Why Research?

What is undergraduate research?

An undergraduate research project can take place within any academic discipline and is defined as an independent scholarly or creative investigation, undertaken by the student outside of the classroom and guided by the assistance of a mentor, usually a faculty member. A student's project often relates to the mentor's own research projects and interests.  Many Loyola Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (LUROP) fellows consider their independent research projects to be one of the most rewarding experiences they have as undergraduates.  Read some of their stories in Endeavors: (2010 , 2011).
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Why conduct undergraduate research?

The Loyola Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program aims to facilitate quality undergraduate research between students and mentors and to bring students into a community of scholars within their field.  As a student, you can expect to gain the following knowledge, skills and relationships from your experience:

• Use the research fellowship to make yourself better prepared for graduate school or a professional career.
• Enrich your intellectual growth by being able to connect what you're learning in the classroom with hands-on experience.  
• Attain the discipline-specific language, skills in research methodologies, and knowledge of important scholarship needed to be a successful researcher in your field or discipline.
• Develop intellectual competencies, such as communication, problem solving, ethical decision making, critical reflection and analysis, and the ability to work independently.  
• Experience a quality mentoring partnership, exemplified by a mentor who helps you in skill development, serves as a resource for helping you make contacts with other professionals in your field, writes recommendation letters, and assists you in gaining experience in publishing or presenting your work.

How do I get involved?

Visit the Getting Started page to learn about the many ways you can get research experience.