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 undergraduate researcher and his mentor

Turning research into meaningful policy

Maha Alhomoud’s goal is to leverage her research into policy that shapes the development of sustainable, inclusive and progressive healthcare and employment policies in the Middle East

Alhomoud’s research

Photo of Daniel Chen

Daniel Chen receives Goldwater Scholarship

Chen is an active undergraduate researcher, earning a Levinson Emerging Scholars and Mary Gates Research scholarship as well. Read about his research at the Institute for Systems Biology.

Chen’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

Undergraduate Research Program

The Undergraduate Research Program helps students engage in research with UW faculty mentors in all disciplines.The Undergraduate Research Program 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.

Undergraduate Research Program

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 thoughtful-looking student in lecture

Office of Educational Assessment

Provides a variety of evaluation and assessment services to the UW and outside organizations. Office of Educational Assessment researchers conduct assessment of student and program outcomes and evaluate grant-funded programs. The office also facilitates student course evaluations, classroom test scoring and proctored test administration.

Office of Educational Assessment

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


  • Janice DeCosmo to retire from Undergraduate Academic Affairs

    September 30, 2023

    Undergraduate Academic Affairs

    Janice DeCosmo, associate vice provost for undergraduate research and associate dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs, will retire in October, capping off over 20 years of impact and leadership within Undergraduate Academic Affairs and 30 years at the University of Washington. Janice DeCosmo, associate vice provost and associate dean of Undergraduate Academic AffairsPhoto by Bryan Nakata…

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  • The Undergraduate Research Program announces new name: Office of Undergraduate Research

    September 30, 2023

    Undergraduate Academic Affairs

    The name of the Undergraduate Research Program has recently changed to the Office of Undergraduate Research. The updated name more accurately reflects the diverse range of research programs, scholarships, events, awards and essential resources the unit offers to support the success of all undergraduates at the University of Washington.  Created over 25 years ago, the…

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  • Undergraduates immersed in summer STEM research

    September 30, 2023

    Undergraduate Academic Affairs

    When you think of summer as an undergraduate, you're probably envisioning relaxing by the pool, catching up on much-needed sleep or working long hours at a summer job. But have you considered spending your summer in a STEM research lab? The University of Washington's Office of Undergraduate Research hosts a variety of programming and partner…

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