Research
The University of Florida offers numerous opportunities for undergraduates to pursue research under the direction of a faculty member. These intensive research opportunities personalize the academic experience and challenge students to strengthen their writing and analytical skills. In addition, having research experience is vital for admission to many graduate and/or professional schools.
While many of the undergraduate research opportunities at the University of Florida are coordinated through the UF Honors Office, participation in the UF Honors program is not a requirement. Students participating in undergraduate research should consider completing an Honors Thesis for Honors recognition on their diploma. Also, students can receive academic credits through their department or through the Honors program.
The Honors Program coordinates several undergraduate research opportunities for all students at UF. The University Scholars Program is open to all students and all disciplines. There are several other opportunities for research in the life sciences as well, including Science For Life, GATOR, Investigators, and Beckman Scholars. See http://www.honors.ufl.edu/research.html for links to all campus research opportunities as well as external opportunities and the appropriate deadlines.
Resources
In addition to guiding students to research opportunities in their field of interest, the University Scholars Program offers students a chance to compete for one of 205 research awards of $2,500 each to study with a faculty member and present their research at the Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium. This program is sponsored by the Office of the Provost.
A research database matches undergraduates with researchers in all fields in the university. Faculty needing research assistance post their project and contact information for students to browse. In addition to getting valuable hands-on experience, many students will be given the chance to publish their findings in prestigious journals and to present at academic conferences.
The monthly Journal of Undergraduate Research updates the university community on the various achievements of featured undergraduate researchers in all disciplines. All students are eligible to submit their research to the Journal.
The University of Florida International Review - An online student-edited journal of international affairs that, with the support of the Political Science department, seeks to offer an outlet for students to discuss the issues of today that have the potential to change the realities of tomorrow.
