Resource Library

Websites

• Venture is an on-line database designed to connect you to research and creative activity projects on campus. This is the place to browse opportunities at MSU or to find a specific faculty, original investigation, experimentation or creative activity.
• WebGuru provides extensive information on undergraduate research experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics including information about how to find a research position, negotiating salaries, managing mentors, ethics, presentation and writing tips.
• The Journal of Young Investigators: An Undergraduate, Peer-Reviewed Science Journal provides opportunities for students in science, mathematics, and engineering to participate in the peer-review publication process. The journal publishes outstanding undergraduate scholarship emphasizing the quality of the research and the manner in which it is communicated.
• The National Science Foundation funds numerous research opportunities for undergraduates through its Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Sites program. An REU Site consists of approximately ten undergraduates who work in the research programs of the host institution. Each student is associated with a specific research project, where he/she works closely with the faculty and other researchers. Students are granted stipends and, in many cases, assistance with housing and travel. The RES Site has a search feature to explore opportunities in the subject areas supported by various NSF units. Undergraduate students supported with NSF funds must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States or its possessions. An REU Site may be at either a US or foreign location.

Overviews of Undergraduate Research

• "Undergraduate Research Abroad: Challenge and Rewards" argues why research abroad should be encouraged and provides suggestions on how campuses can support it.
• "Undergraduate Research at Research Universities" describes various undergraduate programs available at research institutions.
• "Learning Through Inquiry: An Overview of Undergraduate Research"provides succinct description and overview of undergraduate research.
• "Undergraduate Research Experiences: Synergies between Scholarship and Teaching" provides a good overview of undergraduate research and discusses how faculty and students can benefit from it.
• Undergraduate Research Across the Disciplines describes an overview of the independent study research experience at Wooster College.
• "Community-Based Research as Scientific and Civic Pedagogy" explores how undergraduate research can be based in the local community and create a powerful learning experience for both students and faculty.
• "Undergraduate Research as the Next Great Faculty Divide" discusses undergraduate research from a faculty perspective.
• "What Undergraduate Research Can Tell Us About Research on Learning"discusses the benefits of undergraduate research and reviews the knowledge and skills it promotes.

Discipline Specific Information on Undergraduate Research

• “The CAL-URI Guide to Mentoring and Relationships” provides support and information for faculty and students in the College of Arts and Letters who are interested in research. Contact the College of Arts and Letters Office of Academic Affairs at Michigan State University for a free copy, 517-355-5229.
• "Becoming a Scientist: The Role of Undergraduate Research in Students’ Cognitive, Personal, and Professional Development" describes the findings of a study of summer undergraduate research experience at four liberal arts colleges. The findings include the characteristics of undergraduate research programs, how faculty practice research, and students’ educational outcomes.
• Developing & Sustaining a Research-Supportive Curriculum: A Compendium of Successful Practices [Edited by Kerry K. Karukstis and Timothy E. Elgren] shares successful practices that enable faculty and institutions to design, implement, and sustain a research-supportive undergraduate curriculum. The volume focuses on (1) curricular elements and teaching and learning strategies that develop critical research skills; (2) curricular infrastructure that enhances a research-supportive curriculum; and (3) administrative contributions that initiate and sustain a research-supportive curriculum.

Mentoring

• The Merits of Training Mentors
• Entering Mentoring
• The Mentor’s Guide: Facilitating Effective Learning Relationships, L.J. Zachary. Published by Jossey-Bass, Inc, 2000.

Home | Getting Started | Faculty Resources | Student Showcase | UURAF | Venture

Questions? Contact the Undergraduate Research Office at 517-355-7635 or UGRSRCH@MSU.EDU © 2008 Michigan State University Board of Trustees 312 Administration Building East Lansing, MI 48824 517-353-5380