Researching Research

Yes! There are over 350+ IU research centers and institutes in all areas of study.

• Research allows you to explore different disciplines within and outside of your major program of study.
• Studies show students who participate in research earn better grades, are more likely to graduate, and are better equipped for graduate school or careers.
• Gain mentors.
• Stretch learning outside of the classroom and into practical spaces.
• Bolster your resume for job and graduate school applications.
• Possibly earn academic year and summer credit.

• Contact the IU Undergraduate Research Office at uroffice@iu.edu and subscribe to their Newsletter.
• Visit the IU Undergraduate Research Website which contains student spotlights of their stories in research and relevant resources and events.

Apply for Scholarships and Research Programs like:

• Advanced Summer Research Scholarships: Students in any field can apply for this summer research funding opportunity to work through a well-developed research plan with a preidentified faculty member.
• CEWiT Emerging Scholars Research Experiences for Undergraduate Woman: A 2-semester, credit-bearing research program pairing first- and second-year women with faculty researchers.
• Center for Research on Race and Ethnicity in Society (CRRES) Undergraduate Research Program in Social Sciences and Humanities: A 2-semester research opportunity allowing students to work alongside a faculty mentor and gain valuable research experience.
• Engaged Learning Travel Scholarship: Scholarship for students traveling to a conference to present their work or to offset travel costs associated with undergraduate research and creative activity (up to $800).
• GradGrants Center: Supports IU graduate students to help identify and secure grants, fellowships and awards from external sources.
• Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Summer Research Experience: A faculty-mentored, paid summer research program with the goal of increasing the number of underrepresented minority students graduating from IU with STEM degrees.
• Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering: A website dedicated to engaging our Luddy students in research activities on campus with projects related to their major interests.
• STEM Summer Research Program: A summer-long residential program that allows for traditionally underrepresented students to work with a research mentor and earn a stipend and housing over the summer.
• Sustainability Scholars: An academic-year long research program where students are assigned a faculty member and work to craft and execute a research plan (students enroll in a 2-credit hour Sustainability Scholars course in the Spring semester).

STEP 1: CONSIDER WHAT INTERESTS YOU
Examine your interests and explore the Luddy Faculty Research Directory to see what topics are currently being researched right here at Luddy.

STEP 2: GAIN SKILLS
Try to gain a foundational set of practical skills such as data analysis and coding courses, statistics, or even a research methodology or ethics course.

STEP 3: ASK ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES
Approach instructors, associate instructors, and undergraduate instructors in classes that you are enjoying and ask them about any opportunities they know of to get involved. Attending office hours is a great way to build a relationship with these stakeholders.

STEP 4: EXPLORE LABS
Explore the different research labs at the Luddy School by attending research colloquiums (talks) or doing online research through the website that includes different Luddy research centers and labs.

STEP 5: PREPARE MATERIALS
Craft a strong resume or curriculum vitae that can accompany an email to different labs or instructors. When sending your emails:

DO:

• Identify yourself.
• Use your IU email.
• Address the person you are emailing.
• Explain why you are interested and qualified.
• Research the faculty member and their projects.
• Make it easy to set up a meeting by including dates and times you are available.
• Include a relevant subject heading such as “Seeking Research Opportunity”

DON’T:

• Send generic emails to multiple professors at once. You need to make a personalized email to one professor at a time.
• Forget to proofread.
• Give up! If you need help, contact Career Services.