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Undergraduate Research

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Undergraduate ResearchUndergraduate students are encouraged to participate in the exciting research going on in the College of IST. Research experience is a great resume builder and an excellent way to extend learning outside of the classroom. Whether considering graduate school, looking for a creative outlet, searching for a thesis project, or wanting to hone critical thinking skills, students will find many interesting projects in our labs, classrooms, and research centers.

College of IST Faculty Research Projects

Finding a research project of interest to you depends on your initiative. Although some students find good research project opportunities through the University's undergraduate research posting system, most find a good fit by taking the time to find out about faculty members' projects and making personal connections during office hours. A good place to discover what is happening in the College is the faculty research page.

College of IST Undergraduate Research Symposium

The College of IST encourages undergraduates to share their research with the broader community. The Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium celebrates the accomplishments of IST Undergraduate Student Research Fellowship recipients who have worked with faculty supervisors. For information on the upcoming symposium, watch student listservs for announcements.

University Support for Undergraduate Research

The University provides a posting system, presentation opportunities, summer funding, and travel support through the Office of Undergraduate Education. Visit www.undergradresearch.psu.edu for more information.

  • Research Opportunity Postings
    Online listing of openings for undergraduate research assistants, searchable by campus and college or faculty name.

  • The Undergraduate Exhibition
    Annual showcase of undergraduate research and creative work from across Penn State’s colleges and campuses, held in the spring at the University Park campus.  Faculty and graduate student volunteers are invited to judge student entries.

  • Summer Discovery Grants
    Competitive awards to support undergraduate student engagement in original research, scholarship, or creative work under direct supervision by a faculty member.

  • Research Conference Travel Support
    Matching funds provided by the Office of Undergraduate Education, colleges and campuses, and academic departments to defray the cost of attendance by undergraduate students at national or regional professional meetings to present their research or creative work.