how to do research undergraduate

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A student’s guide to undergraduate research

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Originally written by Shiwei Wang for Nature journal in March 2019.

Participating in original research during your undergraduate studies can greatly expand your learning experience. However, finding the project can be a challenging task, so here’s a short but comprehensive guide that can help you get the most out of an undergraduate research opportunity.

Choose the right lab

Learn to think like a scientist. A lot of people start their undergraduate research by glancing at the faculty list and e-mailing multiple professors whose work seems interesting. Although this might get you a position somewhere, it is not the most effective approach. Before looking at labs, dive into the science to find out which areas fascinate you. Read a lot, go to talks, and talk to your professors not just about their classes, but about science in general as well.

Subscribe to e-mail newsletters from journals such as Nature and Science. Try to read research highlights and science news regularly. Podcasts and articles by, for example, Nature, Science, Scientific American or Quanta can also be interesting sources of information. Follow academics, journals and universities on Twitter. Start your undergraduate research by learning more about science, thinking like a scientist and working out what you love.

Look for questions, not subjects. You might have chosen a major to study, but don’t let this limit your search for research labs. Modern labs are interdisciplinary and very different from what you do in undergrad labs. Instead of limiting your search to your department, try to look at labs in all related departments. Choose labs on the basis of the questions they’re trying to answer.

Mentoring is as important as research. Contact group members to learn about your prospective laboratory’s environment. Are the group members close? Is the lab friendly or competitive and condescending? Is the lab head hands-off or hands-on? The size of the group is also important. If you join a small group, you’ll have a higher chance of being mentored directly by your principal investigator, whereas in a big group, you are more likely to be mentored by a postdoctoral researcher or graduate student.

Reach out with confidence. Once you’ve determined that the research programme interests you and the group dynamic is healthy, send the principal investigator an e-mail. Make sure to explain why you’re interested in working in the lab and that you have spoken to other lab members. Be patient if they don’t reply. If you don’t receive a response after a week or so, send a second e-mail or reach out in other ways, such as by asking group members to enquire for you.

Get the most out of the experience

Start your research with reading, and keep on reading. Usually, the principal investigator will assign you a mentor and a project. Ask for literature to read: learning about the state of the field and why the work is important will help you to push the project forward. Read about your field as well as other, totally unrelated fields. As an undergraduate, you have the freedom to change your major and your future plans. Make sure to strike a balance between reading and conducting experiments. It’s hard to do both at the same time, but it will make you a better scientist.

Set specific goals for yourself and let your mentors know. Think about what you want from your research and how much time you are willing to put in. Besides learning the techniques, do you want to learn how to analyse results and design experiments? Do you want to learn how to write proposals by applying for undergraduate research grants? Do you want to improve your presentation skills by going to conferences? Do you want to potentially finish a project for publication? Working out what you want to achieve will help you to direct your time effectively.

Research takes time. Don’t blame yourself if experiments don’t work or the project is not moving forward as fast as you expected. Science is about failing and trying again. Getting used to and coping with frustration is part of the learning curve of research.

Find a healthy balance. University is already a lot of work, and research will only take up more time. When planning your schedule, try to allocate large blocks of time (whole afternoons or individual days) to research. Rushing through a procedure could be unsafe and will often produce useless results. Always plan extra time for experiments. Consider working less in the lab during exam weeks so you don’t get overwhelmed. Talk to your mentor about your schedule and feelings regularly, so that you can arrange experiments at times that suit you, and you can keep on top of your mental health.

Find financial support. If you wish to do research at your own institution over the summer, your institution might offer funding to cover your expenses. If you want to go to another university, you can apply for funding from that institution’s undergraduate research programme, or from foundations, companies or academic societies. For example, the US National Science Foundation offers a Research Experiences for Undergraduates programme. Universities, foundations and academic societies might also offer grants to cover your travel expense to various conferences. Don’t let money limit what you want to do. Talk to senior students or professors, or search online to find all the opportunities!

Always think about the big picture. Your undergraduate research doesn’t define what you’re going to do after your degree. Keep reading and taking classes outside your comfort zone. Explore and learn as much as possible. Working out what you love is the best preparation you can get for the rest of your career.

Read the full article on the Nature website.

To find a research opportunity at Johns Hopkins University, visit the Hopkins Office of Undergraduate Research website .

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How to get involved in research as an undergrad student

Zeaan Pithawala

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Table of contents

• Introduction

Find a topic you’re interested in 

Preparing to apply for internships , preparing to reach out via email , what it’s like to be involved in research as an undergraduate , how to bring research into your degree .

Doing research as an undergraduate student is not only great for your CV, but it hones your critical thinking and problem-solving skills too. If you’re interested in applying to graduate school, having research experience can give you an edge.  

As an undergraduate biochemistry student at Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi, I worked on exciting research projects with institutions like the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and universities in the United States.  

Here’s my advice on how to get involved in research as an undergraduate student. 

The first thing I did was think about a topic within biochemistry that I’d be interested in researching. For me, that was computational biology and bioengineering. I was interested in exploring how can we accelerate drugs development research in biology using computational power, and I wanted to study the evolutionary relationships that can positively impact society. 

Do some online research around the topics you like and find the institutions where research is already happening in that area. Make a list of the academics leading the research projects you’re interested in.  

I found two different ways to get involved in research opportunities while studying at university. The first is applying to a research internship programme and the second is by emailing professors directly. Both methods have pros and cons. 

Once you’ve found a list of internships you’re interested in, I’d recommend gaining some further background knowledge on the subject you want to research.  

When applying for my research internship at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Gandhinagar, I read research papers, watched YouTube videos and learned the basic terminology of the field. It gave me a good idea of whether I’d really like DNA nanotechnology and it helped me to draft a better application.   

When applying to internships, you will be required to submit documents including your academic record, a letter of recommendation, a written statement of purpose and some identification.  

The statement of purpose, which explains why you’re interested in taking part in the research, what you can contribute to the project and how you will benefit from being involved, is the most important part. You can ask a professor you know well to read through it before submitting, and get a letter of recommendation.  

All internships will have a deadline, so make sure you make a note of the date and apply in good time.  

When preparing to email academics, make sure you read through their research thoroughly, so you can show that you know exactly what the professor is currently working on and how you might be able to help. You can do this by finding the academic on the university’s website, or on ResearchGate where you’ll find more detailed research papers and journals.  

