University of Michigan - Flint

Simply put, research is the investigative process you take to learn things. But for more of an in-depth look into the research process, we recommend you visit this excellent site. *Note: though this site specifically addresses bioscience research, most of the principles on the site apply to any type of research.*

Students interested in getting research experience should start by visiting the "Getting Started" section.

Not necessarily. While funding opportunities for undergraduate students and graduate students have eligibility requirements based on the number of credits completed, we still encourage any student to get involved with research. If you have interest in a particular area, you should express it as soon as possible. Some research projects may require students to complete certain classes, but you can always ask a faculty sponsor if they are willing to working with less-experienced students.

Absolutely! University of Michigan-Flint faculty are involved in an assortment of research projects. In many cases, they are willing to work with students from all different types of backgrounds, research interests, and skills.

Here are proposed timelines for students involved in research:

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Undergraduate students:

Freshman Year	Sophomore Year	Junior Year	Senior Year
Use your class experience to gain basic knowledge that could be applied to a research project. Most research projects will require knowledge and skills you gain from a variety of courses, not just those related to your major. Take the time to look into some of the research being conducted by your professors. Determine which research projects interest you. Express your interest to faculty.	Start looking at research opportunities in your field of interest. Take more courses being offered by the professor whose research interests you the most. Familiarize yourself with their work. Talk with faculty members about the possibility of doing a research project. Consider doing research projects during the Spring and/or Summer semesters. These assistantships may carry over into the Fall and Winter semesters.	Participate in UROP for pay, credit, volunteer points, or just for experience. Work multiple semesters if possible. Start applying for Office of Research funding. Present your work at Meeting of Minds and/or the Michigan Undergraduate Research Forum. Consider taking additional courses that will assist in your area of research.	Continue on the same or a new project; possibly through UROP. Present your work at Meeting of Minds and/or the Michigan Undergraduate Research Forum. Use your research project as experience when you apply for employment or graduate school.

 

Graduate students:

First Year	Second Year	Third Year and Beyond
Use your class experience to gain basic knowledge that could be applied to a research project. Most research projects will require knowledge and skills you gain from a variety of courses, not just those related to your major. Take the time to look into some of the research being conducted by your professors. Determine which research projects interest you. Express your interest to faculty.	Start to identify a faculty sponsor. Familiarize yourself with their work. Talk with faculty members about the possibility of doing a research project. Apply for a Graduate Student Research Assistantship or any other research opportunities in your field of interest. Start applying for Office of Research funding.	Present your work at professional conferences. Consider submitting your research to various publications; possibly co-authoring with other graduate students, faculty, and other researchers.