Research options
Review current opportunities
Browse a sample of programs and resources commonly used by LAS students to get involved in research. Remember, each experience may offer different formats and opportunities to work with faculty as research assistants or to conduct independent research. In reviewing options, note those that stand out, including important dates, application components, and deadlines.
LAS and UIC programs Heading link
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LASURI
The Liberal Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Initiative (LASURI) is a research experience open only to full-time students enrolled in LAS. The program allows LAS students to work with faculty mentors on research projects. Students may join existing research projects as research assistants under faculty mentors or design and conduct research projects under the guidance of faculty mentors.
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 experiences.
Application Details:
- Review the website to learn about eligibility, application dates, how to apply, and materials required for submission.
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SROP
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, including LAS faculty, 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.
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CURA
The Chancellors Undergraduate Research Award allows students eligible for work-study to work in research assistant positions with UIC faculty, including those in LAS, 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.
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URE
The Undergraduate Research Experience (URE) in the Office of Undergraduate Research and External Fellowships, provides a database for students to search and apply to research assistant positions. Projects include LAS led research as well as projects led by faculty across the colleges at UIC, including the colleges of medicine, nursing, and dentistry.
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.
LAS department programs Heading link
Additional resources Heading link
LAS and UIC offer numerous options for research experiences — those listed on this page are just a handful! To learn about other on and off-campus opportunities, use your campus network:
- Speak with professors and peers, especially in areas of interest. Express your desire to get involved in research and ask if they know of any opportunities.
- Schedule time to meet with a LAS Career Development and Internships team member to explore off-campus opportunities. The office is familiar with different options and can help identify programs that align with your interests and career goals. They can also help prepare your application materials. Additionally, the office hosts events and workshops throughout the year that feature researchers across industries. Guest speakers may share research opportunities at their organizations during the events or invite students to network with them on LinkedIn. These connections can lead to research opportunities. Check out the events on the LAS Career Development and Internships website to learn about upcoming sessions.
- Pre-health students are encouraged to speak with the LAS Pre-Health Advising Team about research in health-related fields. Once connected, students can also access their Blackboard site, which features information about research and research opportunities. Contact their office or ask your LAS Academic Advisor how to schedule an appointment.