How do I know which faculty members are currently doing research?
Emailing faculty members directly and asking them if they are currently conducting research and if they are accepting new research assistants is the best way at this time. You can check faculty webpages to see if they have posted information about their current lab operations or recommendations about when to contact them, or if positions are available.
What does research look like during remote learning?
It depends on the individual faculty member and/or the project. Some research can be done remotely while others cannot. Some common research methods and tasks that can be done remotely are literature reviews, transcribing interviews, reviewing transcripts, collecting data remotely (e.g. online surveys, zoom interviews), data analysis, archival research, coding and programming, and writing up research summaries, reports, manuscripts, etc.
What are some ways I can be/stay involved in undergraduate research during the pandemic?
The remote learning format has presented some challenges to engaging in undergraduate research, however, there are some action steps you can take during this time. You can ask to attend a research group meeting of a faculty member you are interested in working with. You can conduct informational interviews with faculty, post-docs, lab managers, graduate students and undergraduate students. Attend virtual department seminars, workshops, lectures or office hours as these can be a great networking opportunity. Many conferences are now moving to a virtual platform so looking for and attending virtual conferences in areas you are interested in can lead to connections and opportunities related to undergraduate research. Check out the URC Virtual Travel Awards! Read various research journal articles on your topic of choice (easy to find with a Google search). You can also explore JoVE.com, the world- leading producer and provider of science videos with the mission to improve scientific research and education.Millions of scientists, educators and students at thousands of universities, colleges, hospitals and biopharmaceutical companies worldwide use JoVE for their research, teaching and learning. These are just some thing you can do during the current remote learning environment that would help you stay engaged or can prepare you to engage in research once we return to campus. Check out a list of online resourcesat the Undergraduate Research Centerfor more examples and information.
Q: Can I participate in research at UC Davis if I am not a UC Davis student?
The focus of the Undergraduate Research Center at UC Davis is to provide programs and services focused on currently enrolled and incoming UC Davis undergraduate students, including transfer students. If you are currently enrolled at another institution (and not an incoming transfer student), then you can still contact individual departments and faculty about research opportunities. UC Davis does host several NSF-funded Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) programs that are coordinated directly by the departments and often recruit students from other institutions. Search for an NSF REU site here.
