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Undergraduate Academic Affairs

Research

The ripple effect of undergraduate research is far-reaching. Undergraduates work alongside some of the university’s most accomplished faculty to help solve society’s most intractable problems. Together, their work spans all majors and is conducted in labs, libraries, communities, art studios and nature. This immersive education prepares students for careers in research, teaches invaluable skills like persistence, teamwork, critical thinking and creative problem-solving, and advances our basic understanding of how things work. Students love it, too. More than 80% of them participate in research over the course of their undergraduate education. 

What you’ll find here: Undergraduate research opportunities // Research led by UAA programs // Stories about undergraduate and UAA research

 

Photo of Kristin Bennett with an image of brain neurons projected onto her.

Navy to Neuroscience

Undergraduate and Navy veteran Kristin Bennett brings her firsthand experience with traumatic brain injuries into the lab, determined to uncover mysteries about the brain to advance knowledge and treatment.

Bennett’s research

Photo of Ken Srinakarin

A boundless connection

Kavin “Ken” Srinakarin, is a first-generation international student dedicated to reshaping dialogues on mental health and promoting research equity. His physiological research stokes his curiosity about the unknown.

Srinakarin’s research

Undergraduate research opportunities

Photo of undergraduate researcher and his mentor

Mary Gates Endowment for Students

Scholarships for students to carry out a research project in any field under the guidance of a faculty mentor, with additional support from co-mentors such as graduate students or postdoctoral associates. Projects can include laboratory or other quantitative or qualitative research, community-based research, creative arts or other scholarly work. (Leadership and innovation scholarships are also available.)

Research Scholarships

Faculty mentor and students researching together

Office of Undergraduate Research

The Office of Undergraduate Research helps students engage in research with UW faculty mentors in all disciplines. The Office of Undergraduate Research offers research scholarships, hosts summer research programs, provides courses and workshops, convenes the Undergraduate Research Symposium and summer symposia, and supports the Undergraduate Research Leaders program.

Office of Undergraduate Research

Research led by UAA programs

Research is a vital part of Undergraduate Academic Affairs’ commitment to undergraduate success. Our researchers investigate the most effective learning and support strategies for a wide range of students, whether they are transfer, first-generation, traditional or non-traditional students. They guide colleagues across campus and the country in designing studies, developing assessment strategies and helping educators turn data into actionable steps.

Photo of two students working together on a paper

Community College Research Initiatives

Community College Research Initiatives (CCRI) conducts research on equitable college access, progression and transfer, degree completion and employment in living-wage careers for underserved and diverse students. CCRI researchers provide strategies and guidance to institutions across the country about using data to increase student success and access to higher education. 

CCRI

Photo of students walking in the Quad

Resilience Lab

The Resilience Lab is running a longitudinal study on student resilience and well-being. The study will follow four cohorts of first-year students through graduation to gain insights into what resources help them through stressful events and contribute to their mental health and academic success.

Resilience Lab Research

Stories about undergraduate and UAA research