Unlocking Potential: The Office of Undergraduate Research at the University of Washington

The University of Washington (UW) is a top-tier research university where undergraduates have ample opportunities to engage in research, enriching their academic experience and preparing them for future endeavors. The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) serves as a central hub, connecting students with faculty mentors and resources across all disciplines. This article explores the multifaceted benefits of undergraduate research at UW, how students can get involved, and the resources available to support their research journey.

The Transformative Power of Undergraduate Research

Research is a vital part of Undergraduate Academic Affairs’ commitment to undergraduate success. Engaging in research can be an amazing part of one's college career, helping students to build connections with faculty and simply taking their researching and analytical skills to a whole new level. For those interested in graduate or professional school, it can often be an important step in preparing for one's future. The ripple effect of undergraduate research is far-reaching. Undergraduates work alongside some of the university’s most accomplished faculty to help solve society’s most intractable problems. Together, their work spans all majors and is conducted in labs, libraries, communities, art studios and nature. This immersive education prepares students for careers in research and teaches invaluable skills like persistence, teamwork, critical thinking and creative problem-solving.

Students love it, too. The Research & Creative Projects Office helps undergraduate students find opportunities to apply what they learn in classrooms to dive deeper into a field of their interest. Across all career paths, people rely on research to make smarter decisions and develop innovative products, policies, techniques, and much more.

Real-World Application and Skill Development

One of the most significant advantages of undergraduate research is the opportunity to apply classroom learning to real-world problems. As undergraduate Victoria Pang talks about working as a researcher in a UW chemistry lab: "It was wonderful to take what I learned in class and apply it in the lab". Another opportunity to apply what you’re learning is through an internship. As an intern for a nonprofit, government agency, health care provider, or other organization, you will experience firsthand how theory translates to practice. An internship may also help clarify whether a potential career is right for you.

Preparation for Future Success

For students considering graduate or professional school, undergraduate research is invaluable. It provides hands-on experience in designing, conducting, and analyzing research, skills that are highly valued in advanced academic programs. Moreover, research experience demonstrates a student's intellectual curiosity, initiative, and ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Finding Your Research Niche

Research opportunities abound, but finding the right fit for your interests may require some effort. The UW Office of Undergraduate Research provides resources to help students navigate the process.

Leveraging University Resources

Several avenues can lead students to research opportunities:

The Research Opportunities Database: The research opportunities database includes several hundred undergraduate research opportunities. Be sure to check the database periodically, as new opportunities are continually added.
Faculty Connections: Approach a professor whose research interests you. Faculty may be looking for a research assistant or aware of other opportunities. Has a professor sparked your interest in a topic during a course? Is there a project or an area of research that you have been dying to explore?
Departmental Advisors: Talk to a department advisor. Department advisors often have knowledge of research opportunities.
Research-Based Courses: Consider a research-based course.

Expanding Horizons Beyond Your Major

Be open to research opportunities outside of your major. Think beyond your own discipline. You may discover unexpected connections and gain a broader perspective.

Showcasing Student Work

The University of Washington provides various platforms for students to present their research and creative projects. Present at local conferences. Publish your research or creative project in journals, library databases, and more. A hub where research and creative works enhancing the student journey can be collected and shared. Our goal is to foster a community of student researchers and promote the dissemination of knowledge. On the Husky Cache, you can find past projects from the UW Bothell student community.

Supporting Undergraduate Researchers

The Office of Undergraduate Research and other departments offer a range of resources to support students throughout their research journey.

Read also: Enhancing Education in Lake County

Financial Assistance

Scholarships for students to carry out a research project in any field under the guidance of a faculty mentor, with additional support from co-mentors such as graduate students or postdoctoral associates. The Summer Undergraduate Research Guided Experience (SURGE) program provides stipends and flexible programming for WashU undergraduates pursuing faculty-mentored, project-based inquiry across all academic disciplines during the summer.

Workshops, Advising, and Events

Schedule an advising appointment. Request a customized workshop or presentation for your class, club, or program. Summer Fundamentals is a series focused on supporting undergraduates throughout their summer research. June 25: Making the Most of Your Summer Experience. July 9: Identity, Belonging, & Purpose in Research (Student Success Coach). Stay up-to-date with upcoming events, deadlines, and opportunities on UWB Gather.

Community and Identity

The Office of Undergraduate Research cultivates community and opportunity for students to integrate their interests within and beyond the classroom through research and creative practice. As a nexus for undergraduate research at WashU, Undergraduate Research partners with students, faculty, and departments to develop and implement programs, infrastructure, policies, and funding.

Examples of Undergraduate Research

Many ongoing projects across the College of Arts & Sciences are fueled by undergraduate participation.

Biology: In the UW Department of Biology, Ava Kloss-Schmidt had the opportunity to study plants in the field, in the lab, and in the UW Greenhouse. She was part of a research team that spent the summer surveying plants in alpine settings, and during the academic year she worked in a faculty lab, studying an immune receptor in the legume plant family.
Chemistry: In this short video, undergraduate Victoria Pang talks about working as a researcher in a UW chemistry lab.
Astronomy: Using a powerful research telescope, Max Frissell identified a never-before-seen active comet.
Creative Writing: Mrs. Darby Sherwood developed a play, Mrs.

Research Beyond Seattle

UW Bothell has been nationally recognized for its exceptional commitment to community engagement and research. Find high-impact and experiential learning opportunities curated for UW Bothell students. This directory is growing and includes opportunities for research, merit awards and scholarships, creative projects, study abroad, and more.

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