1. How can the Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships help me and where is the office located?
CURF is here to help you at every step on your “research journey,” whether you want to talk through your worries about research or if you’re ready to tackle writing a grant application. We are located in the ARCH Building at 3601 Locust Walk—and online everywhere!
CURF is here to help you at every step on your “research journey,” whether you want to talk through your worries about research or if you’re ready to tackle writing a grant application. We are located in the ARCH Building at 3601 Locust Walk—and online everywhere!
2. Why should I do research as an undergraduate?
Participating in undergraduate research provides you with opportunities to dive deep into a subject that interests you, gain transferable skills, define both academic and professional interests, and form relationships with mentors.
Participating in undergraduate research provides you with opportunities to dive deep into a subject that interests you, gain transferable skills, define both academic and professional interests, and form relationships with mentors.
3. When should I get started?
There is no “right” answer to this question. Some students start research their first day on campus while others wait until they are seniors. When you feel you’re fully adjusted to life at Penn, it might be time to consider research.
There is no “right” answer to this question. Some students start research their first day on campus while others wait until they are seniors. When you feel you’re fully adjusted to life at Penn, it might be time to consider research.
4. How much time per week do students usually spend doing research?
While the exact time commitment will vary, research can be time-consuming. Research mentors don’t usually mind if you are total “newbies” or don’t come to them with a lot of skills. They are prepared (and excited!) to invest their time, energy and resources in you, but they expect you to do the same in return. So, think carefully about the amount of time that you are willing and able to invest, and don’t overreach. You will only be able to reap the full benefits of participating in research if doing so doesn’t negatively impact on the
While the exact time commitment will vary, research can be time-consuming. Research mentors don’t usually mind if you are total “newbies” or don’t come to them with a lot of skills. They are prepared (and excited!) to invest their time, energy and resources in you, but they expect you to do the same in return. So, think carefully about the amount of time that you are willing and able to invest, and don’t overreach. You will only be able to reap the full benefits of participating in research if doing so doesn’t negatively impact on the
5. Can I combine work-study with research?
YES! Many faculty members are eager to engage work-study students—even if they haven’t yet created a position to post on the student employment services website. Search our Research Directory to identify faculty with potential work-study projects.
YES! Many faculty members are eager to engage work-study students—even if they haven’t yet created a position to post on the student employment services website. Search our Research Directory to identify faculty with potential work-study projects.
6. Is research only for science students?
NO! You can do research in any discipline at Penn. Projects take place in the social sciences, arts, and humanities. Plus, you can do research on Penn’s campus, in the surrounding community or around the world. Visit (link to Past Projects) to learn more.
NO! You can do research in any discipline at Penn. Projects take place in the social sciences, arts, and humanities. Plus, you can do research on Penn’s campus, in the surrounding community or around the world. Visit (link to Past Projects) to learn more.
7. Is research only for students who want to go to graduate school?
No. There are many benefits to doing research—including making yourself more attractive to future employers.
No. There are many benefits to doing research—including making yourself more attractive to future employers.
8. Can I pursue a research project outside of my major department?
YES! A big benefit of being at Penn is that all of the schools are part of one university. Not only can you do research outside of your major, but you can do it at ANY of the other schools--graduate schools included!
YES! A big benefit of being at Penn is that all of the schools are part of one university. Not only can you do research outside of your major, but you can do it at ANY of the other schools--graduate schools included!
9. How can I find funding?
Research conducted outside the classroom can be volunteer, paid, or for credit. If you are already doing research, you should consider asking your advisor if there are any funding opportunities—make sure to tell them if you are work-study eligible! If your current team does not provide funding, you can search CURF’s sortable list of funding opportunities for possibilities. You should also consider whether you can receive academic credit for your research.
Research conducted outside the classroom can be volunteer, paid, or for credit. If you are already doing research, you should consider asking your advisor if there are any funding opportunities—make sure to tell them if you are work-study eligible! If your current team does not provide funding, you can search CURF’s sortable list of funding opportunities for possibilities. You should also consider whether you can receive academic credit for your research.
10. How can I present/publish my work?
CURF runs a number of events throughout the year for students to show off their research and learn about their peers' work, talk with faculty and staff about further opportunities, or to learn how to get started. Additionally, there are many publishing opportunities at Penn and beyond.
CURF runs a number of events throughout the year for students to show off their research and learn about their peers' work, talk with faculty and staff about further opportunities, or to learn how to get started. Additionally, there are many publishing opportunities at Penn and beyond.
This page includes peer-reviewed research journals accepting undergraduate research submissions.