How Do I Get Started?
Research Opportunities
Participation in research can take a variety of forms including volunteering to help a faculty member, working part-time on or off campus, participating in a LUROP fellowship, or undertaking a summer fellowship at another university or research institution. If you're curious about the benefits of undergraduate research, please visit here.
Read through the options below for getting involved in research. Feel free to contact the LUROP office at any time with questions.
-- To learn more about funding and fellowship opportunities outside of Loyola, please visit the Hotlist. Information about opportunities at Loyola's Stritch School of Medicine can also be found on this page.
-- To search for research-related student jobs and volunteer opportunities, both at Loyola and throughout Chicago, go to RamblerLink. Select "Research" as the job function. You may also want to consider contacting researchers at places like Rush University Medical Center or Hines VA Hospital directly to inquire about opportunities, as they may not always post on RamblerLink.
-- To read about classes that have a hands-on research component, visit the CEL courses page for UNIV classes and talk to your department about appropriate courses in your major.
-- Some individual departments may also provide information about research opportunities. The Department of Physics, Department of Biology, Department of Psychology, and Department of Mathematics and Statistics are a few examples. Check out your department's site for information.
--Pre-professional offices (such as pre-health) and student organizations are also good resources. Get on the relevant listservs to find out about opportunities.
-- To find out about other research opportunities, talk with faculty members in your area(s) of interest. Many students, especially those in the sciences, start their research experiences by volunteering with a faculty member. See the tips below for finding a faculty mentor.
Finding a Faculty Mentor
Many of the LUROP fellowships require you to find a faculty mentor before applying for the award. Here are some tips for identifying research areas of interest and connecting to faculty.
- Start Early! Openings in research groups both at Loyola and at other institutions will fill up quickly, so you should start inquiring about opportunities months in advance-- for example, start inquiring about summer opportunities no later than January or February.
- Find your interest through your current courses, past courses, department websites, and your professors. Read scholarly journals, which may also provide insight into finding your interest in research.
- Research academic department websites and review the list of faculty members. The website offers a list of current faculty and their areas of research. Try exploring areas outside of major where faculty may still be doing interdisciplinary research in your areas of interest.
- Contact that professor or investigator through e-mail. Provide your name, year, and explain your interest in the faculty member's research area. Make it clear you have taken time to learn about their work. Provide a resume if possible to demonstrate experience. Get tips from the Career Center.
- Establish an interview with the professor to learn about research opportunities.
- Prepare for the interview by learning about background information for the research are in which you are interested. Make a list of questions to ask the professor and be prepared to answer any questions he/she may have. Dress professionally to impress.
For a listing of Loyola offices that may benefit your research or for information on publishing, presenting, or getting additional funding for your research, please visit the Resources page.