Getting Started

The Research Journey

Why is Research valuable?

Research as a learning activity:

Conducting research as an undergraduate is a learning activity that enriches your experience within your discipline by honing communication, writing, data analysis and interpretation, leadership, and team skills. Additionally, research deepens your learning within and/or outside of the classroom, and is valuable in creating and reinforcing your identity.

• Hone skills employers seek in college graduates such as teamwork, critical thinking, data analysis and interpretation, public speaking, communication, and more
• Learn in more depth about your interest
• Build professional relationships and expand your network
• become more competitive

What is considered a research experience?

Sam Houston State University recognizes the value of undergraduate research experiences—both for our students and our faculty members. The term “research experience” is meant in the largest possible sense, embracing all disciplines; at the same time, it is shorthand for a much broader world that encompasses all forms of creative activity, scholarship, application, and discovery.
It includes:
• research in the traditional sense (such as a team of scientists working in a laboratory or field setting)
• scholarly works in the humanities and social sciences and
• creative activities engaged in by artists and performers

How do I get started?

Identify your interest:
Give it some thought! What questions are you most interested in that indicate further exploration or solving? What about interests outside of your major, such as being a biology major, but you have an interest in music? Think about your career aspirations. For example, if you're a psychology major, what area within psychology are you most interested in?

Take relevant coursework:
Once you have identified your research interest, it is best to enroll in a class relevant to the interest. Taking relevant coursework is 2-fold, you learn more of the topic of interest, and when looking for faculty to work with, many will want you to have knowledge of the topic (although at times this is not required).

Find out about opportunities within SHSU:
Utilize EURECA! EURECA and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) know of faculty currently conducting research, as well as which faculty members are currently looking for students. You can fill out our Find a Mentor form or search for faculty on our Work with Faculty page. Additionally, you can volunteer to work on a previous professor's research team.

Find potential mentors within SHSU:
Many faculty members have web pages that describe their research interests in detail, as well as what they are currently working on. Identify faculty members in the department of your interest and find their sites. Once you have done this and you are familiar with their work, drop by their office hours or set up a meeting to learn more.

Take the initiative:
Being the one to initiate a meeting shows faculty members that you are motivated to begin your journey in research. Take the time to study their past and current projects to find more info about their professional careers and set a meeting with them.

Look for research opportunities outside of SHSU:
You can always utilize the ORSP to find scholarships, grants, competitions, and more that require you to conduct research and submit for awards. Visit the ORSPs Find Funding page to learn more.