Get Involved in Research

Research pathways

Students who participate in research experiences have two paths to select from:

Join an existing research project as a research assistant and support the professor(s) overseeing the study with various roles and functions (examples: participant recruitment, data or evidence collection, literature reviews, or data analysis).

Design and conduct a research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor.

Starting as a research assistant will help you learn about the research process and build your toolkit. When you have ideas for an independent project and professors to work with, consider applying to a program that allows you to bring your study to life. Both pathways are excellent options and will enable you to learn more about your field of study, develop your skills, and be mentored by faculty.

LAS research opportunities Heading link

Browse featured programs and resources commonly used by LAS students to get involved in research. These opportunities are open to current LAS students.

student in lab

The Liberal Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Initiative (LASURI) allows LAS students to work with faculty mentors on research projects they develop together.

Program Highlights:

  • Projects run one or two semesters, students receive a scholarship of $1,250 each semester or up to $2,500 total.
  • Students work with faculty mentors to create a work plan and schedule.
  • Faculty mentors can hold appointments in LAS or any college on campus.
  • Students prepare an abstract (a brief summary of their work) and present their research at a public forum, like UIC’s Undergraduate Research Forum or UIC’s Impact and Research Day.
  • Access to workshops and resources to support research experience, and can publish research studies in the online LASURI student journal.

Application Details:

  • Review the website to learn about eligibility, application dates, how to apply, and materials required for submission.
student working in group

Many LAS departments offer students in their programs research opportunities. If you are a student in the one of the below departments, consider the following:

This list will be updated. Departments are welcome to email opportunities to First-at-LAS@uic.edu to include in this resource. 

Campus research opportunities Heading link

Browse featured programs and resources commonly used by LAS students to get involved in research. These opportunities are open to students across UIC.

campus in spring

The Undergraduate Research Experience (URE) provides a database for students to search and apply to research assistant positions with UIC faculty, including faculty in LAS.

Resource Highlights:

  • Abundant opportunities available from faculty across LAS and UIC.
  • Students can filter opportunities by department or professor.
  • Apply to opportunities directly on the site.
  • Many opportunities are eligible for the Chancellor’s Undergraduate Research Award, which allows work-study eligible students to perform research as a form of campus employment and get paid.
library books

The Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP) offered by the Graduate College provides students from historically underrepresented backgrounds an opportunity to work with UIC faculty mentors on research projects and gain exposure to graduate school.

Program Highlights:

  • Runs for 8 weeks during the summer, awards students up to $4,000. Students spend 30-40 hours each week conducting research and participating in program activities.
  • Access to workshops about graduate school, including admissions and application processes, financial aid opportunities, and test taking strategies.
  • Seminars offered by faculty and graduate students on different fields of study and research practices.
  • Students present research at the Illinois Summer Research Symposium hosted at Urbana-Champagne and the UIC Research Symposium.
  • Participants are eligible for the SROP Early Admissions Fellowship for graduate programs at UIC.

Application Details:

  • Review the website to learn about eligibility, application dates, how to apply, and materials required for submission.
campus in the spring

The Chancellors Undergraduate Research Award allows students eligible for work-study to work in research assistant positions with UIC faculty as a form of campus employment and receive payment.

Program Highlights:

  • Students can take a research credit course to pair with their research experience.
  • Awards are semester based, students are paid an hour rate, generally $12.20 to $12.80 per hour.
  • Students can connect with professors on their own or use the Undergraduate Research Experience database to identify eligible research opportunities.
  • Faculty mentors submit CURA applications after students connect with professors and express interest in working as a research assistant on projects.
  • Number of hours students work each week is determined by faculty mentors, home departments, and the Office of Student Employment.