Undergraduate Research And Creativity

What is Undergraduate Research?

Students from all fields conduct faculty-mentored research and present their work.

FAQ

Why should I get involved in undergraduate research?

Whether you pursue a research-related career or not, undergraduate research offers many benefits. Engaging in a sustained academic project and developing a deep connection with a mentor were two of the main predictors of fulfillment among college graduates (Gallup-Purdue Index Report, 2015).

Other benefits:

Deepen your understanding of material you study in classes
Clarify your interests and career goals, including maybe discovering that research is not for you!
Explore a specialized area of your planned career
Prepare for graduate school or post-graduate opportunities
Build a meaningful connection with a mentor
Boost competitiveness for funding
Take the first step toward a national scholarship opportunity
Develop analytical, creative, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills that will serve you well in any profession
Bring a fresh, new perspective to a research team
Make a real contribution to knowledge that could benefit society

How do I get started?

Identify your interests: What excites you? What do you want to learn more about? Are there particular classes or professors who light you up?
Talk to people!
- Contact Anisha Bhat, Assistant Director for Undergraduate Enrichment, to schedule an advising session or research consultation.
- Faculty: Go to office hours. Ask your professors about their research. Ask how their research interests evolved. Ask if there are other courses they would recommend for you to gain more experience in a particular area. Read about their work online beforehand so you are better prepared with questions and topics to discuss. More useful tips on preparing to meet with faculty.
- Undergraduate Research Ambassadors: These experienced undergraduate researchers are happy to answer your questions and/or provide support and guidance.
Volunteer: In some cases you may be able to jump into a paid position or do research for credit. But many times you will have to begin as a volunteer and build trust by establishing yourself as a reliable, hard-working team player.

What does a typical undergraduate research project look like?

What are some research programs and opportunities at Temple?

Creative Arts, Research, And Scholarship (CARAS) Program

A funding opportunity to encourage and support undergraduate students engaged in scholarly, creative, and research projects that contribute to advancing their field of study. Two types of grants are made through the CARAS program: Research/Creative Project Grants and Travel Grants. More Information

Diamond Research Scholars Program

The Diamond Research Scholars Program offers a seven-month long funded research experience under the direction of a faculty mentor. Participants receive a summer stipend and register for a research or independent study course in the fall for their research or creative arts project. More Information

Symposium for Undergraduate Research and Creativity

The Symposium for Undergraduate Research and Creativity (formerly TURF - CreWS), held annually in the spring, provides undergraduates the opportunity to present their research and creative work to the university community. More Information

How can I present my research to others?

At Temple:

Beyond Temple:

CUR Posters on the Hill
CARAS travel grants (funding for travel to present at a conference)
Many professional membership organizations (American Geophysical Union, Association for Psychological Science, etc.) hold annual meetings that include opportunities to present papers and posters. Talk with your faculty mentor to learn more.

How do I get involved in research outside Temple?

This is just a small fraction of the many, diverse opportunities out there.

Humanities:

Michigan Humanities Emerging Research Scholars Program

Natural and Social Sciences:

Medicine:

CRISSP (CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia) Research Institute Summer Scholars Program

Multiple Fields:

Think Tanks:

How can I learn more?

Council on Undergraduate Research: Temple has an enhanced institutional membership, so all students, faculty, and staff may join for free. Learn about funding opportunities, research positions, tips, and more.
Pathways to Science: Database of summer research experiences for undergraduates (REUs), scholarships, institutes, and more.
Office of Scholar Development and Fellowships Advising: This Temple office maintains an updated list of opportunities for Temple-based and external hands-on research and teaching experiences. Their staff are available to provide guidance to students throughout the process of considering opportunities and applying for nationally competitive fellowships.
Subject-area Librarians at Temple: Specialist librarians are available to assist students from all majors in finding resources.
Sign up for the Enrichment Programs newsletter: Stay updated on the latest opportunities, events, and resources related to undergraduate research and peer teaching.

UPCOMING DEADLINES

February 5th, 2024

Deadline to apply for the Diamond Research Scholars program.

February 8th, 2024

Deadline to apply to present at the Symposium for Undergraduate Research and Creativity.

