Undergraduate Research Jumpstart

The Undergraduate Research Jumpstart (UGRJ) program is designed to provide students with the strategies and support they need to become successful undergraduate researchers. The goal is to help students understand the nature of the research process and how to pursue undergraduate research at Penn State. In this program, students will explore resources and services that will help in identifying their research interests, while also gaining insight into the process of applying for undergraduate research opportunities.

By the completion of the program, students will have curated a toolkit personalized to their research interests!

For more information or for any questions you might have, please contact Danica E. White, Student Engagement Coordinator, University Libraries, dew5422@psu.edu.

UGRJ is designed to provide the strategies and support students need to become a successful undergraduate researcher. The goal is to help students understand the nature of the research process and how to pursue undergraduate research at Penn State. In this program, students will explore resources and services that will help in identifying their research interests, while also gaining insight into the process of applying for undergraduate research opportunities.

Tentative Program Schedule:

Week 1: What is research and why should I do it?

Week 2: Nuts and bolts of finding research

Week 3: Finding and communicating with Faculty

Week 4: Doing research on research

Week 6 (Optional): Using the physical library for Your research needs

Week 7: Digging in: Searching within the Libraries and beyond

Week 8: Exploring your research knowledge

Week 9: What's next for me?

For student testimonials, please visit the Libraries' webpage.

This semester, an in-person program will be conducted Thursdays from 6:00–7:00 PM Eastern at Pattee/Paterno Libraries, University Park. The program will begin February 9, 2023 and will run through March 30, 2023. Participants are expected to attend at least 6 of the 7 workshops. Completed applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern on January 27, 2023.

To apply for the program, fill out the UGRJ Program Application!