WHAT IS RESEARCH?
Research is independent study and discovery in a field of interest. In the sciences, research is usually conducted in a laboratory led by a Principal Investigator (PI) – this is the faculty member who runs a research project. Research addresses a hypothesis, or scientific question. New student researchers typically join an ongoing project in a faculty’s lab and are often trained & supervised by postdoctoral scholars & graduate students.
WHY CONDUCT RESEARCH?
- Conducting independent study complements your studies, your academic goals, and your professional goals
- UCLA is a world-class research institution with prestigious faculty conducting original research in their fields. Take advantage of the resources available to you
- Find out if a career in research is right for you
- Get valuable research experience to make you a competitive applicant for graduate or professional school
- Research can serve as valuable work experience to make you a competitive applicant for your future career
- Earn university credit and funding for your research
- Build meaningful relationships with and receive mentorship from faculty and lab members
Conducting research as an undergraduate is an excellent way to gain experiences and skills that will benefit you both academically and professionally. In addition to exploring your areas of interest, undergraduate research develops skills in collaborative learning and critical thinking. For students interested in pursuing graduate or professional school, undergraduate research is a way of expanding your education outside of the classroom and better preparing yourself for the rigors of graduate study. Even if you are unsure about graduate studies, conducting undergraduate research is a way of exploring your research interests and testing the suitability of a research career to your interests.
STEP 1. IDENTIFY YOUR RESEARCH INTERESTS
Getting involved in research is an important decision that will shape your undergraduate experience. The right research experience can greatly enhance your education and further your preparation for industry, business, and graduate/professional school. UCLA is a world-class research institution with over a thousand faculty performing original research across all disciplines. While students commonly do research with faculty in their home department or a closely related department, students may work with faculty in any of UCLA’s 150+ academic departments.
You should first consider what type of research you are interested in pursuing. Make a list of subjects and topics that interest you and that you would want to commit time to. Review courses you have previously taken, revisit assigned readings, and talk to your professors and TAs about your interests and what type of work is currently being done in those fields.
NOTE: If your major or minor has a research requirement, you may be restricted to working with faculty in certain departments to satisfy those requirements. Meet with a student affairs officer or academic counselor in your department to learn more
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GETTING INTO RESEARCH WORKSHOPS
We strongly encourage all students interested in research to attend our “Getting into Research” workshop. These workshops are led by our experienced Graduate Student Mentors and are offered multiple times each quarter. Click here to find an upcoming workshop.
This workshop introduces students to research in the sciences, how to find a faculty research mentor, and opportunities for student researchers after joining a lab.
Download a copy of the workshop slides here.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Some questions to ask yourself as you plan your research are:
- What subjects am I interested in and passionate about?
- How much time can I commit to research?
- Will I need financial support to conduct research throughout the summer and academic year?
- What do I want to gain from my research experience?
- How can I best prepare myself academically and professionally to do research?
- What courses should I take that will complement the work I do?
- What safety courses will I need to take to do research in my field or lab?
The better you plan your academic coursework, the better you will be able to organize your time for research. Whatever your future professional and academic plans are, gaining experience in research will enhance your application and your preparedness for more self-directed research.
Once you have evaluated your research interests and organized your time, the next step is finding a faculty mentor. As part of a collaborative research team, you will need to find the right position both for you and your potential research lab.
You can also enroll in RES PRC 97XD: Research Unwrapped: Introduction to Research in Sciences. This introductory course will help you understand what research means and provide guidance in how to find a research position.
JOIN A STUDENT RESEARCH ORGANIZATION/CLUB
Visit the Student Organizations, Leadership, & Engagement (SOLE) website. There are over one hundred registered student organizations involved in research!
CityLabCityLab is a a science educational program run by UCLA undergraduate and graduate students to introduce high school students in the Los Angeles area to the rapidly developing world of biotechnology through hands on laboratory experience. |
SACNASSACNAS at UCLA is part of the SACNAS National Organization . Both the National Organization and the Chapter are dedicated to fostering the success of Chicano/Latino, Native American and other scientists belonging to underrepresented groups from college students to professionals. |
USJThe UCLA Undergraduate Science Journal (USJ) is a peer-reviewed publication registered with the Library of Congress, highlighting the top-quality research performed by UCLA undergraduates in all STEM fields. USJ allows students to publish their research and involves students with the peer-review process |
Joining a research lab is less like registering for a class and more like finding a job. While our Center does not directly place students into research labs/groups, we do offer resources to help students navigate the process of finding faculty to work with.