Even when emailing academics directly, it’s worth speaking to one of your own professors to see if they have any recommendations or feedback on how to catch their attention. Always make sure that you only email professors if you are genuinely interested in their research.  

When I’ve emailed professors for research opportunities, I write my emails as follows: 

Introduce myself (name, subject, university) 

Provide my previous experience and/or relevant skill set (like coding) 

Describe my interests and how I can contribute to their research 

Ask for a time to chat 

You’ll not always get a reply to your emails or your internship applications, but don’t get disheartened. Keep trying and something will come up.  

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Being an undergraduate student in a research group might be intimidating at first, given that you will usually work with people who are more experienced than you, but you settle in quick and it’s a great learning opportunity. 

In my experience, a project starts with reading. I’m usually provided with research papers to read so I can get familiarised with the project. There will also be regular meetings with the lead investigator and the rest of the team to discuss progress and important tasks over the coming days.  

I might work individually on a project or with other members of the team, where I’ll be assigned tasks based on my skillset and we’ll bring our learning together. If I’m working individually, there is sometimes a chance to conceptualise my own project and work on it.  

There is always a learning curve because in research, I’m working on an idea that has never been worked on before. Being able to implement what I’ve learned on my course is a great feeling.   

If you do not find an internship or project to work on, an alternative is to speak to the professors at your own university to see how you could get involved in research as part of your degree.  

It could be that a professor has a project you could get involved in, or they could recommend modules and classes that would introduce you to research methods. They might know a doctoral research student that could use the help.  

There are lots of ways to reach out and get involved in research as an undergraduate. It will sharpen your critical thinking and problem-solving skills and prepare you for a career in research, if that’s what you choose. Good luck! 

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Participating in undergraduate research at UC San Diego is a rewarding experience that provides many benefits:

• Create and share knowledge​
• Build relationships with mentors​
• Gain critical thinking and communication skills​
• Cultivate community with peers​
• Travel to conferences​
• Practice public speaking​
• Develop a broad professional network
• Get paid and/or receive academic credit​
• Prepare for graduate school

If you are interested in getting involved with undergraduate research, but need guidance on how to start, we are here to help! Below we detail common factors and opportunities to consider when you're narrowing down your research options and completing the application process.

Important!  Getting involved with undergraduate research is not a linear process (step 1, step 2, etc). The information below is in a list to help you easily find what you need, but the process of getting involved with research is not the same for every opportunity or program. T he order of the steps will vary across opportunities .  For example, depending on the program, you may need to find a faculty mentor prior to applying to the program, after applying to the program, or a faculty mentor will be assigned to you. Use the information below as applicable and necessary.

Personal factors to consider

When considering research programs or other research opportunities, it is important to know your wants, needs, and eligibility. Below are a list of questions to think about and answer to help you when you start researching, narrowing down, and applying to opportunities. Consider current and future interests when answering the questions. 

• What goals do you have in mind (e.g. gain technical skills, gain experience for medical school applications, etc.)?
• What skills do you want to gain?
• What skills do you have to offer?
• UC San Diego
• Other university
• Out-of-state
• When do you want to do research? 
• Academic year and/or summer?
• Which quarter(s)? 
• How many experiences do you want to complete?
• What other time commitments do you have in your life?
• Pay as an employee
• Scholarship/stipend
• Research/class credits
• Co-curricular record
• What field(s) do you want to do research in?
• Do you want to do research individually or with a group? (This often, but not always, depends on the field/professor).
• Do you want to work on your own project or a professor/PI's project? (This often, but not always, depends on the field/professor).
• Citizenship
• Race/ethnic identity
• Family income
• Student status (number of course units you have)
• Career goals
• Education goals (bachelor's, master's, doctorate, medical school, etc.)
• Are you a first-generation student? (your parent(s) didn't earn a 4-year degree)

Research opportunities

There are many ways to find and participate in research at UC San Diego and elsewhere. Here are some of the ways to explore your options. These apply to all fields and interest areas, including interdisciplinary options. 

Hint:  When researching opportunities, look for those geared towards your chosen field as well as those open to "all fields."

• Search the Undergraduate Research Hub's programs
• Search the All UC San Diego Undergraduate Research Programs database
• Academic Internship Portal
• Research Experience & Applied Learning Portal
• TAs / graduate students
• Student organizations
• Mentoring programs
• Opportunities outside for UC San Diego (FAQ)
• Opportunities abroad (FAQ)

Field specific factors

The information below is based on common experiences of our students; however, some students have converse experiences.  Use the information to guide your pursuit of conducting undergraduate research, but understand that your experience may be different.

Arts, humanities, and social sciences

For arts, humanities, and social sciences (e.g., music, literature, sociology) students, it is common to work with a professor individually, whether through a formal opportunity/program or through volunteering. Our information on finding a mentor can help you find a faculty member to work with. 

In these fields, it can be easier to pursue your own research project.

In addition to the research opportunities listed above, you may be able to

• Volunteer for a professor with similar research interests
• Ask a professor if you can do research for 199 credit (without a formal program)

Engineering, life sciences, and physical sciences

For engineering, life sciences, and physical sciences (e.g., engineering, biology, physics) students, it is common to work in a lab / with a research group on a ongoing project, whether through a formal opportunity/program or through volunteering. 

In addition to the research opportunities listed above, you may also want to

• Look for undergraduates listed (this indicates that they are open to working with undergraduates)
• Reach out to an undergraduate and/or graduate student to learn details about this research group
• Find contact information for this research group and contact them about opportunities

Evaluate opportunities

Consider multiple options! Don't limit yourself to one program. You can apply to multiple options at a time and can participate in different options throughout your undergraduate career.

Important!  After you decide on the opportunities that you want to consider, research what is required to apply.

• How they align with your answers to the questions in the "things to consider" list above
• Eligibility
• Requirements
• Application due dates
• Application documents (e.g. personal statement, letter of recommendation, transcripts)
• Application processes
• Research group requirements and expectations (if applicable)

Other steps: picking a topic, picking a mentor, applying, etc.

Remember: Getting involved with undergraduate research is not a linear process (step 1, step 2, etc). The information below is in a list to help you easily find what you need, but the process of getting involved with research is not the same for every opportunity or program. The order of the steps will vary across opportunities.

