Explore Undergraduate Research That Makes a Real Impact
“The journey into research was just as impactful as the experience itself—it taught me resilience and how to grow.”
Undergraduates play a meaningful role in research across the School of Pharmacy. Whether you’re drawn to lab science, data analysis, health outcomes, or drug development, research helps you build analytical skills, gain hands‑on experience, and prepare for graduate school or professional programs.
You can get involved in projects across three dynamic departments:
How to Get Started in Undergraduate Research
Most students find or create research opportunities by reaching out to faculty or by applying to structured programs. The Office of Undergraduate Researchoffers a broad overview of how to get involved in research and maintains a searchable database where you can explore active research openings across campus. Here is some guidance for opportunities in the School of Pharmacy:
1. Explore Your Research Interest
Think about what topics excite you in your major or coursework? Do you want a lab‑based, computational, or policy‑focused project? Which department in the School aligns best? You can browse faculty pages or previous student projects to identify potential mentors.
2. Connect with Faculty
When reaching out to a faculty member:
- Include your background, major, and interests.
- Share why their work interests you.
- Describe whether you have a specific project idea or want to join a current lab project.
Faculty are not required to take on undergraduates and will do so only if they have the time and capacity to mentor effectively. Graduate students may help train or mentor you day‑to‑day, but only faculty can assign academic credit if that is what you are seeking.
3. Understand Eligibility and Expectations
Before registering for MEDCH, PCEUT, or PHARM 499:
- You must have permission from the instructor.
- You should be prepared to contribute to research ideation, development, and problem‑solving.
- Additional requirements will depend on the faculty member, lab
4. Time Commitment and Credit
- Courses are variable credit, typically 1–6 credits per quarter.
- 1 credit = 3 hours/week of research (minimum).
- Most students take 1–5 credits depending on their schedule.
- Courses are generally Credit/No Credit.
5. Create a Learning Contract
A learning contract might be required and is recommended before you can register.
Your contract should include at minimum:
- Project topic and why it interests you
- Academic goals the experience supports
- Work plan and expected weekly commitment
- Final deliverable (e.g., report, presentation, dataset) and due date
Both you and your faculty mentor sign the contract (email agreement is fine).
Register for Research Credits
Once your plan is approved:
- Request a faculty code from your faculty mentor or the undergraduate adviser.
- Register for the number of credits agreed upon.
Remember: you are responsible for keeping copies of your learning contract until credit appears on your transcript.
6. Know How Research Credits Apply to Your Degree
Research credits may have limits within your major or the pharmaceutical sciences minor. Consult with your adviser if you want credits applied toward specific requirements.