STEP 2. MAKE A LIST OF FACULTY TO CONTACT & RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES TO APPLY TO
Once you have an idea of the area in which you would like to do research, you should compile a list of at least 5-10 faculty members to contact and research opportunities to apply to from the following resources:
- Undergraduate Research Portal: The Undergraduate Research Portal can be found on MyUCLA under the “Academics” tab. This is a platform where faculty from across campus post research opportunities they are actively recruiting student researchers for. The opportunities posted here are not comprehensive of all opportunities at UCLA so do not be discouraged if you don’t see a listing that interests you. Learn more here.
- Department Websites: Visit the department websites relevant to the subjects and fields of interest you identified. Each department website has a faculty directory listing all current faculty in the department and a short blurb about their research. Most websites have faculty profiles with their contact info and more about their research. Some faculty also have lab websites with in-depth information about their current research and recently published papers. When you find a faculty member whose research interests you, record their contact information. Explore departments in the:
- Biomedical Research Minor: The UCLA Minor in Biomedical Research was designed to make laboratory research a core part of the scientific curriculum as early as the first year of college. Independent research is complemented by coursework that develops important skills such as critical thinking, analysis of research literature and data presentation. In addition, an ethics and social science component trains students to recognize the political, social and philosophical issues facing science today.
- Apply for a volunteer research assistant position with Cedars-Sinai.
- *UCLA students conducting research at Cedars Sinai are required to be enrolled in an independent research course (SRP-99, Departmental 196, 198, or 199) at all times. Students are not allowed to begin their research activities until enrollment is verified by the Cedars Sinai Research Coordinator.”
STEP 3. CONTACT FACULTY & APPLY TO RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
If you have identified a research opportunity on the Undergraduate Research Portal, follow the application instructions in the listing.
If you are contacting faculty directly, we recommend emailing them a cover letter and CV. For general guidance on writing a professional and well-formatted email, refer to this video.
Your cover letter will comprise the body of your email and should clearly & concisely:
- Introduce yourself
- Explain your interest and enthusiasm in their research
- Identify your goals and how working with them will help you progress towards those goals
- Request an interview to further discuss a potential research opportunity (include your general availability and a potential start date)
- Include your contact information (email & phone)
As an attachment to your email, include your curriculum vitae (CV). A CV is similar to a resume but is a more comprehensive document outlining your qualifications. Be sure to include:
- Relevant coursework – you may want to include a short description of techniques/concepts mastered.
- Relevant work history & experience
- Leadership experience (on/off campus) that demonstrates organizational skills, independent thinking, etc.)
- Honors, awards or distinctions (include name of award, granting college/department, and monetary value if appropriate)
Anticipate that at this stage, your CV should be 1-2 pages in length. For help refining your CV or cover letter, we recommend students visit the UCLA Writing Center or UCLA Career Center . Both centers offer appointments where professionals can meet one-on-one students. UCLA students can also
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If you don’t hear back from a specific faculty you emailed or research opportunity you applied to, send a polite follow-up email 1-2 weeks after your initial email. You should not drop-in to a faculty’s lab or office unannounced.
Click here to view a sample cover letter.
Click here to view a sample CV.
Click here to use VMOCK, an online resume tool.
These resources are provided as examples and need not be utilized as templates. There are many ways to create an effective cover letter and CV. We encourage you to explore various approaches in order to develop materials that present your unique background and skill sets most effectively.
UCLA Career Center Resources for CVs and Cover Letters:
- UCLA Career Guide: Resumes & Cover Letters Chapter (CV template, p. 9)
- CV vs. Resume: At the undergraduate level CV’s and resumes are very similar except as noted in this chart.
- Active Verb List: Craft compelling experience descriptions that demonstrate your skills and accomplishments.
STEP 4. PREPARE FOR AN INTERVIEW
If you are invited to interview, make sure you are on time and that you have questions to ask regarding the research project and the laboratory environment, such as:
- Who will be supervising and training me?
- How is the project structured?
- What techniques and equipment will I be using?
- What safety training(s) do I need to complete?
- What is the expected time commitment? Are hours flexible during exam season?
- How long or short term of a commitment would be expected of me? (e.g. quarter-to-quarter, 1 year minimum, etc.)
- Are there any additional obligations (e.g. lab meetings) that I would be expected to attend?
- How many people are currently working in the lab?
