Undergraduate Research

Few activities are as rewarding intellectually as research. In addition to the acquisition of invaluable research skills, students learn how knowledge is created and how that knowledge can be overturned with new evidence or new perspectives. They also learn how to work independently, how to overcome obstacles, and the importance of ethics and personal conduct in the research process. Undergraduate research can take place in every discipline. It is especially common in the life sciences and physical sciences, where an estimated 40 percent of students nationwide engage in research under faculty mentorship, but it is also found in the humanities, social sciences, and creative and performing arts.

Undergraduate Research at FAU

As part of the accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) is a required component of the reaccreditation process for SACS.

The QEP topic that was chosen at FAU is Undergraduate Research and Inquiry. The primary aim of FAU’s QEP is to integrate and expand a culture of research, inquiry and creative activity into our programs through curricular, co-curricular and honors initiatives.

The QEP at FAU supports undergraduate research through:

• a system of Undergraduate Research Grants which provides financial support (up to $600) for individual students who participate in faculty-mentored research projects. 
  
• the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium which provides an opportunity for all students across FAU to formally share the results of their research and inquiry projects with faculty, staff and students.
• Florida Atlantic Undergraduate Research Journal (FAURJ)  provides students with the opportunity to publish peer-reviewed works. Submissions are accepted in the spring for fall publication. If you are interested in submitting your work OR becoming a peer reviewer please contact members of the FAURJ at fauurj@gmail.com.
  
• Council of Scholarship and Inquiry (CSI)  is a student organization that seeks to promote and expand a culture of research and inquiry at FAU, and provide opportunities for students to emerse themselves in this culture. The club is always looking to expand it's membership so please contact them at faucsi@gmail.com if you are interested in becomming a member.

FAU is in the process of developing an Undergraduate Research and Inquiry office and website. This will be launched shortly and will have a number of resources and how-to’s to get students and faculty involved with research, scholarship and inquiry.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Undergraduate Research, Kansas

Making Time for Research

WebGURU: Guide to Research for Undergraduates (includes information on fellowships)

Office of Undergraduate Research, UNC-Chapel Hill

Office of Undergraduate Research, UCF

Undergraduate Research Office, Ohio State