Research

Whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student, engaging in research on or off campus can provide you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge beyond the traditional classroom setting and launch your career in academia, service or industry.  

As a student, there are both credit and non-credit research options. 

Take a Research Course: These types of courses are available at the undergraduate and graduate level. Search your course catalog for more info. For a listing of undergraduate research courses, you can also check out Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) Courses or Undergraduate research courses for credit page 

Connect with Faculty: Be proactive and approach a faculty member that is conducting research that aligns with your interest and offer your assistance. To identify faculty research topics read their Curriculum Vitae (CV) and their areas of focus on your department’s website.  

Steps to Make Contact with Faculty (source: American Psychological Association) 

• Go during office hours.  
• Bring a CV or resume.  
• Begin with small talk. 
• Express interest in his/her research.  
• Manifest positive nonverbal behaviors.  

• Ask explicitly to serve as an Research Assistant  
• Explain why you qualify for the position. 
• Ask for decision date. 
• Thank the professor for his/her time. 
• Have a backup plan. 

Getting Involved in Research Programs: The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences has listed a number of UF research programs that you can check out here. You can also consider summer programs.  

Consider off campus opportunities: Use the following link to identify various institutions and organizations that offer research opportunities beyond the UF campus: 

According to NACE, Employers desire candidates that have skills such as communication, problem-solving, ability to work in a team, analytical/quantitative skills, and show initiative, among others. All of these can be honed through a research opportunity.  

There are more than 10,000 open research projects across UF  

Approximately 2500 UF undergraduate students register for research credits each year 

Research opportunities help you develop as a critical, analytical and independent thinker while effectively contributing to a field of interest. Other than getting your work published in an academic journal and presenting at symposiums or poster sessions, consider the following platforms to display your research interests to the larger community: 

• Linkedin 
• E-Portfolios or personal websites (see examples) 
• Twitter 
• GitHub
• Orcid
• ResearchGate
• Academia.edu
• CURBS
• National Conference on Undergraduate Research 
• Posters on the Hill 

• ResearchGate
• Academic Positions
• UF Research Scholarships 
• Higher Ed Jobs
• Inside HigherEd
• Chronicle
• Academic Keys 
• Academic Careers