credit towards your degree, build technical skills, sharpen your critical thinking skills, learn how to apply knowledge and methods to real-world applications, attend and present research at national conferences and becoming more competitive when applying for awards, graduate school and fellowships are just a few benefits that you can gain.
• What types of careers/jobs involve research?
• There are many careers/jobs that involve research at various levels. Some examples of careers/jobs that involve research are professor/academia, business development, journal editors, career development, public policy, marketing/sales, environmental science, curriculum development and entrepreneurship are just a few. The options are endless!
• Is being a full-time student a requirement for doing research?
•  To participate in research at UC Davis during the academic year students must be enrolled at UC Davis as a student. There is no university policy that states a student must be enrolled full-time to participate in undergraduate research. You can also enroll in research for units. Generally, students enroll in 1-3 units of variable unit courses such as 194 or 199; however, you can enroll in up to 6 units after consulting with your major advisor and faculty research mentor so that you can spend more time with research.
• Where can I access campus safety training?
• You can access free campus lab safety training at https://safetyservices.ucdavis.edu/training/laboratory-safety. Students can also access free training through the UC Davis Learning Management System (LMS). Prior to accessing safety training and other LMS trainings, an account must be requested and created by emailing sdps@ucdavis.edu. Once your account is set up, you will have access to a variety of safety trainings that will prepare you for undergraduate research at UC Davis, and also enhance your preparation for internships and careers after graduation. You will also have additional safety training that is specialized for some research labs.
• Are we expected to provide our own safety equipment or will it be provided for us?
• For most labs, safety equipment will be provided. Your faculty mentor, often referred to as the principal investigator (PI), will orient you regarding the specific details.
• Are faculty willing to let students do their own research?
• Yes, students are generally working on their own research project, but it may be closely related to a larger ongoing project. It depends on the faculty members capacity to support an independent research project. For students who do have the opportunity to start their own research project, they have typically been working for the same faculty member/lab for some time. Many students will start out working closely a graduate student or postdoc mentor so that they can learn skills while assisting with an ongoing project, then they will progress to a more advanced or independent project while still receiving mentoring.
• What if I join a lab and discover that the research area or lab culture is not a good fit for me?
•  The most important thing in this situation is open and professional communication with your faculty mentor so that you do not negatively impact any future undergraduate research opportunities for yourself. Want some tips on how to have this conversation? Contact us at urc@ucdavis.edu and a team member will help you talk through your options.