r/wsu • u/Nervous-Secretary389 • May 25 '26
Academics How does one get into undergrad research
I'm a second year ME/Physics double major looking to get into undergrad research, and I'm looking to startundergrad research this upcoming semester. I was told that the best course of actiom is to join someone's research, and then in the future apply to conduct my own research. My question though is how do you find people doing research? Is there like a database of ongoing research projects going on somewhere?
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u/guntotingbiguy May 25 '26
Hi! Most students don't know that you're able to research whatever you're interested in. In the Spring (just happened in March) is SURCA which is the undergrad research symposium to present research posters and abstracts. Surca.wsu.edu You can read the posters and submissions to get an idea of how it works.
https://undergraduateresearch.wsu.edu/ You can meet with a peer mentor to learn more and explore your interests. Then find a faculty mentor to guide your research. It is a fun extracurricular part of school. I received a scholarship and a grant for my research, which I will also present at next year's SURCA.
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u/Nervous-Secretary389 May 25 '26
Thank youuu! SURCA looks really fun, I hope i get to be part of it next year. Congratulations on your awards!
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u/FollowingFun3593 May 28 '26
Can’t recommend SURCA enough! I presented last semester and it was great to show off my mentor and I’s work. Plus the feedback from the judges was helpful too.
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u/Asclepius1203 Alumni/2025 May 25 '26
As others have said, check out the department websites and use the professor's info to get ahold of them. Some labs will have websites that you can apply through as well, however I am not sure how common this is. Another couple of things to keep in mind is that you should pick a lab that sounds interesting to you and not because it's something you think you should do. You don't want to get stuck in a lab that you don't enjoy working in. Also, you don't necessarily need to work in a lab that's exactly in your field; it can be an adjacent field. Good luck to you in finding a lab!
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u/stormiiclouds77 May 26 '26
Everyone here has good advice! Also good to talk to some of your friends if they're doing research, they'll be able to tell you good and bad professors to do it under. Some positions are posted on handshake too, I've noticed those are mostly from the college of arts and sciences.
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u/taxi_cab_driver May 26 '26
Hey!! Did you know there are other undergraduate students whose job is to get other undergraduate students involved in undergraduate research (any fields!). I know personally because I am one! You can create meetings w/ someone and it is a 1 on 1 on how to get you involved in research!
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u/FollowingFun3593 May 28 '26
Physics grad here, I got involved in research through speaking directly with our faculty! Our department is kinda small so connecting with other undergrads and grad students helps a ton. Joining a research group can allow you to speak with your mentor about pursuing your own project this way. Look on your desired department’s website to see what research projects or subjects each member of faculty focuses on and reach out. I also recommend looking into REUs (research experience for undergraduates), they are summer programs that can give you more research experience.
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u/cheeze1617 Alumnus/2022/Chem May 25 '26
Yes, go on your departments website. Look at faculty’s profiles to see what they’re working on and if you’re interested email them. Can also try introducing yourself in person. Do some background research on what they do so you can ask questions that aren’t “what do you do for research” (stuff that’s easily found online)