Students
Student Research FAQ
Why should I do research as an undergraduate?
Conducting research as an undergraduate is an important step to explore an area of interest in depth, increase problem solving and critical thinking capabilities, network within your field of interest and also turn theoretical knowledge into real-world experience. Also, undergraduate research experience is highly valued in graduate school admissions.
How are undergrads involved?
There are several ways in which you can engage in research at the USF St. Petersburg campus. You can be a lab assistant or work as a research assistant on faculty-led research projects. You may also initiate you own research study for course credit or through the Honors Program.
What are some other ways to get hands-on experience?
In addition to research, USF St. Petersburg campus Career Services offers career coaching, career exploration, job and internship tools, and related resources to currently enrolled USF students and our alumni.
Is research the same as an internship?
An internship is geared towards providing work experience while research is primarily an academic endeavor; however, both experiences offer you the mentorship of a qualified industry expert and extensive networking opportunities. It is advisable to do both academic research and complete an internship for competitive employment and/or graduate school opportunities. For more information about Internships and Service Learning, contact your academic advisor.
Do I have to wait until I'm an upper-class student to conduct research?
No. USF St. Petersburg campus faculty are interested in working with all students. However, some research projects may require coursework (e.g., research methods, statistics) before you are ready to participate.
Can I receive course credit for conducting research?
The policies regarding research credit vary by programs. In many cases, students may receive 1 to 3 credits toward their degree.
What is the time commitment for participating in a research project?
Time commitments vary widely by the faculty and the type of the project. Be sure to discuss the time expectations with your faculty advisor.
How do I find out about research opportunities?
Use the Undergraduate Research Portal to help you find the right opportunity, just build your profile and begin your search! Alternatively, you can ask faculty members you have had for class or your faculty advisor about available research projects.
helpful research poster information
How do I write an Abstract?
An abstract is a short, concise overview (usually 100-150 words) of your research project. An abstract requires academic writing that is persuasive in nature and should compel the reader to want to know more about your research.
Where do I find templates and other poster designs?
Once you have gathered the content of your project, you can decide how to organize the content on your poster. Choose the structure that best showcases the significant findings of your research.
How do I include Data Visualization in my poster?
All datasets and images should be cited if they were created by someone other than the poster author. Every graph and table should be self-explanatory.
Making overall design choices
There are many choices to make when designing a poster from fonts, color, imagery and more. Learn about good design choices for your research poster.
What to do prior to printing a poster?
Before printing your posters, review the following information to ensure your poster presents your research in effectively.