• Choose a research topic
• Find a faculty research mentor
• Ask for a letter of recommendation
• Reach out to the writing hub  for help
• Undergraduate Research Hub (URH) application process  
• For non-URH opportunities, visit their websites for application instructions.
• Review our FAQs  for commonly asked questions
• Contact a URH staff member with any further questions!

The Research Guide

Anahi Ibarra is a UCSD Alumna that created a research flip-book guide for her TRELS Spring 2020 research project, specifically for first generation college students. She hopes this PDF guide can help all students interested in research and provide resources on how to get involved on campus.

Check out the Guide!

Undergraduate Research Hub

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What is Undergraduate Research?

What is undergraduate research.

Research is a creative and systematic process of asking questions and discovering new knowledge. Any student, regardless of major, year, or experience, can get involved in undergraduate research.

“Find what you love! The sheer abundance of research opportunities at UW can be overwhelming. Take the time to explore what you like.” Sophia Mar Biochemistry Undergraduate

Frequently asked questions about undergraduate research:

Many students who answered these questions are Undergraduate Research Leaders (URLs) with the Office of Undergraduate Research . Click here to learn about the URL program.

Do I need prior research experience(s) to participate in undergraduate research?

No! Most people don’t have any experience with research before college, so it is more than okay to reach out before you have any formal research experience. I would encourage everyone interested in research to look into professors or researchers who conduct research on topics that you are interested in and email them to ask if they have any space in their lab! – Megana Shivakumar

View Megana’s URL profile here .

You definitely do not need prior experience to start researching as an undergrad! Most professors/UW programs supporting undergrad research are more than happy to support students through their first research experience. If you have found a topic or program that interests you, your interest is enough to make you a valuable member of the research process. Also, each research project/lab/program is completely different and will be a new starting point for each person involved even if they already have research experience. – Ruby Barone

When is a good time to start research and/or apply for a research opportunity?

Everyone has a different path to research! I started in high school through a Biomedical Sciences class and continued research at the UW through a summer program before freshman year. With this being said, you do not have to start research this early on. Some students begin research after the fall or winter quarter of Freshman year while others wait until Sophomore year. Personally, I took a break from research my sophomore year and just participated in summer research through an internship. Currently, I am starting in a different lab, so don’t worry about starting later into your undergraduate year as a junior. However, I would suggest reaching out sooner rather than later, so you do not wait until your senior year because you may not have enough time to learn whether you enjoy research or not. – Nisha BK

View Nisha’s URL profile here .

Can/should I do research before I’m in a major?

Yes! I would definitely encourage students to look into getting involved with research before they’re in their major so that you can learn more about the specific topics within your major that interest you. In addition, many PIs like to work with students earlier in their college career so that you can spend more time working in their lab and specializing in your skill set. It’s never too early to start! – Megana Shivakumar

Can I do research outside of my major?

You absolutely can! I conduct research in a Microbiology lab as a Biochemistry major. My research provides me with insight into the unique workings of biochemical assays specifically used with bacteria. For example, I research DNA replication proteins and am working to determine the biochemical mechanism of action for protein-protein interactions that are unique to bacteria using both in-vivo and in-vitro assays. Additionally, many fields are interdisciplinary in their research: in my lab, I get to work with aspects of Microbiology, Virology, Molecular Biology, and Biochemistry. Having a different major from your research topic can make you a unique asset to a research group, as you may be better equipped to answer questions in ways that come from your major compared to the field of the research you participate in. If you’re passionate about the topic, I would encourage you to pursue the research opportunity! – Tara Young

View Tara’s URL profile here .

Are there research opportunities for students in arts and humanities? (Can only STEM students get involved in research?)

This is one big misconception that I have come across at UW – that research is only STEM-related. This is wrong!! UW has tons of great opportunities for research in the humanities – for example, the Summer Institute in the Arts and Humanities is a summer program that supports students through an arts/humanities-centered research project based around a common theme (selected students also receive a financial award and course credit!). The Mary Gates Endowment awards research scholarships to students from all disciplines, and many UW professors in the arts/humanities are also happy to have students reach out to them with research interests that can be pursued on a more one-on-one level with a mentor or instructor. – Ruby Barone

What do research experiences look like in the arts/humanities? Do you bring ideas or is there an assigned project?

Research in the arts/humanities is a lot less structured than how lab-based research and experiments might flow – students can create a research style and project that is tailored to their individual topic and interests, which allows projects to take form as research essays, art forms, performances, video essays, and the list goes on. For research programs like the Summer Institute in the Arts and Humanities, and for more individualized research that one might work with a faculty member on, you are highly encouraged to bring your own interests and passions to the table. Your mentor(s) will likely provide a basic framework for the final project you are aiming to produce, but they also allow a lot of room for creativity and your own interpretation of your research to take place. For example, my last big research project took form as both a formal research project and an art piece, which ended up being displayed in UW libraries and the UW office of research. Research in the arts/humanities is very fluid, and your project’s form will likely evolve as you learn more about your topic. – Ruby Barone

If I started a research project in high school, can I continue it as an undergraduate?

If you began a research project in high school, it is absolutely up to you and your research mentor whether you want to continue it into your undergraduate career. If you feel passionate and excited about your research, don’t feel obligated to switch topics as you enter undergraduate research. However, I would say that the transition to college can be a great time to try new things and extend yourself as a researcher to learn new skills, techniques, and about new topics! You have a lot of years to experiment with new things. Anecdotally, the research I participated in during high school in seismology is completely different from the research I conduct now in microbiology, and I really value having had that experience in gaining skills in a more “dry lab” environment. Although I now work in a wet lab, there are many skills that can carry over, and it allows you to get a better sense of what excites you as a researcher. – Tara Young

How many hours per week are undergraduates expected to dedicate to research?

It depends. Most professors in STEM fields, from my understanding, expect approximately 9-12 hours per week. That said, you can fulfill these hours whenever it works best with your schedule. Moreover, all professors understand that you are a student first. If there are weeks where you have several exams, for example, or are particularly busy with schoolwork, communicate this to your research mentor! Odds are they will understand that you can’t work on your project as much as usual and it will be totally ok. – Carson Butcher

View Carson’s URL profile here .

How long (how many terms, how many hours per week) are you expected to be in a research experience?

