The Office of Undergraduate Research team was excited to have so many undergraduates join us through our Dawg Daze 2026 events, but recognize that not everyone was able to get into these events. The team wanted to share some of the key takeaways from panelists and share some great resources to get new students started in exploring undergraduate research at the University of Washington!
Panelist response to questions
Time commitments vary across opportunities; hours can range based on pay, credit, or volunteering. Panelists shared hours ranging from 4 to 20 hours. When they worked depending on the task: remotely or alongside their mentor.
Regardless, time management mixed with taking care of yourself is a requirement. Panelists love Google Calendar and disconnecting entirely from research when taking breaks.
Panelists shared stories of navigating their first opportunities and saw them as “getting your foot in the door” and growing from there. Some have taken on new opportunities, others staying with their first mentor for 3-4 years.
Panelists shared that they talked with their course professors, used peer networks, applied via the database, and through for formal programs to get into research.
Panelists reflected on being consistent and using templates, but being personal with each outreach. Not all panelists started research during the first quarter of their first year.
They shared that when emailing, you never know when an opportunity will come up. So send the email, follow up, and continue to connect.
Projects can vary based on the type and the mentor. But, when it comes to arts and humanities research, if you are not in a formal program, there may be more of an opportunity to work with hands-off support from a mentor. Thus, it is important to become familiar with working with a mentor, understanding your research goals, and being committed to the project, use of your time, and communication.
A panelist reflected on self-taught AI mechanisms through YouTube, Github, and communicating with mentors and peers to learn.
Panelists also shared that having previous knowledge was not usually a requiste to get into research. It was moreso about interest alignment, genuine connection, and some considerations for timing.
Resources and getting started
Why research?
Research is an opportunity to do many things! From exploring and deepening your passions or interests to taking what you learn in-class out of class, fostering real-world impact. Undergraduate research can help you grow in career readiness, even if you choose to do something unrelated to research. From critical thinking to becoming a better communicator. Whatmore, research groups/labs and support from mentors can create impactful communities.
Learn more about defining research.
Get started
Research can generally be approached in two ways at the UW!
- Organized programs: Often have a set start and end date; can occur during the academic year or summer; have a formal application process.
- Independent outreach: Includes individually connecting with research mentors; can start whenever and wherever; often starts with an email.
Learn more about the pathways into research.
Research Café
Join us once a month through Autumn Quarter for conversation with peers and undergraduate researchers… with donuts!
Hosted in Mary Gates Hall 171 on:
- October 8, 2026, 2-3:00pm
- November 12, 2026, 1:30-3:00pm
- December 3, 2026, 1:30-3:00pm
Learn about Research Café and register to attend.
Advising
We have 1:1 advising where we can support you across many topics:
- Discovering opportunities
- Mentor-mentee relationships and communication
- Research dissemination
- Taking your research experience beyond the UW
We also host an Advising Workshop Series, an opportunity to collaborate with staff and peers to bring your research goals to life.