Academics

Workshops available to help undergrads get into research

Undergraduate research workshops will be available throughout the spring semester. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Students looking to learn more about how to become involved in research as undergraduates are encouraged to attend workshops organized by University Libraries and the University Fellowships Office.

The workshops cover everything undergraduate students need to know, including how to define research and discover opportunities, research ethics and emotional intelligence, designing an effective research poster, and preparing to present at the Undergraduate Exhibition.

Research opportunities are available for undergraduates in all fields of study. While inquiry in the social sciences may look different from the arts, which look different from engineering, the process of discovery and asking questions is similar across the disciplines.

Alan Rieck, associate dean and associate vice president for Undergraduate Education, said he believes these skills will stick with students long after they are undergraduates.

“The abilities to observe, be curious, ask meaningful questions, find answers and solutions and share knowledge are life skills that extend far beyond academic settings,” said. “Within an academic setting, undergraduate research is an ideal way for students to hone these life skills and prepare to be contributing members of society. We hope that these skills are ways in which Penn State students set themselves apart from others.”

Students don’t need to have any previous experience with research to participate in the workshops.

A schedule of events is listed below. Many of the workshops will also be offered as webinars via Zoom. Click on the links to register. In the future Penn State Libraries will also offer workshops at campuses other than University Park.

Research and You: Unpacking Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry

  • 11 a.m., Feb. 5, 312 Boucke Building
  • 3 p.m., Feb. 13, webinar

Getting Started with Research

  • 4:30 p.m., Feb. 11, Pattee Library W315
  • 5:30 p.m., Feb. 21, Pattee Library W315

Applying to Participate in the Undergraduate Exhibition

  • 11 a.m., Feb. 26, 312 Boucke Building
  • 3 p.m., Feb. 27, webinar

Research Ethics and Emotional Intelligence

  • 11 a.m., March 13, 120 Sackett Building
  • 3 p.m., March 21, webinar

Designing and Creating Effective Research Posters

  • 5:30 p.m., March 14, Pattee Library W13
  • 6 p.m., March 25, Pattee Library W13

Looking Ahead: Erickson Discovery Grant for Summer 2020

  • 11 a.m., March 27, 219 Hammond Building,
  • 3 p.m., April 4, webinar

Presenting Your Research: Preparing for the Undergraduate Research Exhibition

  • 5:30 p.m., April 2, Pattee Library W315
  • 6 p.m., April 15, Pattee Library W315

All-Discipline Faculty Panel on Undergraduate Research

  • 12:30 p.m., April 15, Foster Auditorium
  • 12:30 p.m., April 16, Foster Auditorium

Arts, Humanities and Business Faculty Panel on Undergraduate Research

  • 2 p.m., April 15, Foster Auditorium

STEM and Social Sciences Faculty Panel on Undergraduate Research

  • 2 p.m., April 16, Foster Auditorium

While it is not required, students may find it most beneficial to attend complementary workshops in order to acquire a comprehensive understanding of research issues. Organizers suggest attendees pair “Research and You” with “Getting Started with Research;” and “Applying to Participate” with “Designing and Creating Effective Research Posters” and “Presenting Your Research.”

For more information on University Libraries, visit the libraries.psu.edu. Students from all Penn State campuses are eligible to compete for the University Libraries Undergraduate Research Award: Excellence in Information Literacy.

The University Fellowships Office is part of Penn State Office of Undergraduate Education, the academic administrative unit that provides leadership and coordination for University-wide programs and initiatives in support of undergraduate teaching and learning at Penn State. Learn more about Undergraduate Education at undergrad.psu.edu. Sign up for UE Headlines for the latest news.

Last Updated January 28, 2019