Guide to Undergraduate Research at Duke

Duke is among the top universities for research, but when you think of research, do you think of undergraduates?

If you answered no, think again. Research isn’t only for faculty or graduate students; undergrads can begin participating in research in a multitude of ways from as early as their first year at Duke.

From Dance and English, Political Science and Psychology, to Biology and Neuroscience, these Duke researchers demonstrate the various types of opportunities available to students in all areas of Duke while breaking down myths that research is out of reach.

Welcome to Undergraduate Research at Duke

Start with a passion

If students feel overwhelmed by the options available to them, they aren’t alone, says Bridgette Hard, professor of the practice of Psychology & Neuroscience. There are many options for students at Duke to pursue research, whether through independent study or work with individual faculty mentors, summer research programs or through established, interdisciplinary programs like Bass Connections.

The first step in research is taking a step — any step — especially if it is still the first year.

What is successful research?

Sometimes research fails. You uncover information or results that you didn’t expect. Plans fall apart, or new hurdles appear along the way. What’s next? Duke researchers discuss why this isn’t necessarily a bad thing and how “failing” research might actually be successful in the long run.

“Nothing is unproductive in research…and nothing is unproductive in the way you get involved in research at Duke. Everything is a learning process,” says Duke Arts Director of Engagement Jules Odendahl-James.

Finding partners in research

At Duke, there are many avenues to connect to others doing research and lots of people who are interested in helping. The key is finding the right people.

“The institution is resource rich,” says Iyun Ashani Harrison, associate professor of the practice in Dance. “Access to intellectuals, to ideas, it influences your processes, your research, how you imagine yourself in the world and what you might be able to do.”

The unexpected gifts of research

The benefits of engaging in research aren’t limited merely to research outcomes.

“Meeting people that you didn’t know you should know,” is one of the most important outcomes of participating in research according to Candis Watts Smith, associate professor of Political Science. Listen as other faculty and students share the benefits they have found from participating in research at Duke.

To take the next step — or the first step — in exploring research opportunities at Duke, students can visit this page for many resources on identifying mentors conducting research of interest and ideas for contacting potential mentors.

Guide to Undergraduate Research at Duke

Welcome to Undergraduate Research at Duke

Start with a passion

What is successful research?

Finding partners in research

The unexpected gifts of research

Undergraduate Research Support Office

Getting Started in Research

Research Tools

Additional Resources

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