Research
A student in the biological sciences lab doing research using AI around fish eggs.
Get Curious, Get Going
At many universities, undergrads have to wait until their junior or senior year to start research. Not at UB. From your first year to your final semester, you can jump into hands-on research, work alongside expert faculty and contribute to discoveries that shape the future. Whether you're exploring scientific breakthroughs, creative projects or societal challenges, UB gives you the tools and opportunities to dive in, ask big questions and make an impact.
Workshop: Get Started with Undergraduate Research
This workshop is designed to help students—especially those in natural sciences, math and health sciences—navigate the process of finding research opportunities at UB.
Date: Wednesday, April 2
Time: 5–6 p.m.
Location: 210 Natural Sciences Complex
Register now! >>
Undergraduate research is more than just a class or project—it’s your chance to explore new ideas, solve real-world problems and make original contributions to your field. Whether you're in a lab, analyzing data, creating art or studying human behavior, research challenges you to think critically and gain hands-on experience.
The Council for Undergraduate Research defines undergraduate research as “an inquiry or investigation conducted by an undergraduate student that makes an original intellectual or creative contribution to the discipline.” At UB, this means you don’t just study knowledge—you help create it.
Arts
Arts research drives creative expression and innovation from music and film to dance, visual art and new media. Blending creativity with critical thinking, it pushes boundaries and shapes our understanding of the world.
Humanities
Humanities research explores history, literature, philosophy, languages and culture, uncovering human experiences and societal truths. Through analysis and interpretation, it deepens our understanding of the past and present.
Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Natural sciences and mathematics research explores the physical world through experiments, observations and data analysis. Whether in a lab, the field or using simulations, it advances medicine, protects the environment and enhances technology.
Social Sciences
Research in social sciences helps us understand human behavior and how society works. Using surveys, experiments, interviews and fieldwork, social scientists study everything from politics to psychology to culture.
Can I do research outside my major?
Yes! Research outside your major is a great way to explore new interests without changing your major. You can also work with faculty from outside the College of Arts and Sciences.
What do professors look for in a research student?
Most faculty don’t expect undergraduates to have research experience. Instead, they look for students who are motivated, hardworking and genuinely interested in the research topic.
What if I don’t know which research field to choose?
Start with what excites you. Think about courses you’ve enjoyed then find faculty members working in those areas. Make a shortlist of 3–4 professors and start reaching out.
At UB, research isn’t just for a select few—it’s for anyone ready to explore, discover, and make an impact.
💡 Myth: You need prior experience.
✅ Reality: No experience required—just curiosity and a willingness to learn!
💡 Myth: Research is only for science majors.
✅ Reality: Research happens in all disciplines, including humanities and the arts!
💡 Myth: Research is only for top students.
✅ Reality: Opportunities exist for all students at every level!
💡 Myth: Research takes too much time.
✅ Reality: Many students successfully balance research with classes, work, and other commitments. It’s all about finding the right fit for you!
Connect with Faculty
Finding a research opportunity starts with connecting with faculty. Many professors are excited to mentor students, but they also want to work with those who show curiosity and initiative. Reaching out is your chance to express your enthusiasm and learn more about their work.
💡 Pro tip: Use your UB email
Please use your UB email when contacting faculty. It looks professional and ensures your message reaches their inbox.
How to write an effective email
A strong email should be short, professional, and personalized. Structure it like this:
- Address them properly – Most faculty at UB have PhDs, so in your first email, address them as Dr. [Last Name] or Professor [Last Name] (e.g., Dear Dr. Smith or Hello Professor Jones). This shows respect and professionalism.
- Paragraph 1: Introduce yourself. Mention your year, major and why you're reaching out.
- Paragraph 2: Show you’ve done your homework. Mention a specific research project or topic that interests you. Instead of focusing on yourself, focus on what excites you about their research.
- Paragraph 3: Express interest in working with them. Be proactive—ask to schedule a meeting to discuss potential opportunities.
- Attachments: Include a PDF (not a Word document) of your resume/CV and an unofficial transcript or a list of relevant courses with your GPA.
