Office of Undergraduate Research

Learning isn't always by the book. Your college experience is full of great classes, but applying what you're learning is just as important to your future. That's where research, scholarly projects, and creative activities come in.

Imagine applying to grad school or a future employer right after college. Now, imagine applying while already showing real-life experience and the difference your projects have made. Just as importantly, research helps you better understand and apply what you learn in your classes. Better grades, better career opportunities—what's not to love?

The skills you'll learn are not just related to your field. In your projects, you'll improve in those soft skills employers tend to love—teamwork, project management, critical thinking, data analysis, and more.

It's never too early. We welcome anyone from freshmen to graduating seniors. Once we know the direction you want to look in, we'll point you the right way. You might not know where to start looking for the right project. We'll work with you to find on-campus opportunities and external options.

The Office of Undergraduate Research hosts the following events and more!

• Annual Scholars Forum, the main event of Research Appreciation Week in April
  • Showcasing posters, podium presentations, juried art, music exhibits, and more!
• Undergraduate Summer Opportunity for Applying Research (U-SOAR)
  • Win a stipend to conduct your own summer research! Take on an independent project with a faculty research mentor, and join us for scaffolded professional development opportunities and a research symposium.
• National Achievement Scholarship mentorship
  • Learn about different achievement scholarships you can apply for, and work with our office to craft effective applications that express your extraordinary qualities and goals.

Getting started on any project can be daunting. Fortunately, IUP's research offices are designed to help students navigate this process. We can help you familiarize yourself with:

• Research ethics, including comprehensive ethics training.

• Getting approved for your research through the Institutional Review Board and/or the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.

• Finding a faculty mentor who can work with you on your project.

• Accessing the latest research literature at the IUP Libraries.

• Data analysis help at the Applied Research Lab.

• Writing assistance at the Kathleen Jones Writing Center.

• Research opportunities like the IUP U-SOAR program.

• Professional presentation through the IUP Scholars Forum.

• Funding opportunities through IUP InfoReady, the Scientific Research Honor Society Sigma Xi, national achievement scholarships, and more.

Faculty mentors are the backbone of undergraduate student research at IUP. The Office of Undergraduate Research oversees the University-wide Student Research Committee, where faculty members help disseminate information about research opportunities to students and faculty; encourage students to participate in the Scholars Forum, U-SOAR, or other scholarly activities; identify and nominate students for national achievement scholarships; and more!

Help us continue to offer our students the support they need to conduct their research and get creative in all majors. Professors interested in working more closely with students or the UWSRC should reach out to the Office of Undergraduate Research. Working closely with a student allows you to get multiple perspectives on your project while mentoring a potential future leader in your field. We can help professors learn more about student opportunities and find mentor/mentee matches. We can also work with you to ensure our workshops and events fit the needs of your undergraduate research.