Frequently Asked Questions

Any time! At UB, undergraduate research is accessible at every stage of your academic journey. Some students begin in their first year to explore interests early. Others engage later to deepen their expertise or prepare for the next steps. The best time to start is when you’re curious and ready to commit the time and energy to the experience.

We’ve outlined the steps on our Getting Started page. 

There is more than one pathway into research. At UB, where research drives discovery across disciplines, opportunities exist in labs, studios, archives, communities and field settings.

A great place to start is to explore the Find Opportunities page. Faculty post opportunities when they are actively seeking undergraduate collaborators. This is one of the most direct ways to connect with a research mentor. 

You can also speak with faculty members you already know or contact your academic department to ask if they are aware of research opportunities that fit your interests.

A digital badge is a type of credential that allows you to show the skills and competencies you gained through a learning experience. It’s a clickable icon you can share digitally on your résumé, UB portfolio or LinkedIn profile. When viewed, it provides evidence of the work you completed and the skills you demonstrated to key audiences, like future employers or graduate schools. There are many offered at UB through the Office of Micro-Credentials.  

The Office for Undergraduate Research offers a digital badge specifically for students participating in undergraduate research!

This digital badge is designed to help you get the most out of your undergraduate research experience. You’ll do the work, reflect on what you learned, connect it to what you know, and plan your next steps. Through this intentional process, you’ll not only grow as a researcher, but you’ll also earn a credential that clearly communicates your experience and growth to graduate schools, employers and professional communities.

Yes. The Office for Undergraduate Research offers three distinct funding opportunities to support student research and scholarly development. All funding programs require you to work with a UB faculty mentor. Visit each Funding page for eligibility criteria, deadlines and application details.

Yes. Sharing your work is an important part of the research process. Students present and publish their work in a variety of on- and off-campus venues. The Celebration of Academic Excellence is one of UB’s signature opportunities to showcase undergraduate research. You can also consult your faculty mentor about discipline-specific conferences, exhibitions or publications. Check out the Share Your Work section of our website.

We’re here to help!

You can:

• Attend an information session.
• Email our office.
• Check out projects other undergraduate researchers have completed.
• Schedule an appointment. 

Undergraduate research is a collaborative process. The Office for Undergraduate Research is here to guide you at every stage—from first questions to final presentations.