CIDR - Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate Research is often reported as one of the most influential and positive experiences in a student's education. These activities allow the student to take ownership of his or her learning in the context of a mentoring relationship. This may take the form of research-based course activities, semi-independent work with an existing research group, or via a structured program, e.g., Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) programs.

Providing mechanisms for undergraduate students to conduct semi-independent research requires a commitment from instructors to actively promote available opportunities, to mentor students once they become involved, and to offer students opportunities to showcase their work.

CIDR Resources

	CIDR Teaching and Learning Bulletin Mentoring CIDR Teaching and Learning Bulletin, 4(4)

	Consult with CIDR CIDR consultants are also available to meet with you as you develop, implement, and assess your work with undergraduate researchers. See our Consulting pages on exploring teaching issues, designing courses and assignments, and collecting student feedback for more information. To schedule a consultation, call 206-543-6588, or contact us by email to arrange an appointment.

UW Resources

	Undergraduate Research Program Includes a list of UW departments offering opportunities for undergraduates to work with faculty members on research projects.

Additional Resources

Bauer, K. W., & Bennett, J. S. (2003). Alumni perceptions used to assess undergraduate research experience. The Journal of Higher Education, 74(2), 210-230.

Gafney, L. (2005). The role of the mentor/teacher: Student and faculty views. Journal of College Science Teaching, 34(4), 52-56.

Ishiyama, J. (2002). Does early participation in undergraduate research benefit social science and humanities students? College Student Journal, 36(3): 380-386.

Kinkead, J. (Ed.). (2003). Valuing and supporting undergraduate research [Special issue]. New directions for teaching and learning, 93.

Seymour, E., Hunter, A.-B., Laursen, S. L. (2004). Establishing the benefits of research experiences for undergraduates in the sciences: First findings from a three-year study. Science Education, 88(4), 493-534.

Shellito, C., Shea, K., Weissmann, G., Mueller-Solger, A., & Davis, W. (2001). Successful mentoring of undergraduate researchers. Journal of College Science Teaching, 30(7), 460-464.

Council on Undergraduate Research
The Council on Undergraduate Research is a national professional organization that encourages the development of undergraduate research programs by generating awareness and national support. Numerious links to relevant publications from this organization are provided on their web site.

National Science Foundation, Search for an REU site
Searchable database of sites that host REU programs, categorized by broad disciplines