Late February, 2024

Deadline to apply to be a Diamond Peer Teacher for Fall 2024 courses.

March 15, 2024

Application deadline for Creative Arts, Research, and Scholarship (CARAS) Project Grants for projects taking place during Summer Break and Fall Semester.

STUDENT RESEARCH SPOTLIGHTS

Chloe Gehret ('23)

Major: Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity

In 2021, an EF-2 tornado tore through the Ambler Field Station. Chloe began researching the impact of this disturbance—first as a 2021 Diamond Research Scholar, and most recently as a CARAS recipient. Her project examines the relationship between the competitive potential of dominant trees within the forest and their resistance to large-scale climate-driven disturbances (which are increasingly common due to climate change). In addition to her goal of publishing this research in a journal, Chloe is also applying her research skills to an internship at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, studying barnacle spawning. After Temple, she hopes to pursue a PhD in ecology at a prestigious graduate school. Go Chloe!

Check out Chloe's story on Instagram

Sophia Rothstein ('22)

Major: Photography

Sophia was a 2021 Diamond Research Scholar and presented her research at the 2022 Symposium for Undergraduate Research and Creativity. Her project, "Behind the Lens: 8 Women on Visual Storytelling" showcases the work and stories of eight female photojournalists. Through this research, Sophia wanted to understand the career she aspires to from women's perspectives and make connections in the field. Inspired by their stories, Sophia also took photographic portraits of each woman in her series, and combined everything into a final, published book.

Check out Sophia's Story on Instagram

Ally Yu ('23)

Major: Management Information Systems

Ally used her CARAS Project Grant to create WebORA- an organic chemistry teaching tool designed for students with disabilities. Ally worked closely with her mentor in the Chemistry Department, Dr. Steven Fleming, to design a website to showcase the Organic Reaction Animations (ORA) developed by Dr. Fleming. After her CARAS research experience, Ally hopes to pursue a career in UX & Product Design with a focus on accessibility! Check out WebORA here: https://webora.netlify.app/

Check out Ally's Story on Instagram

GET CONNECTED, GET INVOLVED

Receive announcements about upcoming events, grant deadlines, and new opportunities in Enrichment Programs. Please note: A Temple email account is required to be added.

Join the Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry Canvas Site

Undergraduate Research & Creative Inquiry Canvas

Join this Canvas page if you would like access to a repository of resources on getting started with research, regular updates on internal and external research opportunities, and a community of fellow undergraduate researchers at Temple.

Join the Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry Canvas Site Undergraduate Research & Creative Inquiry Canvas

Undergrad research peer mentor match form

Undergraduate Research Peer Mentor Program

Are you an experienced researcher at Temple? Would you like to guide your peers in getting started with research? We are currently recruiting peer mentors for Spring 2024.

Undergrad research peer mentor match form Undergraduate Research Peer Mentor Program

Undergraduate Research Ambassadors Interest Form

Undergraduate Research Ambassadors Program

Has conducting research been an important part of your undergraduate experience at Temple? Are you passionate about improving access to research opportunities on campus? The Undergraduate Research Ambassadors Program is looking to recruit new Ambassadors!

Undergraduate Research Ambassadors Interest Form Undergraduate Research Ambassadors Program

CONTACT US

Want to learn about how to get started with research, identify a faculty mentor, or develop a project idea? Contact Anisha Bhat, Assistant Director for Undergraduate Enrichment, to schedule an advising session or research consultation.
Want to connect with a fellow student who has successfully completed the Diamond Research Scholars program, a CARAS project, or another research experience? These students are happy to chat with you!
Farther along in your research career? Thinking of applying for competitive post-graduate fellowships or scholarships? Make an appointment with the Office of Scholar Development and Fellowships Advising, through Handshake.
Are you a faculty member or administrator with questions about undergraduate research at Temple? Contact Emily Moerer, Associate Vice Provost for Undergraduate Enrichment.

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Undergraduate Studies

Undergraduate Research And Creativity

What is Undergraduate Research?

FAQ

Creative Arts, Research, And Scholarship (CARAS) Program

Diamond Research Scholars Program

Symposium for Undergraduate Research and Creativity