Undergraduate research can provide valuable experience and is useful to all majors, including humanities, arts and social sciences. It is an opportunity to apply knowledge from the classroom to real world, professional environments. Participating in research enhances your resume, aids in job searches, and strengthens applications for graduate and professional programs. UC Davis is a R1 (Research 1) institution, which means there is very high-level research activity on campus, so take advantage of the potential opportunities!
What to Expect
UC Davis students participate in research with faculty on campus, at UC Davis Health and in local businesses and nonprofits. Typically, research experiences:
- Take place in various settings, such as laboratories, clinical environments, the field and more. Work may even be remote.
- Are 10-12 hours a week with a multiple quarter commitment.
- May be full-time during the summer.
- May be volunteer or paid roles.
- Usually qualify for transcript notation, and it may be possible to earn academic credit.
Be clear about the expectations you have for gaining experience through undergraduate research, as well as the expectations of your supervisor or employer. Entry-level research experiences might involve performing mundane tasks, but have the opportunity to evolve into a role with more responsibility. Some possible tasks an undergraduate researcher might do are:
- entering and analyzing data
- conducting and transcribing interviews
- interacting with research subjects
- washing and sterilizing lab equipment
- completing literature reviews
- recording and observing behaviors
- performing administrative duties
- assisting with field work
Find and Develop Research Experiences
General tips:
- Check out Handshake and LinkedIn
- Review local Yolo/Sacramento area companies with laboratory internships/part time jobs
- Connect with professional associations
- The National Science Foundation (NSF) hosts a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program.
- ORISE (Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education) and Zintellect list STEM opportunities funded by government agencies, such as EPA, CDC, NIH and more.
Tips for searching on-campus
Research experiences on-campus are sometimes advertised, though many students reach out to faculty to join their research groups/efforts or develop their own research opportunity.
Use the following strategies to find a research opportunity on campus:
- Develop professional relationships with professors, researchers and graduate students who can offer valuable knowledge, guidance, references and letters of recommendation for your future career positions and additional education.
- Faculty directories, which often include professors’ research websites, can be found on each of the UC Davis college websites. Consider research affiliated with UC Davis’ professional schools, too, such as the School of Education, the School of Medicine and School of Veterinary Medicine.
- Consult with the Undergraduate Research Center (URC) and review their Undergraduate Research FAQ's .
- The College of Biological Sciences offers useful strategies for connecting with faculty.
- Clinical research opportunities are available on-campus and at UC Davis Health in Sacramento. Some programs include RESURG and EMRAP.
- Attend the URC’s annual Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities Conference to learn about other students’ research experiences and review conference abstract books from previous years.
- For additional on-campus research, review the UC Davis Office of Research Interdisciplinary Research Units and Research Core Facility lists.
To learn more about additional opportunities or how to develop your own research experience, meet with a career center advisor, an advisor at the Undergraduate Research Center (URC) or your college/major advisor.
Additional Tips for Success
- Start Early: Begin exploring research opportunities as soon as possible to find the best fit for your interests and goals.
- Be Proactive: Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Reach out to professors and industry professionals to express your interest in research. Learn more about how to write a professional email.
- Keep Learning: Research is an ongoing learning process. Stay curious and open to new experiences and knowledge.