Office of Undergraduate Research

Workshops are scheduled regularly designed to enhance students research skills. Topics of discussions include, networking, literature review, research design, problem solving, time management, data collection, data analysis, research methodologies, critical thinking, academic writing, presentation skills, collaboration, publications, necessary to equip students with skills for successful research. In addition, we offer specialized training sessions on research ethics, emphasizing the importance of integrity and ethical considerations in all scholarly work.

Our workshop series is designed to empower students by providing access to valuable resources and information about available undergraduate research opportunities. These collaborative sessions engage faculty, staff, students, postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and alumni, fostering a vibrant community of learning and support. By bringing together diverse perspectives and experiences, we ensure that students receive comprehensive guidance as they navigate their research journeys.

We provide students with access and awareness of competitive grants and funding to support student-initiated research projects. Students are able to use funds to conduct original research, support conference registration, travel expenses, training, mentorship, publication costs, and collaboration with industry and faculty mentors. Additionally, we raise awareness about professional organizations and their funding opportunities for undergraduate research. We also provide information on summer undergraduate research programs, such as REUs, as well as internships and volunteer opportunities in various industries. These experiences help students gain practical skills and enhance their professional networks.

We provide a community that supports connections between students and faculty mentors, cultivating collaborative relationships that enhance research opportunities. Our mentorship program is developed to guide undergraduates through the research process. Students are paired with experienced researchers as they develop their skills and navigate undergraduate research challenges.

The Trojan Future Scholars Research Initiative supports connecting between graduate students and undergraduate students completing research.

Our annual spring undergraduate research conference/symposia provides a platform for students to present their findings to the university community. The VSU Annual Research Conference/Symposia is a gathering of students, faculty, and administrators from VSU and other institutions. The conference/symposia include both oral and poster presentations from undergraduate and graduate students about their research.  In previous years, the conference focused on students doing research in science, technology, engineering, agriculture, and mathematics (STEAM), and health disparities. Students from all disciplines are encouraged to participate. The objectives of the conference/symposia are to help undergraduate and graduate students enhance their communication skills and to better understand how to prepare for careers in a global workforce.

The NURVa conference selected VSU to host the 2024 annual conference The Network for Undergraduate Research in Virginia (NURVa) is a consortium of Virginia colleges and universities dedicated to supporting undergraduate research and creative activity throughout the state. The NURVa conference is an opportunity for undergraduates in all disciplines to present their research and creative work at a statewide conference. The 5th annual conference was held on Saturday, October 26, 2024, on the campus of Virginia State University in Petersburg, VA. Faculty mentors did attend and a variety of graduate schools also presented at the Graduate School Fair.

Marketing and outreach: To showcase and promote undergraduate research opportunities across campus through a multi-channel emails, flyers, presentations, department meetings, class sessions, and social media outlets. The website is used to increase the visibility and impact of student work, highlight achievements.

The office highlights the success of student’s undergraduate research through the Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship at VSU designed to be peer-reviewed and student run.

The office recruits Undergraduate Research Ambassadors (URAs) to share their research experiences and assist fellow students in identifying suitable undergraduate research opportunities. URAs support the Director of Undergraduate Research by conducting workshops and presentations on topics such as finding research opportunities, scientific communication, applying for summer research experiences, connecting with faculty, and essential skills for starting research. These sessions are available upon request for classes, student organizations, clubs and events. Additionally, URAs offer personalized support to students seeking guidance in exploring options, communicating with research mentors, refining research ideas, or preparing applications for research programs.

The Internal Advisory Board is made up of a cross-college collaboration of faculty members, with representation from a wide array of disciplines to ensure that each academic department and major is included.

The External Advisory Board is made up of industry leaders and alumni who play a crucial role in supporting undergraduate research. This board leverages the expertise, networks, and insights of professionals from diverse sectors to guide and mentor students.