Getting Started With Research

If you haven't done any research yet, or if you've just embarked on the journey, SDUR is here to help point you in the right direction.

Here are some resources and information, and our doors are always open to talk through this material or just answer your questions.

Crash course: What to expect from undergraduate research

  • Research is a fantastic resume/CV builder, especially for those interested in post graduate education.
  • Engaging in research can make you eligible for grants, conferences, and other unique opportunities.
  • Conducting research can help you get noticed in your field.
  • Through research, you can receive valuable mentorship from professors and often graduate students.
  • Typically, professors and faculty conducting research require a certain number of hours from you to dedicate every week. Many (but not all) will compensate you via payment and/or course credits.
  • Some researchers will require you to have course prerequisites completed.
  • Research training, such as CITI training (see below in resources), will be required as part of the process of joining a research team.
  • Social and professional guidelines vary from field to field, and college to college, so be sure to learn and clarify what is expected/is the norm within your discipline.

Resources to get started

Further your knowledge of undergraduate research

What can you expect from your mentor? Visit our Research Mentorship page to learn more.

Setting up a CV or resume

Get familiar with CITI Training

The CITI Program is an initiative which provides the standard training most research institutions require of their research staff to have obtained.

CITI has a great number of training courses available from broad to specific. Different areas of research will require different training (for example, working with human participants will require different training to those who are working with animal populations).

Be sure to inquire about what CITI training you will be completing once you have connected with a research group!

Best practices in research opportunities inquiries

While there are many respectable ways to approach an email inquiry about a research opportunity, we have some advice that will ensure your emails come across professional and informed. We've even got a template to get you started! Learn more about email inquiry best practice at this link.

More questions?

Contact our team by emailing sdur@ksu.edu for more questions, or to schedule an appointment.

Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research
215 Fairchild Hall
1601 Vattier St. , Manhattan, KS 66506-0121
Manhattan, KS 66506
sdur@ksu.edu
785-532-3422
785-532-6542 fax