Faculty within the department of psychology maintain active research programs and students are involved at all levels.  Hands on experiences allow students to ask their own research questions, develop hypotheses and design studies to test those hypotheses. 

The effects of such experiences have been widely studied and we know that students who participate:

• improve critical thought
• learn tolerance for obstacles
• develop understanding for how knowledge is constructed
• increase self-confidence
• develop independence
• are prepared for more demanding work

These benefits are an advantage in any career path.  Importantly, these experiences make them better students, thus increasing student persistence and retention. Research conducted by the National office of Psi Chi (Psychology Honorary) also suggests that the independent research experience is the critical factor that sets students apart on graduate school applications.

The Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) is designed to support collaborations between UM-Flint undergraduate students and faculty researchers. UROP allows students to earn paid (or volunteer), hands-on research experiences working along faculty on cutting-edge projects. Additionally, faculty are afforded the opportunity to mentor enthusiastic and talented students.

Because of the diverse nature of the research conducted at UM-Flint, undergraduate students at any level and from any academic discipline can participate in UROP. Sign up today!

Arkum Eidelsafy's (BS, 2017) UROP experience involved a collaboration with department chair, Dr. Jeannette Stein. Their work was presented at the annual meetings of the Midwestern Psychological Association in Chicago.