About the Office of Undergraduate Research

Who are we?

The University of Connecticut Office of Undergraduate Research has been established to provide a broad range of enrichment activities designed to make research and creative activity available to all undergraduates. The Office provides research related opportunities and information to students interested in pursuing a deeper learning experience. Opportunities for undergraduate research are extensive and limited only by your imagination. Research can be conducted independently, on a team, directed by a faculty member, within the university or in an outside facility. The Office maintains this Web Page containing a library of research sites, a collection of research abstracts, research guidelines and proposals, faculty and student contacts, and funding availability. In addition, updated information regarding National Undergraduate Research Conferences will also be listed as well as the University's own Frontiers of Undergraduate Research and Summer Undergraduate Research Competitions.

Why Undergraduate Research?

The University of Connecticut is listed as the top public research institution in this part of the country. Our faculty is gifted and well known for their discoveries. Undergraduate Research places our students in extremely valuable situations. You will have the opportunity to work closely with scholars who are experts in your interest area. You will gain first-hand experience in your subject. You will be the recipient of an invaluable mentor by establishing a stronger relationship with a faculty member. You will build a very impressive resume and academic record, which will introduce you to the graduate school or position of your choice. Above all, you will learn life long lessons that only an experience like this can give you.

Who are the faculty researchers and what goes on in their laboratories?

We can't say enough about the faculty who invite undergraduates to join their labs, oversee their research and provide valuable mentoring. Research and creative activity is being performed all throughout campus. It is an exciting time to be here - new growth - new discoveries, and an awakening to the possibilities within all of us. To get a glimpse of the extraordinary work directed by our faculty, visit the web sites of those we selected to highlight here. We will update this site from time to time in order to highlight many of our faculty on a rotating basis.
JOSEPH LOTURCO, Ph.D.
Physiology and Neurobiology

Whom do I contact and when?

Serious students, who are ready to pursue this outstanding opportunity, should contact the Undergraduate Research Program for additional information. You should also speak with your advisor or, to a faculty member in your area of interest about available options. This web page also lists outside sources such as the National Science Foundation and Connecticut United for Research Excellence (CURE) for addiitonal opportunities. Some of the opportunities require upper division student status but many are for all undergraduates regardless of semester standing. We highly recommend that students begin to explore the undergraduate research opportunities as early as their first semester. The Office will provide classes on research protocol and responsibilities in the spring semester. Please review this site for upcoming dates and location.