Office of Student Research

Student research offers a wealth of benefits that extend beyond the classroom, fostering both academic and professional growth. Engaging in research helps students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by allowing them to analyze information, evaluate evidence, and generate solutions to complex issues. It also provides hands-on experience with research methodologies, data analysis, and experimentation, reinforcing theoretical knowledge and enhancing subject mastery. Through this process, students refine their communication skills as they learn to articulate findings clearly in writing and presentations, making them more effective in both academic and professional settings.

Additionally, research fosters collaboration and networking opportunities, enabling students to work closely with faculty mentors, peers, and experts in their field. This exposure not only strengthens their professional connections but also enhances their résumés and graduate school applications. The experience nurtures creativity and innovation, encouraging students to explore new ideas and contribute original insights to their discipline. Furthermore, research involvement can lead to opportunities for publishing work or presenting at conferences, helping students establish themselves as emerging professionals. Ultimately, the research process builds resilience, independence, and confidence, equipping students with valuable skills that will serve them well in future academic and career pursuits.

It’s never too early. We welcome anyone from freshmen to graduating seniors. Once we know the direction you want to look in, we’ll point you to the right way. You might not know where to start looking for the right project. We’ll work with you to find on-campus opportunities and external options.

The Office of Student Research hosts the following events and more:

• Annual Scholars Forum, the main event of Research Appreciation Week in April
  • Showcasing posters, podium presentations, juried art, music exhibits, and more.
• Undergraduate Summer Opportunity for Applying Research (U-SOAR)
  • Win a stipend to conduct your own summer research! Take on an independent project with a faculty research mentor, and join us for scaffolded professional development opportunities and a research symposium.
• National Achievement Scholarship mentorship
  • Learn about different achievement scholarships you can apply for, and work with our office to craft effective applications that express your extraordinary qualities and goals.

Getting started on any project can be daunting. Fortunately, IUP’s research offices are designed to help students navigate this process. We can help you familiarize yourself with:

• Research ethics, including comprehensive ethics training.

• Getting approved for your research through the Institutional Review Board and/or the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.

• Finding a faculty mentor who can work with you on your project.

• Accessing the latest research literature at the IUP Libraries.

• Data analysis help at the Applied Research Lab.

• Publication and presentation assistance at the Center for Scholarly Communication.

• Research opportunities like the IUP U-SOAR program.

• Professional presentation through the IUP Scholars Forum.

• Funding opportunities through IUP InfoReady, the Scientific Research Honor Society Sigma Xi, national achievement scholarships, and more.

Faculty mentors are the backbone of undergraduate student research at IUP. The Office of Student Research oversees the University-wide Student Research Committee, where faculty members help disseminate information about research opportunities to students and faculty; encourage students to participate in the Scholars Forum, U-SOAR, or other scholarly activities; identify and nominate students for national achievement scholarships; and more!

Help us continue to offer our students the support they need to conduct their research and get creative in all majors. Professors interested in working more closely with students or the UWSRC should reach out to the Office of Student Research. Working closely with a student allows you to get multiple perspectives on your project while mentoring a potential future leader in your field. We can help professors learn more about student opportunities and find mentor/mentee matches. We can also work with you to ensure our workshops and events fit the needs of your undergraduate research.