UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Undergraduate Research and Fellowships Mentoring, in partnership with the University Libraries, launched a new Undergraduate Research Readiness non-credit bearing course to help students learn the basics of scholarly research and find opportunities at Penn State.
The course, which is made up of six modules, covers a wide range of topics including research basics, identifying research opportunities and addressing ethical concerns. Within the modules, there are opportunities for students to test their knowledge through ungraded quizzes.
Students of all academic disciplines and prior research experience are invited to participate. At the conclusion of this course, students will be more prepared to enter research environments and create research projects of their own, and students will receive a certificate of completion. Find a link to the course and more information at urfm.psu.edu.
The initial three modules of the program feature an introduction to research and how to identify opportunities, formulate research questions and conduct literature reviews. Modules four will teach students about citation management and ethical considerations. Module five focuses on undergraduate researchers joining the scholarly conversation through posters, publishing and speaking at conferences. The sixth and final module will provide an overview of funding opportunities, including paid on-campus jobs.
Additional undergraduate research support available through URFM
Undergraduate Research Ambassadors
URFM has a team of Undergraduate Research Ambassadors that are available to help students from all academic disciplines learn about undergraduate research. Students can schedule advising appointments with ambassadors and attend workshops and information sessions that promote undergraduate research.
Students can request a presentation from a research ambassador at their organization’s meeting or classroom through this link. Individual students can reach research ambassadors through the emails listed on this page, or through scheduling an appointment on Starfish.
Research Opportunity Hub
Federal work studies, research internships and similar experiences for undergraduate students as they begin their research careers can be difficult to find, but Undergraduate Research and Fellowships Mentoring has resources to help. Penn State URFM has an Undergraduate Research Opportunities Database which can help students narrow down the opportunities they are most interested in based on research areas that most interest each student.
Schedule an appointment
URFM has staff and graduate assistants available to help undergraduate research students apply to fellowships, discover research opportunities and connect with alumni in their research field. Students interested in summer research opportunities are encouraged to make an advising appointment in the fall.
Undergraduate students can schedule an appointment with URFM staff or graduate assistants. Students looking for feedback on their fellowship application materials are encouraged to email urfm@psu.edu with their materials.
Peer research consultants available at the Search Bar
The Search Bar offers a suite of peer-to-peer undergraduate student services in Sidewater Commons, located on the first floor of Pattee Library, University Park campus. These services are designed for peers to assist their fellow students in using library resources. Although walk-ins are welcome, students can schedule an in-person or virtual appointment through Starfish.