The Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) defines undergraduate research as “an inquiry or investigation conducted by an undergraduate student that makes an original intellectual or creative contribution to the discipline.” Undergraduate research is proven to be a high-impact educational practice that increases student engagement, retention, and success.
At the University of Pittsburgh, the aim of undergraduate research is to allow students to follow their curiosity by exploring topics and questions currently relevant in their field with the guidance of a dedicated and experienced faculty mentor. By using discipline-specific knowledge, along with a desire for answering questions, students will gain vital experience in collecting and analyzing data, presenting findings, and finding entry-points into critical discussions in their field.
As a research institution, we value the importance of undergraduate research experience to prepare students for their career pathway or in the pursuit of further education. Pitt’s aim is to help students in any major develop their research skills and then use those skills to make a real-world impact.
Continue reading about the undergraduate research framework.
Undergraduate researchers are students at the University pursuing baccalaureate degrees who seek out opportunities to gain experience in research methodologies, data collection, and writing and presenting aspects of research.
As a research university, Pitt has a vast array of research opportunities for undergraduates across schools and disciplines. Here you will find a small sampling of sites that can get you started on exploring research opportunities during your time at Pitt.
The bi-annual Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression Fair gives undergraduates from across the University the opportunity to exhibit faculty-mentored posters and research projects in Humanities, Social Sciences and Sciences.