Undecided/Undeclared Anteaters Blog

Posts Tagged ‘UROP’

Screenshot taken from http://www.urop.uci.edu/about.html

Hey guys! This week’s campus resource is UROP, the undergraduate research opportunities program. UROP is the place to go for anything research related. 70% of students here at UCI do research, making them even more competitive for future jobs and to graduate schools. One of the main reasons so many students actually take the effort to do research is because of our program. UROP helps with every step of the process of research, from writing out a proposal to giving grants to students for their various needs. Basically, UROP makes the arduous task of research seem much more doable.

I am a freshman, so I have not had too much experience with UROP, as it takes much research and relationship building between

Screenshot of students presenting their finsings at research symposium taken at http://www.urop.uci.edu/about.html

professors to really create a solid research opportunity. Also, it usually helps to know what you want to do, so you can focus on that subject to do research in. But don’t be discouraged! I’m applying to a program called the Multidisciplinary Design Program (MDP), which takes 5 students and allows them to work with two professors on a certain project, ranging from health care to culture. I’ll keep you all updated on what happens. See, I’m already applying for research, and I get tons of other emails telling me about other opportunities.  Although the usual route is to create relationships, as I stated above, there are also programs for students, like MDP, all listed on the UROP site. Also, don’t think that research isn’t doable for freshmen, because it definitely is as long as you’re willing to try and put yourself out there. Hey, you might get rejected, but at least you tried, right? Plus, after doing research, more opportunities make themselves available to you, so why not get them earlier in your college careeer?

Another very cool thing about UROP and research in general is that in May when you have completed your research, UCI holds an Undergraduate Research Symposium where you yourself get to present your findings. This is the real deal, guys. I know it seems way too early to be thinking about research, but take baby steps. Go to a seminar that talks about UROP, cruise through their website, and then maybe you’ll find a program or professor who sparks your interest. Research is doable, especially with a program like UROP, specifically designed to help us, the undergraduate students of UCI. See you next week guys.