College of Human Sciences
A female, male and another female student looking at notes in a notebook.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Science for a Quality Life depends on innovative research to explore and solve the problems that individuals and families face in their everyday lives. To that end, the College of Human Sciences offers diverse opportunities for students and faculty to work together as “human scientists” on topics within the areas of nutrition, child and adolescent development, families, sustainability, hospitality, design and technology, and much more.

Consumer & Design Sciences

Human Development
& Family Science
Nutritional Sciences

 

As an undergraduate research assistant, what might you do?

  • Review and summarize interesting articles
  • Recruit participants
  • Guide research participants through research tasks
  • Conduct interviews or focus groups
  • Help enter and manage the data collected
  • Provide programs under evaluation
  • Work with other students to create materials for a project
  • Participate in meetings, webinars, and other activities that are part of the project

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    What are the benefits of participating in research as an undergraduate student?

  • Building knowledge and expertise in an area that interests you
  • Developing skills that will be useful should you plan to go to graduate school
  • Engaging in professional development opportunities that prepare you for work
  • Getting to know one or more professors who can write strong letters for your graduate school or job applications
  • Learning what it means to be part of a collaborative team alongside professors and other students
  • Networking with researchers and professionals within your field of interest
  • Exploring your interests and fine-tuning your goals
  • Earning 1-3 course credits

    •   What students say about their experiences
    Photo of Karen Ngugi standing in front of Cater Hall.
    “My experience in research has helped shape my career trajectory and equipped me with confidence and skills to pursue further opportunities of higher learning. The opportunity has certainly enabled me to find a niche that suits my career interests, while also allowing for meaningful connections with my professors and fellow research assistants. ”

    – Karen Ngugi