Undergraduate research consists of faculty-mentored investigations or creative inquiries conducted by undergraduates that seek to make scholarly or artistic contributions to knowledge. Immersive research and creative experiences enable Temple students from all undergraduate schools and colleges to explore their intellectual interests, communicate and defend their ideas effectively, and prepare for future educational and career opportunities.
Students from all fields conduct faculty-mentored research and present their work.
FAQ
Why should I get involved in undergraduate research?
Whether you pursue a research-related career or not, undergraduate research offers many benefits. Engaging in a sustained academic project and developing a deep connection with a mentor were two of the main predictors of fulfillment among college graduates (Gallup-Purdue Index Report, 2015).
Other benefits:
- Deepen your understanding of material you study in classes
- Clarify your interests and career goals, including maybe discovering that research is not for you!
- Explore a specialized area of your planned career
- Prepare for graduate school or post-graduate opportunities
- Build a meaningful connection with a mentor
- Boost competitiveness for funding
- Take the first step toward a national scholarship opportunity
- Develop analytical, creative, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills that will serve you well in any profession
- Bring a fresh, new perspective to a research team
- Make a real contribution to knowledge that could benefit society
How do I get started?
- Identify your interests: What excites you? What do you want to learn more about? Are there particular classes or professors who light you up?
- Talk to people!
- Contact Anisha Bhat, Assistant Director for Undergraduate Enrichment, to schedule an advising session or research consultation.
- Faculty: Go to office hours. Ask your professors about their research. Ask how their research interests evolved. Ask if there are other courses they would recommend for you to gain more experience in a particular area. Read about their work online beforehand so you are better prepared with questions and topics to discuss. More useful tips on preparing to meet with faculty.
- Undergraduate Research Ambassadors: These experienced undergraduate researchers are happy to answer your questions and/or provide support and guidance.
- Volunteer: In some cases you may be able to jump into a paid position or do research for credit. But many times you will have to begin as a volunteer and build trust by establishing yourself as a reliable, hard-working team player.
What are some research programs and opportunities at Temple?
Creative Arts, Research, And Scholarship (CARAS) Program
A funding opportunity to encourage and support undergraduate students engaged in scholarly, creative, and research projects that contribute to advancing their field of study. Two types of grants are made through the CARAS program: Research/Creative Project Grants and Travel Grants. More Information
Diamond Research Scholars Program
The Diamond Research Scholars Program offers a seven-month long funded research experience under the direction of a faculty mentor. Participants receive a summer stipend and register for a research or independent study course in the fall for their research or creative arts project. More Information
Symposium for Undergraduate Research and Creativity
The Symposium for Undergraduate Research and Creativity (formerly TURF - CreWS), held annually in the spring, provides undergraduates the opportunity to present their research and creative work to the university community. More Information
Other Opportunities
How can I present my research to others?
At Temple:
- Symposium for Undergraduate Research and Creativity (formerly TURF-CreWS)
- CST Undergraduate Research Symposium
- Livingstone Undergraduate Research Awards
Beyond Temple:
- CUR Posters on the Hill
- CARAS travel grants (funding for travel to present at a conference)
- Many professional membership organizations (American Geophysical Union, Association for Psychological Science, etc.) hold annual meetings that include opportunities to present papers and posters. Talk with your faculty mentor to learn more.
How do I get involved in research outside Temple?
Check out the Office of Scholar Development and Fellowships Advising "Find a Fellowship" tool to learn about additional opportunities. This is just a small fraction of the many, diverse opportunities out there.
Humanities:
Natural and Social Sciences:
-
NSF (National Science Foundation) REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates)
-
American Bar Foundation: Montgomery Research Diversity Fellowship (SDRF) in Law and Social Sciences
-
Department of Energy Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI)
Medicine:
-
CRISSP (CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia) Research Institute Summer Scholars Program
-
List of Health-Related Summer Research Opportunities Nationwide
Multiple Fields:
Think Tanks:
How can I learn more?
- Council on Undergraduate Research: Temple has an enhanced institutional membership, so all students, faculty, and staff may join for free. Learn about funding opportunities, research positions, tips, and more.
- Pathways to Science: Database of summer research experiences for undergraduates (REUs), scholarships, institutes, and more.