For research in the STEM fields, mentors usually expect 10 hours per week of time commitment. However, it does not mean that you will and must do 10 hours of work every week. You would start easy with ~3 hours per week of training, getting yourself familiarized with the research methodology and protocols. As you gain familiarity and confidence in research methods, you can be more independent and conduct more experiments based on your interest, therefore spending more time in the lab. Mentors usually expect a long-term commitment of a minimum 1 year, and it is reasonable: most of the training, whether wet lab work or computational work, would require at least a quarter of training to gain confidence. You are left with two quarters (or more) of independent research to learn, grow and contribute. – Teng-Jui Lin

View Carson’s Teng-Jui’s profile here .

Can you apply to get basic research skills even if you don’t want a project or without having a specific goal in mind?

I recently transitioned to a new lab, and I do not have a specific project I am working on. I am mostly learning basic biomedical science lab bench work even though I have prior experience. My mentor encouraged me to start from the beginning as if I had no previous experience, so I can relearn the fundamentals. If you want to develop basic research skills, I would highly recommend applying because you will spend time learning techniques in the beginning and your mentor will be there to supervise you. – Nisha BK.

How do you balance schoolwork, work, life, home-life with research?

As a student who juggles a full course load and anywhere between 5-10 extracurriculars every quarter, I understand the struggle of maintaining a healthy work-life balance! Something that has always helped me is organizing my life into a calendar and being very intentional with how I spend my time. Especially when it comes to research, I set clear boundaries with my mentors about when I’ll be working. It also helps that I love everything that I do—I get to study neuroscience, do research, direct a mentorship program, and do a communications internship. It’s so rewarding when you get to do work that you are genuinely passionate about. But of course, we can’t be productive all the time. Make sure to prioritize your health and give yourself time to rest and recharge! – Shannon Hong

View Shannon’s URL profile here .

Additional Resources

• View the UW Libraries Undergraduate Research Tutorial module: Finding Your Balance

Anyone can participate in research and the Office of Undergraduate Research can help!

If you are curious about a subject and can find a mentor who is willing to support your endeavor, you can participate in research. The Office of Undergraduate Research is here to help you find research opportunities and mentors who can help you reach your goals. Check out a variety of undergraduate research projects below!

Jasmine Mae

Jasmine did undergraduate research on the Supreme Courts of the Philippines.

Learn more!

Matthew Nguyen

Matthew is pursuing research to find novel therapy for late-stage prostate cancer.

Meron Girma

Meron conducted research on healthcare accessibility within Ethiopia.

Abi worked to understand the impact of legal discourse on Seattle’s history of racially segregated schools.

Anika Lindley

Anika studied the association between aggression and social functioning in people with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Daniel Piacitelli

Daniel studies cosmological emissions in metal spectral lines as an Astronomy and Physics student.

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Every day, our faculty and students work side by side in a tireless pursuit of discovery, continuing our founding mission to bring knowledge to the world. Whether you study engineering, chemistry, music, anthropology, or all of the above, every student here—no matter his or her major—is an investigator.

You can find research in whatever field you want because everyone here is doing some sort of research, and you can help out.

Explore supernovae alongside a Nobel laureate. Learn how to make music with lasers . Create devices that will save lives in impoverished countries . Take a grand tour of the cities that inspired some of the Western world’s great thinkers—Venice, Florence, Paris, or London.

At Hopkins, you can do all of the above. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

Two juniors named Goldwater Scholars

Program funds undergraduate summer research experiences

Rising senior earns Beinecke Scholarship

Programs & fellowships.

• Provost’s Undergraduate Research Awards : Receive up to $3,000 and be paired with a full-time faculty sponsor for research on any topic of your choosing
• Woodrow Wilson Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program : Engage in hands-on, independent learning with faculty mentors and receive funding of up to $10,000 over four years
• ASPIRE grants : Promote independent research projects among undergrads in the School of Arts and Sciences; awards range from $500 to $4,500 per academic year

Learn more:

• Hopkins Office of Undergraduate Research
• Student research opportunities at the School of Engineering
• Student research opportunities at the School of Arts and Sciences

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• Guide to Undergraduate Research at Duke

Duke is among the top universities for research, but when you think of research, do you think of undergraduates?

If you answered no, think again. Research isn’t only for faculty or graduate students; undergrads can begin participating in research in a multitude of ways from as early as their first year at Duke.

The  Directors of Academic Engagement , faculty, and students from across Duke took time this year to explain the value of research experiences for undergraduates and break down the elusive process of finding a research project.

From Dance and English, Political Science and Psychology, to Biology and Neuroscience, these Duke researchers demonstrate the various types of opportunities available to students in all areas of Duke while breaking down myths that research is out of reach.

 Welcome to Undergraduate Research at Duke 

Start with a passion

If students feel overwhelmed by the options available to them, they aren’t alone, says  Bridgette Hard , professor of the practice of  Psychology & Neuroscience . There are many options for students at Duke to pursue research, whether through independent study or work with individual faculty mentors,  summer research programs  or through established, interdisciplinary programs like  Bass Connections .

The first step in research is taking a step — any step — especially if it is still the first year.

What is successful research?

Sometimes research fails. You uncover information or results that you didn’t expect. Plans fall apart, or new hurdles appear along the way. What’s next? Duke researchers discuss why this isn’t necessarily a bad thing and how “failing” research might actually be successful in the long run. 

“Nothing is unproductive in research…and nothing is unproductive in the way you get involved in research at Duke. Everything is a learning process,” says Director of Academic Engagement Jules Odendahl-James.

Finding partners in research

At Duke, there are many avenues to connect to others doing research and lots of people who are interested in helping. The key is finding the right people.

“The institution is resource rich,” says  Iyun Ashani Harrison , associate professor of the practice in  Dance . “Access to intellectuals, to ideas, it influences your processes, your research, how you imagine yourself in the world and what you might be able to do.”

The unexpected gifts of research

The benefits of engaging in research aren’t limited merely to research outcomes.

“Meeting people that you didn’t know you should know,” is one of the most important outcomes of participating in research according to  Candis Watts Smith , associate professor of  Political Science . Listen as other faculty and students share the benefits they have found from participating in research at Duke.

To take the next step — or the first step — in exploring research opportunities at Duke, students can visit this  page for   many resources on identifying mentors conducting research of interest and ideas for contacting potential mentors. 

