As one of the world’s leading research universities, Penn has a broad array of faculty conducting cutting-edge research in all disciplines. The Research section of CURF’s website can help you identify resources, narrow your search, and shape your initial inquiries so you can find appropriate faculty mentors and eventually obtain research funding.
You can become involved in research with faculty at any point in your Penn academic career. While most research opportunities for first-year undergraduates during the academic year are on a volunteer basis, if you were awarded a work-study grant through the Student Financial Services office you might consider seeking a work-study position that involves research.
Summer is a great time to focus on research with a faculty member. Start looking for opportunities for Summer 2010 after your first semester on campus. By January 2010 you should have a clearer idea of your areas in which you might like to explore research. In addition to seeking Summer 2010 research opportunities directly through professors, you may wish to apply to the Provost’s Undergraduate Research Mentorship Program (often referred to as “PURM”, opportunities will be posted in January 2010).
Undergraduates have opportunities to publish their research through co-authoring papers with faculty members and through student research journals at Penn. Students often present their findings to faculty and their peers through departmental symposia and at annual research presentations such as the College’s Family Weekend.