- Office of Scholar Development and Fellowships Advising: This Temple office maintains an updated list of opportunities for Temple-based and external hands-on research and teaching experiences. Their staff are available to provide guidance to students throughout the process of considering opportunities and applying for nationally competitive fellowships.
- Subject-area Librarians at Temple: Specialist librarians are available to assist students from all majors in finding resources.
- Sign up for the Enrichment Programs newsletter: Stay updated on the latest opportunities, events, and resources related to undergraduate research and peer teaching.
Now is a good time to explore your interests. Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to expand your horizons.
Dr. Edwin Maas (Communication Sciences and Disorders), Diamond Research Scholar Mentor
UPCOMING DEADLINES
March 15, 2025
Deadline for Summer/Fall CARAS Project Grants.
Rolling Deadline
The NIH-funded Fels Cancer Institute Research Program for Historically Unrepresented in Research undergrads is a paid, year-round research-intensive program consisting of laboratory research training, part-time during the Spring and Fall semesters and full-time training in the summer, under the supervision of pre-selected faculty mentors. Programming related to personal and career development will also be provided. Currently seeking students majoring in Biochemistry, Biology, Genomic Medicine, Neuroscience, Bioengineering, and chemistry. To apply contact [click-for-email] and [click-for-email] and fill out the Application Form.
Fox Undergraduate Research Leadership Program is committed to supporting business research excellence among undergraduate students. The Fox Undergraduate Research Excellence program is designed to provide Fox and STHM students with the tools and experience that will help them succeed in today’s competitive business environment, which values decision making based on evidence.
STUDENT RESEARCH SPOTLIGHTS
Chloe Gehret ('23)
Major: Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity
In 2021, an EF-2 tornado tore through the Ambler Field Station. Chloe began researching the impact of this disturbance—first as a 2021 Diamond Research Scholar, and most recently as a CARAS recipient. Her project examines the relationship between the competitive potential of dominant trees within the forest and their resistance to large-scale climate-driven disturbances (which are increasingly common due to climate change). In addition to her goal of publishing this research in a journal, Chloe is also applying her research skills to an internship at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, studying barnacle spawning. After Temple, she hopes to pursue a PhD in ecology at a prestigious graduate school. Go Chloe!
Check out Chloe's story on Instagram
Ally Yu ('23)
Major: Management Information Systems
Ally used her CARAS Project Grant to create WebORA- an organic chemistry teaching tool designed for students with disabilities. Ally worked closely with her mentor in the Chemistry Department, Dr. Steven Fleming, to design a website to showcase the Organic Reaction Animations (ORA) developed by Dr. Fleming. After her CARAS research experience, Ally hopes to pursue a career in UX & Product Design with a focus on accessibility! Check out WebORA here: https://webora.netlify.app/
Check out Ally's Story on Instagram
Sophia Rothstein ('22)
Major: Photography
Sophia was a 2021 Diamond Research Scholar and presented her research at the 2022 Symposium for Undergraduate Research and Creativity. Her project, "Behind the Lens: 8 Women on Visual Storytelling" showcases the work and stories of eight female photojournalists. Through this research, Sophia wanted to understand the career she aspires to from women's perspectives and make connections in the field. Inspired by their stories, Sophia also took photographic portraits of each woman in her series, and combined everything into a final, published book.
Check out Sophia's Story on InstagramGET CONNECTED, GET INVOLVED
Undergraduate Research Peer Mentoring Program (Spring 2025 Applications Open)
Are you an experienced researcher at Temple? Would you like to guide your peers in getting started with research? Please fill out the "Research Peer Mentor" application. Are you new to research and looking for some extra guidance? Please fill out the "Research Mentee" application.
CONTACT US
- Want to learn about how to get started with research, identify a faculty mentor, or develop a project idea? Contact Anisha Bhat, Assistant Director for Undergraduate Enrichment, to schedule an advising session or research consultation.
- Want to connect with a fellow student who has successfully completed the Diamond Research Scholars program, a CARAS project, or another research experience? These students are happy to chat with you!
- Farther along in your research career? Thinking of applying for competitive post-graduate fellowships or scholarships? Make an appointment with the Office of Scholar Development and Fellowships Advising, through Handshake.
- Are you a faculty member or administrator with questions about undergraduate research at Temple? Contact Emily Moerer, Associate Vice Provost for Undergraduate Enrichment.