• Getting Started in Research
• Undergrad Research Calendar
• Honors Theses
• Explore Research by Department
• Compensation for International Students
• Research Abroad: Safety Considerations
• Human Subjects: Institutional Review Board
• Responsible Conduct of Research Training and Tutorials
• Frequently Asked Questions
• URS Academic Term Grants
• Program II Research Funds
• Duke Opportunities
• Opportunities Database
• Non-Duke Opportunities
• Resources for Presentations
• Undergraduate Research Journals
• Student Team Grants
• Eligibility & Requirements
• Application Instructions
• Background & Facts
• Duke ASP Faculty Mentors
• Duke ASP Scholars
• Financial Support
• Contact the Amgen Scholars Program
• PRIME-Cancer Research Program Mentors
• Student Stories
• Student Advisory Council
• Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium
• 2024 Symposium Abstract Booklets
• Previous Abstract Books

What is Research?

WHAT IS RESEARCH?

Research is independent study and discovery in a field of interest. In the sciences, research is usually conducted in a laboratory led by a Principal Investigator (PI) – this is the faculty member who runs a research project. Research addresses a hypothesis, or scientific question. New student researchers typically join an ongoing project in a faculty’s lab and are often trained & supervised by postdoctoral scholars & graduate students.

WHY CONDUCT RESEARCH?

• Conducting independent study complements your studies, your academic goals, and your professional goals
• UCLA is a world-class research institution with prestigious faculty conducting original research in their fields. Take advantage of the resources available to you
• Find out if a career in research is right for you
• Get valuable research experience to make you a competitive applicant for graduate or professional school
• Research can serve as valuable work experience to make you a competitive applicant for your future career
• Earn university credit and funding for your research
• Build meaningful relationships with and receive mentorship from faculty and lab members

Conducting research as an undergraduate is an excellent way to gain experiences and skills that will benefit you both academically and professionally. In addition to exploring your areas of interest, undergraduate research develops skills in collaborative learning and critical thinking. For students interested in pursuing graduate or professional school, undergraduate research is a way of expanding your education outside of the classroom and better preparing yourself for the rigors of graduate study. Even if you are unsure about graduate studies, conducting undergraduate research is a way of exploring your research interests and testing the suitability of a research career to your interests.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

Some questions to ask yourself as you plan your research are:

• What subjects am I interested in and passionate about?
• How much time can I commit to research?
• Will I need financial support to conduct research throughout the summer and academic year?
• What do I want to gain from my research experience?
• How can I best prepare myself academically and professionally to do research?
• What courses should I take that will complement the work I do?
• What safety courses will I need to take to do research in my field or lab?

The better you plan your academic coursework, the better you will be able to organize your time for research. Whatever your future professional and academic plans are, gaining experience in research will enhance your application and your preparedness for more self-directed research.

Once you have evaluated your research interests and organized your time, the next step is finding a faculty mentor. As part of a collaborative research team, you will need to find the right position both for you and your potential research lab.

You can also take part in UC Online’s ‘Introduction to Research’ class available through the Cross-Campus Enrollment System (CCES). This introductory course will help you understand what research means and provide guidance in how to find a research position.

Do you have a question about getting involved in research? Send us a message through Message Center ( Topic: Beginning Undergraduate Research )!

How to get involved in research as an undergraduate

By Associate Teaching Professor Mark Sheldon

After studying for a while, many students are curious about what CS research involves and wonder if it is something they should do.  Is it right for you?  Consider the following points as you weigh the pros and cons.

If you want to go to graduate school, then YES!  Find out what you're getting into before you apply, sign on, and sign up. And it is a feather in your cap when you apply (especially if you have any publications).

If you don't want to go to graduate school, then maybe.  It can be a great chance to work on a larger project in a non-class environment, get to know faculty and graduate students, and learn deeply about something you would likely not be able to learn about any other way. It can also look good on a resume.

If you decide to do research, it will be during the summer, during the regular school year, or both. Thus you need to have time to do it. Whether an internship or research opportunity is better is hard to say. You want to learn something, enjoy what you are doing, and prepare for your future.

If you decide that research is right for you, there are two main avenues for gaining entry into research: here at Tufts or outside of Tufts.  The key in both cases is to find the opportunities, assess your own interests, and then apply.

A good way to start assessing your interests is by attending  department colloquia  which are advertised in the Cummings Center and via colloquia email (contact  [email protected]  to subscribe). You'll find out what people are doing and see what excites you and, just as importantly, what does not excite you.

If you are curious about what kinds of research students do at Tufts, including in other departments, you might want to attend the  Tufts Undergraduate and Research Symposium . This is an annual Tufts tradition held at the end of the academic year.

Research outside of Tufts

Research Experiences for Undergrads (REUs) are part of funded research projects that have been budgeted specifically for undergraduate participation. You can find out about what is available at the  National Science Foundation (NSF) website.

Start by browsing. Find topics that interest you. Skim the list and note projects of interest (open a tab in a browser or save the URL or take notes). Then go back and review the interesting opportunities.

Things to keep in mind: Is the project large or small? Is it a new opportunity or an established program? Some REUs are part of a project that does this routinely, and they have an organized approach to bringing on new people. Some are smaller or newer, and things are less formal. Larger ones may mean you work less with the head faculty member (if at all) and more with their graduate students. That's not bad — the grad students are doing the work for the project in question, but they may be less experienced at managing students.

Ask around among your friends or try to find people who have done a program before through the NSF. They can let you know whether they support students well or whether you are expected to work on your own more.

That said, most are well-run and are great opportunities to do something you might not be able to do here at Tufts.

Research at Tufts

Be sure to check out the  Summer Scholars research program  for information about summer research opportunities, independent studies, and more.

Additionally, you should be aware of the  Senior Honors Thesis Program . If you decide to do research, this might be a path for you. See  Undergraduate Research Fund  for a funding option.

You can also contact faculty about research positions. However, there are two projects you should do first. Devote 45 minutes, maybe an hour or so to each, but do them a day or two apart. That will give you time to digest what you saw and let things simmer before you come back for the second round.

Advice: Do not email or otherwise contact a faculty member and ask “Do you have research projects for students?” without doing the preparation below. You are wasting your time and theirs if you do that.

Be aware that not all faculty are looking for undergraduates all the time. Everything depends on funding, the state of current projects, and the particular goals currently being pursued.

