Getting involved in research is an important way to develop skills and experiences that will help you hone your capacity to learn and to begin to contribute to the generation of new knowledge in burgeoning fields of inquiry. Working in a research lab also gives you the opportunity to cultivate relationships with faculty who can serve as letter writers when you apply. Most research opportunities are set up independently by students. Below are some resources to help you get started.
When you reach out to researchers, you can use this email template as a way to initiate the conversation. Before you email researchers, you will want to learn about their work. You can look up their most recent publications and read at least the abstracts for each. Read the whole article when you find it interesting. You can use Research at UW-Madison to develop a list of researchers you want to contact. You do not need to be an expert on their work. You should just be able to say something about it and explain your interest in it.
Research
WISCIENCE
WISCIENCE (Wisconsin Institute for Science Education and Community Engagement) provides a guide on undergraduate research. Learn how to get started in paid, volunteer, and course-related research.
Research at UW-Madison
Research at UW-Madison is a new database of UW researchers. Search for researchers by name or by your research interests. See Search UW Madison Scholars (upper right corner) and check out the new Research at a Glance.
UW Student Jobcenter
Look for lab positions on the Student Job Center in UW Student Jobs and STEM -- and for healthcare-related positions under Healthcare and Health Sciences, Child Development and Care, and more.
Undergraduate Research Scholars (URS)
URS is a program that connects first- and second-year students with opportunities to do research for academic credit with faculty on our campus in a variety of disciplines. Application required.
Office of the Provost
The Provost's office offers a list of university fellowship programs that support undergraduate research.
College, Departmental, & Additional Resources
CALS and L&S offer resources for students interested in research, including opportunities in their honors programs. Many other Offices, Centers, and Academic Departments also offer research opportunities, such as the UW Clinical Research Office.
