Embarking on undergraduate research is an exciting way to explore your academic interests, gain hands-on experience, and contribute to new discoveries. Begin by identifying your motivations for pursuing research—whether it’s to deepen your knowledge in a specific field, prepare for graduate school, or tackle real-world challenges. Next, pinpoint topics or fields that spark your curiosity, connect with faculty members whose work aligns with your interests, and explore the resources and programs available at Iowa State.
How to Get Started

Taking the First Step
Start by identifying your motivations for pursuing research. Do you want to gain first-hand knowledge in a specific subject area or do you want to do research because it will help you get into grad/med/vet school? Once your identify your motivations, you can start to narrow down the type of research you'd like to pursue.
There are a variety of undergraduate research opportunities for pay on campus.
Undergraduate Research Assistantship (URA) Program encourages outstanding juniors and seniors to pursue graduate study by offering hands-on experience in a formal research environment.
Creative expression opportunities can be found through many music and theatre avenues on campus.
Once you've selected an area of interest, identify a faculty member you'd be interested in doing research with. Research departmental websites in your area(s) of interest and look for affiliated faculty in those departments. If possible, take a class of theirs or attend department seminars. After selecting a faculty member, contact them via email or if you are currently taking a course from them visit their office hours. In preparation for the email or meeting become familiar with their work and how it aligns with your interests. Be able to describe why their lab is of interest and why you’d be good fit.