COMPLETE YOUR REQUIRED SAFETY TRAININGS
UCLA Policy 906 : Undergraduate Researcher Laboratory Safety applies to all UCLA undergraduate researchers.
Review the policy at your earliest convenience and consult with your lab’s Principal Investigator about what safety trainings you are required to complete prior to beginning your research activities.
REGISTER AS A VOLUNTEER IF YOU ARE WORKING WITH A UCLA HEALTH SCIENCES FACULTY OR STAFF
The UCLA Health Sciences Volunteer Program provides on-boarding and clearances for invited students and other eligible individuals to participate in laboratory-based assignments, clinical research/quality improvement projects, administrative projects, and/or educational endeavored volunteer programs.
All UCLA undergraduates working with a UCLA Health faculty (David Geffen School of Medicine, School of Dentistry, or School of Nursing) must receive clearance from the UCLA Health Sciences (UHS) Volunteer Office. This does not apply to students working at an off-campus institution such as Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. For more information on the clearance process, visit their website and scroll to the “To Get Started” section.
RECEIVE COURSE CREDIT FOR RESEARCH WITH SRP & RES PRC
Student Research Practice (SRP) 99The Student Research Program (SRP) assists undergraduates in formalizing their research experience and joining the university research community. Enrolling in an SRP-99 course allows undergraduates to receive university credit for engaging in research experiences under the supervision of a UCLA faculty. |
Research Practice(RES PRC) 99Joined a lab outside of UCLA or with a non-faculty mentor? You can enroll in RES PRC 99 to receive university credit for your research. For more information, visit the RES PRC 99 website. |
Upper Division Tutorial CoursesUpper-division tutorials (numbered 196–199) courses are considered a “next step” in undergraduate research. These courses are administered by academic departments, not the Undergraduate Research Centers. For more information on these courses, contact a department counselor or Student Affairs Officer (SAO) in your faculty mentor’s department. |
COMMUNICATING YOUR RESEARCH
Scientific WritingAs you begin engaging in research projects, you will need to learn how to communicate your findings. Learning these skills will help when submitting to research journals, applying for funding and applying to graduate schools. Learn how to write a scientific abstract or article here. |
Making FiguresHigh-quality accessible figures help in the accurate interpretation of data. They allow researchers to visualize patterns, comparisons, and outliers, which can lead to more insightful analyses and conclusions. Learn how to make accessible scientific figures. |
Presenting your ResearchPresenting your research is a culmination of the process of scientific discovery. Being able to clearly communicate your research to both general and scientific audiences is a key skill to develop. Learn how to present your research with our “Presenting your Research” workshop and these resources. |
AccessibilityAccessible research reaches a wider audience, including those outside your immediate field. This can increase the impact and relevance of your work, fostering greater public understanding and appreciation of science. Learn how to add alternative text, create accessible figures, make your documents accessible, and more. |
ConferencesReady to present your research? Browse through our list of local and national conferences with a UCLA presence. |
Travel GrantsThe URC-Sciences Travel Grant supports UCLA undergraduates who have had their STEM research abstract accepted for an oral or poster presentation at a regional, national, or international conference. Applicants may be approved for up to $300 for travel reimbursement. |
NEED HELP WRITING RESEARCH MATERIALS?
The UCLA Library has an entire research support center where the library team will support you through research consultations, connecting you to a specialist in your field of study and tutoring support in data, mapping and geographic information systems (GIS).
Check out Writing Instruction and Research Education (WI+RE) for research workshops, tutorials and handouts.
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH WEEK
UCLA ranks among the top research universities in the world, and undergraduate research and creative inquiry are key components of the Bruin experience. Undergraduate Research Week celebrates the innovative work of students across campus who are performing research and creative inquiry in all disciplines.
Undergraduate Research Week is a week-long celebration of undergraduate research and creative inquiry at UCLA. Students from all disciplines gather to share their innovative and impactful work with the UCLA community at events such as the Undergraduate Research & Creativity Showcase. Now in its eleventh year, Undergraduate Research Week is UCLA’s largest undergraduate conference.
APPLY FOR RESEARCH PROGRAMS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Various departments across the university offer research programs that provide academic, financial, and professional support for student researchers. The Undergraduate Research Center – Sciences currently offers ten programs ranging from one quarter to two years, with scholarships ranging from $300-$21,000 per student. The URC-Sciences awards $800,000+ in undergraduate research scholarships annually! Browse our current programs under the “Programs and Scholarships” tab in the main menu bar.