Task 1: Option narrowing

Go to the department web page about  research areas in the department.  You'll get a sense of what we do in the department and you can see what areas resonate with you. Most of those items will point you to various individual faculty web pages, which will contain more information about exactly what they do. You may also go to the department  faculty page  to get links for faculty member pages.

If they have instructions for getting involved in their research groups, make a note of that — you'll come back to that later if you're interested in working with them.

Read up on their general descriptions. If they have project descriptions, read those, of course. Take notes on things that interest you, and, if you like, things that don't seem interesting.

• The goal is to learn about you!
• Don't expect to understand what you read! These descriptions are generally written for other faculty members and graduate students and frequently contain information intended for practitioners in the specific subfield of the research area.
• Answer this:  Would I like to learn more about this? Is this something that piques your interest?
• If you have a sense of what you like, you have been successful. Take notes!

At the end of this task, you will have a list of 0–4 faculty members doing work that interests you, and maybe even a couple projects that you read about. Well done — take a break for a day or two.

Task 2: Whom should I contact?

Welcome back! You may revise your list of 0–4 faculty members after some time away. If the number is 0, then you may consider the NSF page referred to above, internships, and/or personal projects. Not everyone has to do research. In addition, our department does not cover all possible areas of interest.

For each faculty member on your list, go back to their respective web page(s). Look at their 2–4 most recent publications or more detailed descriptions of the work of their graduate students. You can concentrate mostly on the abstracts, introductions, and some items about what they actually did in the reported work.

• Don't expect to understand what you read! These descriptions are written specifically for practitioners in the subfield of the research area and not for a general audience.
• Answer this:  Would I like to learn more about this?
• Answer this:  Would I like to come to work every day (over the summer) or a couple times a week (during the year) and do what they're describing?
• If you can answer these questions, you're being successful. Take notes!

At the end of this task, you should have a list of 0–4 faculty members for whom you have 1 or 2 items of interest plus notes on those things.

Take a moment to write up some questions about the project.

Task 3: Making contact

For each faculty member on your list, make contact. Start by looking at their websites. Many professors have explicit instructions about how to get involved in their research groups. If they have taken that trouble, then do what they say!

In person is probably best in general, but online is okay. You can send an email, too. Keep it short.

Start by saying you are looking for an undergraduate research opportunity. Let them know why they should keep talking or reading.

Ask your questions about their specific projects. This will:

• Get answers to your questions, allowing you to decide whether the project is still as interesting as it seemed
• Let them know that you did your legwork
• Entertain both of you by starting a conversation about something you are both interested in (faculty members are people, too)
• Ask about opportunities with those projects, what specifically you might be able to do, and how to proceed if there is mutual interest. If you are open to other projects, then express that, too.

As I said above, not all faculty members hire undergraduates and at any given time, and there may or may not be space in their groups.  The above tasks are, still worth it, because you were learning about you.  Even if there is not an opportunity here at Tufts, you may have discovered something of interest to you that you can pursue somewhere else, on your own, or with a group of friends.

Faculty vary widely in whether and how they hire and pay students (again, see  Undergraduate Research Fund  for some possible funding). Therefore, I cannot give specific advice about that. At the end of Task 3, they can tell you what happens next. They might ask you to come to their research group meetings and hang out to see whether a relationship can emerge organically. They might want to interview you for a job (or have one of their graduate students do that). Whatever it is, you are on your journey.

Remember! The goal is to learn something about you and what you might enjoy doing, and to prepare for your future.

Welcome to the research community!

Undergraduate Research at Vanderbilt

What is undergraduate research, the council for undergraduate research defines undergraduate research as “an inquiry or investigation conducted by an undergraduate student that makes an original intellectual or creative contribution to the discipline.”.

Though many people falsely assume that only professors or graduate students are involved in research, in reality research is integrated into many of our undergraduate academic courses and is featured as the capstone experience in a number of majors. Undergraduate research runs the gamut from biology research in a laboratory to music performance at a senior honors recital. While “research” may conjure images of white lab coats or stacks of leather bound library books, creative activities expand the definition of research to a modern and interdisciplinary realm. From 2D artwork to live performances to artistic historical investigations, many Vanderbilt students expand their academic experiences to a stage, a gallery, or popular media. Many of our undergraduate students also conduct interdisciplinary research across majors, fields, and schools.

Research can also take place in many places and at many times. Vanderbilt offers an exceptional number of opportunities for undergraduate students to do research over the summer, but many students also partake in research right alongside their classwork in Fall and Spring semesters. And although many students do research right here at Vanderbilt, many students also travel to other universities, other cities, other countries, or are supported by types of institutions like government laboratories or privately owned corporations and foundations. Finally, students are not limited by class year, as students from all four years regularly partake in research.

Samples of recent undergraduate research projects and creative activities include:

-Examining the relationship between speech patterns and language in music

-Traveling to New York City to study performing art as a form of activism

-Measuring lung cancer cell growth and drug response in different tissue environments

-Comparing the acoustic properties of speech for preschool students who stutter and those who do not

-Studying corruption in Latin America to predict the public’s acceptance of a military coup

-Working on an archaeological dig in Peru

-Assisting a visiting art professor build bikes with battery powered stereos

-Using an unpublished 15th century book from the Vanderbilt library collection to see how the text and images support women’s devotions in the Middle Ages

-Shadowing and analyzing the behavior of school principles in different school settings

-Creating and updating Wikipedia articles for the Vanderbilt Library Special Collections

Build your independent project

Main navigation.

Building on your course work or earlier research experiences, you may have an idea for an independent project in your field. It is important to consider the time scale and resources you will have to work on such a project. Begin by meeting with  faculty mentors  who have expertise on the topic. It may take time and several meetings to create a plan for success.

How to plan a successful project

Every project is unique, but successful projects have one thing in common: they are developed with the help of a faculty mentor. As you begin to plan your project, here are some things you might discuss with your mentor.

• How your idea fits within the larger framework of your faculty mentor’s research or artistic expertise
• How to focus your project idea into a well-defined topic
• What steps you will take to investigate the research question or to create your art
• What additional preparation you will need before starting the work
• How your topic relates to existing works in the field, and what additional works you should examine
• How to create a feasible timeline for the project

Build your project

• Learn about past work on your topic and build a foundation for your project.
• Develop a central idea.
• Meet with your faculty mentors to seek feedback on your ideas and guidance for next steps. (You will need to do this more than once as you develop your ideas and plan further.)
• Create a project plan and evaluate your ideas. 
• Use all this preparation to develop a grant proposal if your project requires funding. 

