Students are encouraged to become involved in ongoing research and the College strongly supports undergraduate research efforts through a grant such as those from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Research provides the chance to work one-on-one with faculty members, put classroom theory into practice, and explore an area of science in depth. Students often begin research during the sophomore year. Many also earn MCS research honors, which are awarded at graduation.
Finding a Research Advisor
- Discuss possible projects with your course instructors.
- Meet with your faculty advisor or Director of Undergraduate Studies to identify faculty with whom you might work.
- Browse the department links in the Research section, the Research Directory maintained by the university’s Undergraduate Research Office, or the list of national programs and contact faculty directly about possible projects.
Seeking Funding or Credit
- Research can be a job as part of your financial aid package (work/study).
- Research is an excellent way to develop advanced skills and credentials in the summer. Funding may be available through the individual research advisor. You may also want to consider summer undergraduate research programs at other universities and research sites.
- The Small Undergraduate Research Grants program through the Undergraduate Research Initiative invites student proposals and gives you an experience with the process of seeking research funds similar to the experience of practicing scientists.
- Course credit is available and often counts as an elective.