Amgen ScholarsSupporting summer research in any area of biomedical science, chemistry, bioengineering or chemical engineering are encouraged to apply. Students will be paired with a UCLA faculty mentor if the student does not already have a mentor at UCLA. Up to $3.5k stipened Apply in winter. |
Beckman Scholars ProgramA 15 month program supporting researchers who are majoring in 1) Chemistry, 2) Biochemistry, 3) Microbiology, Immunology, & Molecular Genetics (MIMG), or 4) Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology (MCDB) under a Beckman faculty member. Up to $18.2k scholarship Nominated in winter. |
Biomedical Research MinorAn innovative program designed to equip undergraduate students with essential scientific research skills. This minor is not managed by the Undergraduate Research Center for the Sciences. |
California Alliance for Minority Participation (CAMP)CAMPAn NSF-funded program shared across nine UC campuses . Its goal is to enhance diversity in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields at the PhD and faculty level by providing financial and professional development support to students from groups underrepresented in these fields. Apply in spring. |
Clare Boothe Luce Scholars ProgramA two-year program providing Undergraduate Research Awards to support high-potential undergraduate women majoring in the physical sciences or engineering. Up to $16k stipend + supply & travel budget Apply in fall. |
Integrated and Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Research Program (i²URP)A two-year academic development program that prepares juniors and seniors for graduate studies and careers in biomedical research by improving their comprehension of scientific literature and sharpening their presentation skills. i2URP does not award scholarships. Apply in fall. |
Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC)A two-year, NIH-funded, undergraduate honors program that seeks to increase the number of biomedical scientists from diverse backgrounds that significantly impact health-related research. Up to $14k stipend + tuition support Apply in fall. |
UC Leadership Excellence through Advanced Degrees (UC LEADS)A two year program that provides Physical Science and Engineering students with educational experiences that prepare them to assume positions of leadership in academia, industry, government, and public service following the completion of a doctoral degree, preferably at the University of California. Up to $22k scholarship Apply in winter. |
Undergraduate Research Fellows Program (URFP)A two-quarter program that supports UCLA students who are conducting a life science, physical science, or engineering research project with a UCLA faculty during winter and spring quarter. Up to $3k scholarship Apply in fall. |
Undergraduate Research Scholars Program (URSP)A three-quarter scholarship program that supports students who are conducting a life science, physical science, or engineering research project with a UCLA faculty. Up to $6k scholarship Apply in spring. |
URC-Sciences Summer Program10-week summer opportunity for UCLA undergraduates to undertake research with a UCLA faculty and receive professional development through workshop. Up to $6k stipend Apply in winter. |
Other departments you should check with for research programs and scholarships are:
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GENERAL INFORMATION
A Student Planning Guide to Grad School and Beyond
GRE Information
GRE Practice Test
MyIDP: Individual Development Plan
GRADUATE SCHOOL INFORMATION
UCLA Career Center- Graduate School and Pre-Professional Services
Post-Baccalaureate Training
Graduate School Web Finder
UCLA Biosciences
M.D./Ph.D. Programs
GRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS
Programs that you can apply to an an undergraduate.
The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship
The Hertz Foundation Applied Science Fellowship
Graduate Fellowships for STEM Diversity
GEM Foundation
OTHER FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DATABASES
Community of Science (COS) , GrantForward, and Sponsored Programs Information Network (SPIN) databases contain thousands of federal and non-federal funding opportunities. COS, IRIS, and SPIN are services by subscription, and therefore only available to the UCLA community. Access is FREE for those using a UCLA public terminal or Bruin OnLine.
NASA’s Student On-Line Application for Recruiting (SOLAR) system offers a comprehensive and searchable database of internships and fellowships at NASA facilities.
FELLOWSHIP DIRECTORIES
The following directories of extramural support can be found at most university libraries:
Annual Register of Grant Support
Directory of Financial Aids for Women
Financial Aid for African Americans
Financial Aid for Asian Americans
Financial Aid for Hispanic Americans
Financial Aid for Native Americans
Financial Aid for the Disabled and Their Families
Financial Aid for Veterans, Military Personnel, and Their Families
Funding for Persons with Visual Impairments
Funding for United States Study
Money for Graduate Students in the Arts & Humanities
Money for Graduate Students in the Biological Sciences
Money for Graduate Students in the Health Sciences
Money for Graduate Students in the Physical Sciences
Money for Graduate Students in Social Sciences