Undergraduate Research
Our faculty can show you their leading-edge research and guide you in designing and developing compelling research projects of your own.
Your First Step
Look at faculty research in departments that interest you, then contact the faculty member conducting research in your area of interest who can help you clarify your interests. After you decide on a possible faculty advisor(s), do a bit of background reading on his/her field, then schedule a meeting. You will want to discuss possible projects, time and effort involved, interests of other students, lab resources, and what the faculty member's expectations are.
After you select your faculty research advisor, see your major advisor about registering for 5193, 4998 or 4999/4999H credit.
More Important Steps
Learning how to present your work is an important part of the undergraduate research experience. Future employers will view your research presentations as evidence that you have developed valuable written and oral communication skills.
- The annual NMS Undergraduate Research Forum is scheduled for April 20, 2012. All undergraduate students carrying out research in math or science (broadly defined) are urged to participate, including students still in the planning stages of their project. Each participant receives a gift certificate and is eligible to compete for several prizes. Written evaluations and suggestions for improvement are provided in time for those presenting at the annual Denman Undergraduate Research Forum to polish and refine their posters. Additional information about the Research Forum, including registration for poster presenters is at NMS Undergraduate Research Forum.
- The annual Richard J. and Martha D. Denman Undergraduate Research Forum is scheduled for May 9, 2012. Final presentations, which may be in the form of poster presentations, videotape, multimedia presentations, performances, etc., may represent any undergraduate research area, and cash prizes will be given in each of the final categories. Students of any rank are welcome to participate—works in progress are okay. More information can be found at Denman Undergraduate Research Forum.
Helpful Hints for Poster Presentations
Undergraduate Research Office - Poster Primer
Denman Undergraduate Research Forum - Web Resources for Poster and Abstract Preparation
Other Research Opportunities at Ohio State
There are several ways to learn more about undergraduate research:
- Undergraduate Research Office
- Denman Undergraduate Research Forum permits you to present your research to members and friends of the university community in a setting simulating that of a professional society meeting
- ASC Honors research has information about research funding for honors projects
- Faculty and advisors in your major department are great resources
More Information On Research
Arts and Sciences Research and Creative Activity Funding
Research Opportunities Available Outside OSU
