If your student is ready for a challenge, likes working beyond the traditional boundaries of coursework, and wants to participate in something “hands-on,” then undergraduate research and explorations in innovation are a must. While not on campus this summer due to Covid-19, students are still conducting research remotely by doing data analysis, conducting literature reviews, hosting journal clubs, and taking on a variety of research projects assigned by their mentors.
Georgia Tech is a leading research university and provides extraordinary opportunities for students to enter the exciting world of discovery and innovation. One student said, “Every single student should participate in research throughout their undergraduate career. It prepares you better for the real world and further education than anything else I have done while attending school at Tech. Internships are also incredibly valuable, but during the semesters of classes, research has been how I have constantly developed myself.”
Opportunities for research experience are available year-round, either for course credit or for pay. Research classes for credit count toward free electives in most majors and discipline-specific electives in others. Faculty mentors may hire students as research assistants, or students may receive funding through the President’s Undergraduate Research Award (PURA) http://urop.gatech.edu/pura.
While open to all students, students planning to pursue graduate degrees or a future career in research and development industries should consider a more robust research experience — the Research Option http://urop.gatech.edu/research-option. This thesis-based program gives students an opportunity to get first-hand experience in substantive research, culminating in the production of a thesis paper. It is an excellent way for students to gain valuable skills and experience in applied or basic research, thus bolstering their graduate school preparation. In addition, many scientific and technical firms favor graduates possessing these practical skills.
Undergraduate Research Ambassadors (URA), through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program, inspire undergraduates to seek out research opportunities at Georgia Tech. Ambassadors strive to bridge the gap between faculty and students as well as expose students to applications of research in academic, professional, and industry settings.
Students can meet with ambassadors during weekly office hours beginning Monday, August 24. During the summer, they offer virtual office hours, which students can sign up for at https://calendly.com/uragatech. In addition, ambassadors plan to host coffee talks, panel discussions, and other workshops during fall semester.
The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program will be hosting several Undergraduate Research Information sessions during the Week of Welcome. If we are not on campus, we will host them remotely. Please check the UROP website for details. Our Undergraduate Research Ambassadors will host an Open House on Tuesday, August 11, from 5 to 7 p.m. and a “What to Expect in Research” on Thursday, August 13, from 11 to nNoon, location TBD.
Undergraduate Research Information Sessions
Monday, August 10, 11 a.m. – Noon
Tuesday, August 11, 1 – 2 p.m.
Wednesday, August 12, 11 a.m. – Noon
Friday, August 14, 3 – 4 p.m.
For additional information visit the UROP website at www.urop.gatech.edu. Students may also follow us on Facebook (@GTUROP) or Twitter (@GTUROP) or contact us at urop@gatech.edu.
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