SOURCE is here to help you learn more about undergraduate research and find ways to get involved. Explore our FAQ below or reach out to ugresearch@syr.edu with any questions or to set up an appointment.
- We recommend that students get started early, in your first or second year!
- Research takes time and resources, so starting early allows you to best utilize SOURCE and other campus support programs.
- Faculty mentors know that students just getting started in research are still developing their base research skills, don't let not knowing something keep you from exploring an opportunity!
- Research for credit – register for independent study or research credit during the academic year (students may not receive both credit and pay for research)
- Paid research assistant positions – work as a research assistant in a paid position (some opportunities may be FWS, some open to all students). SOURCE RA positions are listed on Handshake as “SOURCE Program Associate.”
- Summer research – work remotely, on campus, or through a summer program on research, usually supported by a stipend
- Volunteer research – especially in early stages or when first getting started with a faculty mentor, students may volunteer or shadow to see if the research is a good fit; as involvement deepens or as you develop a project, you and/or your mentor would pursue funding to support your project
- SOURCE Explore or other structured programs – SU has several structured programs to introduce students to research; keep an eye on the SOURCE newsletter for deadlines
- Research-intensive courses – ask your academic advisor about research-focused courses in your major or area of interest
- Distinction, Thesis, or Capstone projects – many majors have optional or required culminating final projects which involve research or sustained creative activity
- Review our “Tips for Finding a Faculty Mentor” handout (STEM/All Fields)
- Explore potential research/creative topics that are especially motivating to you. Consider why you want to get involved in research.
- Familiarize yourself with work from various faculty members using faculty bios on department websites.
- Reach out to professors with a personalized, polite, and professional email with a request to meet during office hours (SOURCE can review your draft email and give feedback)
- Meet with professors to find a good match and talk about how you could get involved with their work or design your own project with their guidance.
- Meet with a SOURCE Student Research Mentor or staff member – we will meet with you to help get started, even if you don’t really know where or how to begin
- Attend a SOURCE Fall Expo, Spring Showcase, or Summer Symposium to talk with current students doing research and see the exciting work they are doing
- Subscribe to the SOURCE newsletter
