Undergraduate Information

Research Opportunities

The College of Science is committed to enhancing undergraduate education by introducing students to research. Through collaborations with faculty, students can successfully design and implement research projects. Undergraduates can probe the origins of the universe, study the effects of climatic and other changes on planet Earth, assess avian habitats, study chemical signals associated with obesity, elucidate factors contributing to cancer, or even build a satellite.

A variety of programs are active throughout the year, providing both paid and unpaid research experience. Some students can also earn course credit for participating in research. Explore the possibilities that the College of Science has to offer!

More than 65% of undergraduates in the College of Science participate in independent research projects.

Why do Research

Research conducted as an undergraduate will provide opportunities to:

1. obtain a hands-on understanding of course theory
2. discover and nurture a passion for science
3. make a difference through original research discoveries
4. prepare for graduate school
5. work closely with a faculty member and his or her research team
6. gain a competitive edge in both the job market and graduate and professional schools

Examples of research by College of Science undergraduates:

1. design and synthesis of organic compounds to control human feeding behavior and obesity
2. identification of individuals with Giardia (parasite-induced intestinal disease) in a poor town in Peru
3. analysis of images sent back form Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity
4. testing potential therapeutic agents in mice as treatments for Niemann-Pick Type C (neurological disease)
5. mathematical modeling of tumor metabolism
6. computer-based object recognition in images
7. search for near-field interference of atom waves

Research Programs

Several nationally-funded undergraduate research programs are available at the University of Arizona, encompassing many areas of research. Opportunities for undergraduates to work on research projects with faculty are also available outside of formal programs, and undergraduates can become engaged in research projects with faculty outside their department. Undergraduates who participate in research are often invited to showcase their work at local and national conferences.

Science internships and research opportunities are open to undergraduates across the University, including in the colleges of science, medicine, agriculture and life sciences, engineering, pharmacy, public health, and nursing, as well as at other institutions and corporations. Advisors based in each of the departments within the College of Science can provide up-to-date information on the undergraduate research opportunities.

Over the past 12 years, the BRAVO! Program has provided international research fellowships for 131 research-experienced undergraduates to do research at 74 institutions in 27 countries.

Some current research programs for undergraduates include:

1. Undergraduate Biology Research Program
2. Biomedical Research Abroad: Vistas Open!
3. Beckman Scholars (biology and chemistry)
4. UA/NASA Space Grant Undergraduate Research Internship Program
5. Phoenix Mars Mission Undergraduate Research Program (Doug Lombardi [lombardi@lpl.arizona.edu])
6. Honors Undergraduate Research Grant Program (honors and non-honors students)
7. Summer Research Institute (under-represented students)
8. Computer Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Scholarship (CSEMS) (under-represented students)
9. McNair Achievement Program (under-represented students)
10. Minority Access to Research Careers (biomedical research)
11. Native American Cancer Research Partnership (biomedical research)
12. Independent Study for course credit, through all science departments
13. Work Study
14. Volunteer Work