You Might Also Be Interested In...

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Office of Undergraduate Research

4 ways to get into undergrad research, by shahan kamal, our peer research ambassador.

1. Email! Email! Email! The most straightforward way to get an undergraduate research position is to send emails to professors. A simple look at a professor’s profile on their department website will tell you if you’re interested in the research their lab does. Even the slightest bit of interest is reason enough to email the professor and try to set up a meeting. The meeting is your foot in the door–you can talk to them about your career goals, major, research interests, or just let them further explain their work to you. Meetings put you on track to find the research spot that works well for you and get yourself started. The trick is to be resilient–professors are busy and won’t always be able to respond to emails from students they don’t know, so don’t let a few ghosted replies hinder you.

2. Talk to your professors after class Professors like to talk to students and take an interest in them. It’s important if you want to establish a relationship with a professor that you talk to them and get to know each other. This can be after class or in office hours, but you should try to be more than just a nameless face in a crowd to them. Relationships like these open doors for students, and the mentorship a professor can provide you with is invaluable. You might find yourself fascinated by their research and have the opportunity to be an asset to their lab. On the other hand, maybe their research isn’t for you–but just a discussion with them about your preferences can help them guide you in the right direction.

3. Keep an eye on research programs The Office of Undergraduate Research administers funding programs that connect students to research positions. The Health Research Program facilitates connections with researchers at the UConn Health Center, giving students an opportunity to get involved in the cutting-edge research happening at the Farmington campus. The Work-Study Research Assistant Program coordinates opportunities for students to use their work-study award to assist with faculty research. In addition to these programs, you can also apply for funding through the SURF Award Program or the UConn IDEA Grant Program to support ongoing projects or a new project you are taking the lead on designing. Check out all the OUR programs to see what fits.

4. Look for off-campus opportunities Lastly, and arguably the most ignored, is to broaden your search. The Office of Undergraduate Research has an entire page on their website dedicated to showcasing opportunities outside of UConn where students can gain more research experience. Students often think that they’re bound to the campuses in Storrs or Farmington, but there are plenty of other universities and facilities that conduct research who are looking for motivated students to join their projects. On top of the opportunity to do fascinating work, these opportunities will introduce you to some of the brightest minds in the country, opening avenues to further opportunities and expanding your network.

At the end of the day, finding the perfect fit in a research lab is the result of a lot of trial and error, so you can’t be afraid to try. Even when things don’t work out, you’ll have gained experience for it, and experience will always be valuable–and when things do work out, you get to have the best of experiences.

Shahan is a senior majoring in Molecular & Cell Biology. Click here to learn more about Shahan.

• Youth Program
• Wharton Online

Why should you do research as an undergraduate?

Alumni, faculty, and employers answer the question., erika james, dean, the wharton school; reliance professor of management and private enterprise.

When I was a student, I took a short detour to a corporate setting, which was an experience that only reinforced my belief that my true calling was in academia. The lasting professional and personal relationships I have developed through my research have proven to be invaluable, and transformed my life in many ways. Though not every student will pursue a career in academia, all students can benefit greatly from the skills gained through research. The experience will prepare you to think critically, anticipate opportunities and be an effective leader in any industry or endeavor.

Diana Roberson, Vice Dean, Wharton Undergraduate Division; Samuel A. Blank Professor of Legal Studies & Business Ethics 

Raveen Kariyawasam, W’22, SEAS’22

Adam Grant, Saul P. Steinberg Professor of Management, Professor of Psychology

I can’t imagine a better way to learn than doing undergraduate research. When I was in college, getting involved in research changed the course of my life. It gave me the chance to explore fascinating questions, soak up wisdom from brilliant mentors, and stretch my creative and critical thinking muscles. I discovered that I loved creating knowledge, not just consuming it.

Dara Cook, W’95

Wendy De La Rosa, Assistant Professor of Marketing

So many consumers, cultures, and organizations have been ignored and under-researched. As a result, so much is still unknown. For me, there is nothing more honorable than being the person who pushes our collective human knowledge forward (even if it is just by a centimeter). You can be that person, and you can start right now, right here at Penn.

Michael Roberts, William H. Lawrence Professor of Finance

Nancy Zhang, Professor of Statistics and Data Science, Vice Dean of Wharton Doctoral Programs

Geoffrey Garrett, Former Dean and Reliance Professor of Management and Private Enterprise, The Wharton School

Debi Ogunrinde, C’16, W’16

Paul Karner, C’03, W’03

Ashish Shah, W’92

My undergrad experience prepared me for success in a crisis that few expected and fewer were prepared for. When at Wharton, I was fortunate enough to conduct research in two completely different areas of finance.   Read more

Kate Lakin, Putnam Investments

Julio Reynaga, C’13, W’13

Katherina M. Rosqueta, WG’01, Founding Executive Director, Center for High Impact Philanthropy,  University of Pennsylvania

Joseph Wang, C’13, W’13

Nada Boualam, C’17, W’17

Research Opportunities

In keeping with its mission as a research university, NYU strives, whenever possible, to include undergraduates in the production of knowledge. Since creativity and original work can take different forms in different fields, research is defined in its broadest sense, encompassing artistic and professional activities, as well as more traditional academic inquiry into the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Research extends and enhances classroom learning by enabling students to work one-on-one with faculty members (and, in some areas, also with highly trained postdoctoral fellows and graduate students). In addition to strengthening a student's resume and graduate or professional school applications, such experiences expand understanding of a discipline, engender productive mentoring relationships, and encourage the development of analytic and communication skills that are useful in any profession.

Research varies widely in nature, context, and extent both within and across undergraduate schools at NYU, ranging from research requirements in individual credit-bearing courses to independent study courses and honors theses or projects.

Below are just a few examples of the ways in which undergraduate students can get involved in the research happening at New York University:

• College of Arts and Science Research
• Gallatin Research Scholar Program
• Social Work Research
• Steinhardt Research
• Stern Research
• Tandon Research

5 Reasons Why Undergraduates Should Do Research

• by Julia Ann Easley
• May 02, 2017

Nearly 40 percent of UC Davis undergraduates participate in hands-on research. On the occasion of the 28th annual Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities Conference on April 28 and 29 — where more than 700 students presented their work — we introduce you to some students and graduates who shared what they’ve gained. Consider how the research experience can benefit you, too.

