Deciding On Research

"Research has helped me connect more surely with my strengths and weaknesses; I have changed my majors to better reflect my passions."
- Athena Canones Epilepsia (Technical Communication)

Before getting involved in a research project with a faculty, consider your goals, interests, and time commitments. Ask yourself:

What do I hope to gain through my research experience?
What are my interests?
What do I know about research in my field?
How much time can I realistically commit to working on a research project?
Are there particular skills I need to aid me in my research project?
Are there courses I should take before doing a particular research project?
What type of learning environment do I prefer?

Whether you are ready for research depends on your willingness to take intellectual risks, your interest level, and persistence, in addition to your background knowledge. If you are intellectually curious about a topic and are willing to work hard to learn and master knowledge and new skills, then you are probably ready for a research experience.

Keep in mind that if you are a beginner with few skills, the type of project you can undertake will be limited; however, projects suitable for beginners exist in many disciplines. Also, if you have two quarters or less remaining at UW, it may be too late for you to tackle an ambitious project. So visit the Undergraduate Research Program as soon as possible, no matter what your level of expertise!

To aid students who are deciding on research, the Undergraduate Research Program conducts Information Sessions on undergraduate research every autumn, winter and spring quarter. Registration for these sessions is recommended.

Also, if you are a faculty or FIG/TRIG leader who would like the URP to conduct an Information Session for your class, e-mail the URP with your preferred dates and times.