Getting Started & FAQs

Discover Your Passions through Undergraduate Research!

Are you interested in environmental issues? Would you like to change the world as a social entrepreneur? Do you want to communicate with a global audience through your art? Become an undergraduate researcher!

Getting Started in Undergraduate Research

At UTC, all students can participate in UR regardless of background, discipline, or year of study.

The Office for Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavor (URaCE) is your primary resource for support throughout the entire research process. From getting started in UR to sharing your research through publication and presentation, we are here to assist you.

Steps to Engagement

1. Attend a Getting Started workshop

Attending a workshop is the first step in the UR journey.

Workshop attendees learn about available research opportunities, the benefits of UR engagement and how to prepare for success in research.

In addition, students who attend a Getting Started workshop are enrolled in the URaCE Canvas Community, which includes information about UR opportunities on campus and beyond, how to create an e-portfolio, templates and guides to help guide your research journey, and funding opportunities.

Fall 2021

Getting Started workshops will be offered virtually. Once you register for a workshop, you will receive information about how to join the virtual session. 

Tuesday, August 24  REGISTER	3:00 - 4:00 pm
Wednesday, September 1  REGISTER	1:30 - 2:30 pm
Thursday, September 9  REGISTER	3:00 - 4:00 pm
Thursday, September 23  REGISTER	2:30 - 3:30 pm
Tuesday, October 26  REGISTER	3:00 - 4:00 pm
Wednesday, November 3  REGISTER	2:30 - 3:30 pm

           2. Schedule an Undergraduate Research consultation

           3. Explore UR FAQs

4. Network with Prospective UR Mentors

Did you know that a variety of professionals including UTC faculty, graduate students, staff, and community members can mentor UR projects? As you begin your search for an UR position, seek out and connect with faculty and others who are working on projects in your area(s) of interest. Networking with faculty and others can often lead to UR opportunities! Visit UTC faculty webpages to learn about faculty research, and to prepare for the research conversation.  Request a copy of the informational interview guide from the Office for URaCE to help guide your conversations with prospective mentors.

Need help networking with prospective UR mentors? Set up an URaCE consultation.

5. Prepare for UR

Complete Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training. RCR training focuses on the ethics, regulations, rules, and best practices that guide research activity. Training is free, and earning the RCR certification will help you gain a competitive advantage when seeking a research opportunity. Register for Training.

As you embark on your undergraduate research journey you should also consult the Web Guide to Research for Undergraduates (WebGURU). This platform is an excellent resource for navigating the entire undergraduate research experience, and includes information related to intellectual property issues, research integrity, publishing, networking, and undergraduate research opportunities. Although the guide focuses on STEM disciplines, content is applicable to students pursuing undergraduate research in all disciplines.