💡 Pro tip: Follow up if needed
Professors are busy, so if you don’t hear back in a week, send a polite follow-up email.
Example Email Template
Subject: Interest in Your Research on [Topic]
Dear Dr. Smith,
My name is [Your Name], and I am a [Your Year] majoring in [Your Major] at UB. I recently read about your research on [Topic] and found it fascinating, particularly [specific detail about their work]. I am very interested in gaining hands-on research experience and would love the opportunity to contribute to your work.
Would you be available to meet sometime next week to discuss potential research opportunities? I have attached my resume for your reference. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your UB Email]
Download Email Templates
How should I reach out?
Email is the best way. If the professor teaches one of your classes, visiting their office hours is also a great option.
How do I find out if a professor has research opportunities?
Not all faculty post openings online, like on UB’s ELN project portal, so don’t hesitate to reach out! Even if they aren’t accepting students, they may offer guidance or recommend another opportunity.
When is the best time to contact faculty?
There’s no strict timeline, but reaching out a month before you want to start is a good idea.
- For spring research? Reach out by the end of the fall semester.
- For summer research? Contact faculty in late spring when they are planning for the next academic year.
How many faculty should I contact?
You can reach out to multiple professors, but make each email personal. Show that you’ve done your homework—mention something specific about their research and explain why you’re interested in their work.
📌 Avoid mass emails. Professors can tell when you’re sending the same generic message to multiple people. Instead, take the time to tailor each email.
💡 Tip: Create a shortlist of 3–5 faculty members whose research aligns with your interests. Send personalized emails and wait a week before following up. If you don’t hear back after a second follow-up, consider reaching out to additional faculty.
Taking this thoughtful approach increases your chances of getting a response and finding the right research opportunity.
What if I don’t hear back?
Professors have busy schedules, so don’t get discouraged if they don’t respond right away. If you don’t hear back in a week, send a friendly follow-up email. If there’s no response after a third attempt, it’s best to explore other opportunities.
💡 Tip: When following up, keep it positive. Simply restate your interest and let them know you’d still love to connect.
What Should I NOT Include in My Email to a Faculty Member?
When reaching out to a professor, focus on why you're interested in their research and how you can contribute. Avoid common mistakes that can make your email feel impersonal or unprofessional.
🚫 What to avoid:
- Vague requests – Saying, “I heard you have open spots” sounds generic and doesn’t show real interest in their work.
- Over-the-top compliments – Professors appreciate enthusiasm, but saying, “You are an expert in your field” without context can come across as insincere.
- Mass emails – Copying and pasting the same message to multiple professors makes it obvious you haven’t researched their work.
✅ What to do instead:
- Be specific – Mention a project or publication that interests you.
- Keep it professional – Use a formal greeting (Dear Dr. Smith), and proofread for typos.
- Get to the point – Keep your email short and clearly state your interest.
💡 Tip: Your first email isn’t about securing a position—it’s about starting a conversation. Express your interest, ask for a short meeting and be prepared to discuss why their research excites you.
Making a strong first impression
What should I include in my email?
- A clear introduction
- A specific reason why you're interested in their work
- A request to meet and discuss research opportunities
- Your resume/CV and, if needed, an unofficial transcript
How can I make my email stand out?
- Be specific—mention a research project or paper that caught your interest.
- Keep it concise—professors appreciate well-organized, to-the-point emails.
- Be confident—faculty enjoy working with students who show enthusiasm and initiative.
What if I realize a lab isn’t the right fit?
It’s okay to explore different opportunities! If a lab isn’t what you expected, have an honest conversation with the faculty member. Thank them for their time and, if needed, ask if they can recommend other opportunities that might be a better match.
You’re ready to connect!
Taking the first step can feel intimidating, but remember—professors love working with curious, motivated students. Your email is the start of an exciting journey into research. Reach out, stay persistent, and get ready to discover new opportunities at UB! 🚀
For questions about undergraduate research, please contact:
Smita Samanta
Director for Undergraduate Student Research
College of Arts and Sciences
Email: cas-ugresearch@