Why Research?

Research is how new ideas take shape. It’s the process of asking questions, exploring possibilities, and creating knowledge through inquiry, experimentation and discovery.

At the University at Buffalo, undergraduate research is not limited to labs or senior year. It happens across disciplines and settings—from studios and archives to communities and field sites—and it begins with curiosity.

Undergraduate research is an active, mentored experience. You work alongside faculty to think creatively, explore questions, test ideas and contribute new insight. It’s not about having the right answers. It’s about learning how to think, explore and discover.

Why get involved as an undergraduate?

Research strengthens learning by turning curiosity into experience. For many students, faculty-mentored research becomes a defining part of their time at UB and breaks new paths for further study and careers.

Through research, you:

  • Learn more deeply by applying classroom knowledge to questions and challenges.
  • Build confidence through out-of-classroom work and close faculty mentorship.
  • Develop transferrable skills including critical thinking, communication and collaboration.
  • Connect meaningfully with faculty, peers and research communities—build your network!
  • Stand out after graduation with experiences that demonstrate initiative and curiosity.

Research isn’t about getting it right the first time. It’s about learning through exploration.

Start now.

We can help you find opportunities, connect with faculty mentors and navigate each step of the research journey.

Take the first step:

Curiosity leads. Discovery follows.

Research makes a difference.

Undergraduate research is widely recognized as a high-impact educational practice. Students who participate in faculty-mentored research consistently show stronger academic engagement and clearer pathways beyond graduation.

Research experiences are associated with:

  • Higher levels of persistence and academic motivation.
  • Stronger preparation for careers and advanced study.
  • Greater confidence in problem-solving and independent thinking.
  • A deeper sense of belonging within the academic community.

At UB, undergraduate research is a core part of the student experience, accessible across disciplines and open to students with curiosity and commitment.

How research works.

Undergraduate research follows a simple, intentional cycle of learning:

Do → Reflect → Think → Apply

  • Do: Participate in hands-on research, inquiry or creative work.
  • Reflect: Consider outcomes, challenges and what you learned.
  • Think: Connect experience to theory, context and broader ideas.
  • Apply: Use insight to refine ideas, ask new questions or take next steps.

This cycle repeats, deepening understanding and helping you grow through experience.

Research looks different for everyone.

There is no single path into research. You don’t need prior experience, a perfect GPA or a fixed career plan. 

What you do need is curiosity.

Students at every stage, from first-year through senior year, engage in research to:

  • Explore new interests or possible majors.
  • Work closely with a faculty mentor.
  • Join an existing project or help shape a new one.
  • Pursue scholarly, creative or applied inquiry.