Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Build research skills, connect with faculty, and prepare for your future. Learn why research matters and how to get involved.
How to Find & Apply for Research Opportunities:
Research isn't limited to lab coats, pipettes, and chemicals. Environmental research spans across the social sciences, history, culture, law and more. Research can look like:
- Fieldwork: Conduct species surveys, gather soil and water samples, or monitor ecosystems.
- Data Research: Dive into simulations, data analysis, and modeling.
- Community-Based Research: Engage in surveys, interviews, and public outreach projects.
- Laboratory Work: Assist in controlled experiments, sample analysis, and lab prep.
Our faculty conduct research in a variety of disciplines—from pollution dynamics and environmental justice to water security and sustainability.
Explore our research disciplines
Found a research opportunity? Connect with your academic advisor to learn more about how to use this experience to meet your individual studies course requirement.
U of A Opportunities
- University Undergraduate Research Portal: access a database of researchers on campus
- Vertically Integrated Projects: find long-term, multidisciplinary projects that accept undergraduate researchers
- Course-Based Research Undergraduate Experiences (CUREs): research experiences designed for first-year, second-year and transfer students
- Undergraduate Biology Research Program (UBRP): paid lab experiences focused on biological research
- Undergraduate Research Opportunities Consortium (UROC): research experiences for rising juniors and seniors, offering a $5,000 stipend
- Biosphere 2: internship opportunities at the renowned Biosphere 2
- RISE Internships: resilience internships and experiences that cross academic boundaries and international borders.
National Undergraduate Research Databases
- National Science Foundation (REU- Research Experience for Undergraduates)
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE)
- Pathways to Science
Job Boards
If you want to create a strong application and land that research opportunity, you'll need to update your resume and prepare an elevator pitch. Don't worry, we've got you covered with free professional development resources:
- CALES Career Center: Schedule an appointment for personalized professional document and interview support.
- LifeLab: Drop by in person, or connect over Zoom for 1:1 career guidance. No appointment needed.
- Student Engagement and Career Development offers resume writing tips and a resume review service.
If the opportunity you're interested in has an application webpage, then that's the best place to submit your materials. Otherwise, you'll need to reach out via email to the principal investigator (PI), faculty or research contact to see if they are accepting applications.
Need help crafting the perfect email outreach? Check out the email guide.
Eligibility & Expectations
Undergraduate research can be a rewarding way to gain skills, explore your interests, and build your resume. Before applying, keep these key points in mind:
- Who Can Apply: Research opportunities are open to students of all majors and years, including freshmen.
- Coursework & GPA: Some labs may require foundational courses or a minimum GPA.
- Time Commitment: Programs may have minimum weekly hours or require full-time participation over the summer.
- Financial Considerations: Paid research roles may require Federal Work-Study or be competitive. Academic credit may also be an option.
- International Students: Check with your academic advisor or International Student Services to confirm eligibility.
Why Take on a Research Opportunity?
Research lets you explore your interests, build hands-on skills, and strengthen your resume, making you a competitive applicant for jobs or further education. In fact, students who gain research experience as an undergraduate are almost twice as likely to pursue advanced degrees and secure a job after graduation.
Meet Brooke
Major: Environmental Sciences with an emphasis in Physical and Chemical Dynamics
Research Project: Explore Innovations in Heat Planning, Policy, and Governance