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 Allison Tidwell standing Samford Lawn.
    “My experience as an undergraduate researcher in the College of Human Sciences has been truly life changing. I have engaged with a wide network of professionals, found my place on a team of diverse individuals, developed innovative solutions to real-world problems, and earned valuable experience in my career field of interest. This experience has empowered me to develop my potential as a human scientist, and I am thus more prepared to pursue a career in which I may promote a quality life for all.”

    –Allison Tidwell