Undergraduate Research
Why Undergraduate Research?
We understand that students who graduate without research experience have not taken
full advantage of all that a comprehensive research university has to offer, so OSU
leads the way in supporting undergraduate research in all fields of study. Our students
who engage in undergraduate research often find their experience to be invaluable
in choosing a career path, improving their likelihood of success in the workforce,
and in applying for graduate school.
Our Mission
OSU has long been a national leader and innovator in scholar development, and more
recently, undergraduate research. Our office’s mission is to expand and enhance student-faculty
research partnerships across all disciplines at OSU. Faculty mentors at OSU have the
foresight to see the immense potential that engaging in undergraduate research, regardless
of the discipline, have on a student’s ability to engage with the world’s challenges.
Upperclassmen
For sophomores, juniors, and seniors, our office, in partnership with the Lew Wentz
Foundation, provides around forty $4,500 Wentz Research Awards to accomplished undergraduates
who have written a compelling research proposal under the mentorship of an OSU faculty
member. Students in the Physical Sciences (Geology, Chemistry or Physics) are eligible
for the Neil Purdie Research Scholars Program, which includes a $6,500 scholarship.
Further, the Niblack Research Scholars Program, coordinated through the Office of
the Vice President for Research, provides $8,000 research grants to students in the
laboratory sciences. Many individual colleges and departments also offer undergraduate
research opportunities.
Freshmen
For some students, their undergraduate research experience at OSU begins with our
award-winning Freshman Research Scholars Program, funded by the Robberson Trust. Approximately
ninety incoming freshmen across all five undergraduate colleges extend their education
beyond the classroom by engaging in cutting-edge research under the guidance of innovative
faculty members. Students who complete the program not only receive a $1,000 scholarship,
but are also well prepared to apply for further research funding offered through our
office.
Presenting Research
In addition to scholarship support for undergraduate research, our office also coordinates other programs aimed at enhancing the research experience. Students who have been active in research for at least two semesters can apply for an Undergraduate Research Transcript Designation, present at the annual undergraduate research symposium, or apply for funding to present their research at a conference. Please contact our office for individual guidance and support.