1. Exploring career directions

Here is how undergraduate research influenced the direction of three UC Davis students:

​Shadd Cabalatungan started his studies at UC Davis aiming for a career as a veterinarian. Touched by his aunt’s diagnosis with breast cancer, he got involved with research at the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center . That experience was key in changing his direction to pursue a medical degree. He also did research on how drinking by college students affects others who don’t drink. With a degree in sociology , he is now completing his first year as a medical student at Stony Brook University.

Graduating senior Rong Ben, once fascinated by the aesthetics of fashion, is geeking out on how technology can be incorporated so fashion helps solve problems. As a junior, this design major did a research internship with a professor working on wearable technology, including gloves to provide a patient’s vital statistics. “It opened up a new view for me,” said Ben. As a participant in the University Honors Program , Ben designed a grab-and-go coat for safety in an earthquake with protective materials, lighting, emergency food and water, and more. Next up for Ben: the graduate program in fashion enterprise and society at the University of Leeds.

Physics major Mario D’Andrea took a course related to climate neutrality to confirm his desire to study physics in graduate school. He worked with two other students to research waste reduction and carbon sequestration through composting. He enjoyed the research, and it helped confirm his desire to study condensed matter physics in graduate school. “I wish more classes were open-ended like this,” he said.

2. Building transferable skills and enhancing resumes

Graduating senior Julie Beppler has learned a lot about food options in downtown Davis. The managerial economics major analyzed how 49 restaurants use menu design to promote certain items. But more than that, she developed and demonstrated skills that employers seek. Beppler first worked as a research assistant and then pursued this project for her Undergraduate Honors Thesis . It focuses on the cost of production and price of featured menu items as well as their relative healthiness. She taught herself computer programing; learned time management; practiced professional communications as she interacted with restaurant managers; and proved her ability to motivate herself and direct her own work.

Beppler will soon start in the management development program at E. & J. Gallo Winery, so take her word that doing research can also help students find a mentor who can provide letters of recommendation and advice to support their success. Kristin Kiesel , a faculty member in agricultural and resource economics and a mentor to Beppler, agreed: “There is no better way to recommend a student than by having them successfully complete an undergraduate research project.”

3. Learning to publicly advocate for and defend work

“Nerve wracking.” That’s how graduating senior Kathryn Green described her anticipation of presenting for the first time her research on California’s clean car consumer rebate program. Now she’s a UC undergraduate research ambassador. Last quarter, the political science major participated in the policy program at the UC Center Sacramento , which included classes, an internship with the advocacy organization Environment California and a research project.

Presenting the research was a requirement. Green designed a large poster representing her research and, in a session lasting 90 minutes, explained it one-on-one to attendees. She talked about the process and her policy recommendations not only to policymakers and people from the clean car industry, but also to others who were unfamiliar with the topic. “I became almost a teacher,” said Green. “I took my research and explained it to someone who didn’t know about it.”

Based on her success in that venue, Green represented UC Davis at showcase in Los Angeles earlier in April for alumni, donors, regents and other friends of the University of California. “I’m really proud I got to go down and share my research,” she said.

4. Getting a leg up on graduate or professional school

When Becky Fu came to UC Davis in 2008, she was the first in her family to attend college. Nine years later, this genetics and genomics major is preparing to defend her dissertation and graduate from Stanford University with a doctoral degree in genetics and a master’s degree in biomedical informatics. A 2012 graduate from UC Davis, she credits her participation in undergraduate research as foundational to where she is today. “No question about it,” she said. “Without undergraduate research, there would have been no way I got into any of the graduate programs I did.”

As a freshman, Fu heard others talking about research and sought out the Undergraduate Research Center on campus for more information. She went on to do research with two professors; participate in the undergraduate research conference ; publish in Explorations , the UC Davis journal of undergraduate research; be awarded a Provost’s Undergraduate Fellowship to help pay for her research; and win the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Research and other awards.

“Having that experience as an undergraduate to fail a lot and expand on the techniques,” Fu said, “was an integral part of being prepared for and getting through the doctoral program.” At Stanford, she is working in the lab of Andrew Fire, who shared the 2006 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine .

5. Contributing knowledge and impacting the world

Annaliese Franz, associate professor of chemistry  and faculty director of the Undergraduate Research Center , sees students experience the joy of discovery and creation through research. “Students really get the chance to create something new as they go into the lab or out into the field or study new policy.”

Fu, the Stanford student, explained how undergraduate research developed a new quest for her: “I wanted to be contributing to a bigger cause, a bigger realm of intelligence, and that’s advancing medical care in general.”

And Green, who did the research on the clean-car rebate program, discovered a new power. “My research told me that an undergraduate can make an impact,” she said. “You don’t have to have a master’s degree or doctorate to make valuable contributions.”

Julia Ann Easley of News and Media Relations supports communication and writes stories at the heart of the university. Her career includes a noble cause, adventures in learning, working with wonderful people and a beautiful green setting.

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Undergraduate Research Assistant Opportunities

Each semester, and sometimes during the summer, research labs in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (ChBE) seek Undergraduate Research Assistants (UGRAs) to support research in individual labs. Details vary from lab to lab, but hours will range from one to 25 hours per week depending on availability and lab needs. These student hourly roles are filled on an as-needed basis. 

Becoming an undergraduate research assistant is a great way to:

• Apply classroom knowledge in a research setting
• Get to know faculty members (helpful when looking for recommendations)
• Develop professional skills and broaden your network
• Improve communication and teamwork skills

Specific UGRA tasks depend on the lab and faculty member, but generally involve conducting experimental or numerical research tasks in collaboration with a near-peer mentor, analyzing data and preparing presentations of results for other laboratory personnel, the lab PI, and the scientific community. 

The pay range is $16 to $18/hr, depending on experience and qualification.

Qualifications

• Must currently be pursuing a BS degree.

Student hourly positions are not permanent employees and hired on a semester-by-semester basis. This position is eligible for employee sick leave earned monthly on a prorated basis. 

Interested applicants should email Danielle Porchetta  with the following information, and your application will be distributed accordingly:

• Subject line: “ChBE Undergrad Research Assistant Position”
• The lab you are interested in working with
• A brief statement of your interest and relevant experience
• A resume or CV

Posted 08.16.24

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