Orientation Information
Getting ready to start your research experience?
As the fall semester approaches, it is time to start learning about the undergraduate research opportunities available in the upcoming Fall 2022-Spring 2023 semesters.
Connect with us
During your Orientation, we invite you connect with us virtually to hear more about the opportunities that we provide. The Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (OURCA) during provides many opportunities to get involved in research and creative work across all disciplines, and you can get started as early as your freshman year. You can even get paid to do research or earn course credit in many cases. Getting involved in research, particularly early in your academic career, can help you define your future goals and lead to meaningful connections with other students and faculty.
Email us at ug-research@nau.edu to schedule an appointment.
Overview Accordion Open
By participating in undergraduate research, you are preparing yourself for post-graduation plans and gaining the experience and knowledge needed to be successful. This hands-on application of classroom knowledge offers many advantages, including:
1. Graduate and Professional School Preparation: Gain clarification and better preparation for your graduate school goals
2. Networking: Develop a close working relationship with a research team, who can later provide letters of recommendation and connect you to other opportunities
3. Career Development: Build confidence in your professional abilities and add valuable experience to your resume
4. Transferable Skills: Strengthen your written and oral communication, technical skills, critical evaluation, problem solving, information fluency, and decision-making
5. Personal Development: Develop a deep understanding of who you are and what you want to do. Learn independence in work and thought, gain greater self-confidence, and feel a sense of accomplishment
Consider a research, scholarly, or creative project – independently or as part of an existing faculty project – and prepare yourself for success after graduation.
Interns-to-Scholars Accordion Closed
Apply for an internship with Interns-to-Scholars!
The purpose of the Interns-to-Scholars (I2S) program is to encourage undergraduate students early in their academic careers to participate in faculty research, scholarly, or creative projects by working as paid interns. Internships across all academic disciplines offer opportunities for students to engage in “learning by doing” outside of regular coursework.
The I2S program aims to:
- expose new undergraduates, especially but not limited to sophomores, to the activities involved in conducting research, scholarly, or creative work
- stimulate student interest in inquiry by promoting the intern’s active acquisition and/or generation of disciplinary knowledge
- facilitate the intern’s development of techniques and skills within a particular discipline
Want to find a project for Interns-to-Scholars?
The application to apply for a Fall 2022/Spring 2023 project will open in March 2023. Check out the Interns-to-Scholars page for more information on available projects.
Mentoring Accordion Closed
Want to learn more about getting involved in research?
Mentoring programs offered through the OURCA will give you the opportunity to find research experience that is catered to you!
Research Assistant Mentoring Program (RAMP)
The Research Assistant Mentoring Program (RAMP) provides 1-on-1 guidance and support to any undergraduate student interested in research. Under the guidance of experienced student researchers, participants will learn how to identify research opportunities, approach faculty, and confidently pursue research experiences.
Ready to find a mentor? Request a mentor through the RAMP information page.
Mentoring from a OURCA staff member
Set up a meeting with a OURCA staff member to learn more information about the program and ways to be involved in research. A staff member will offer professional guidance in finding and pursuing research opportunities all over NAU campus.
Get Social
Follow us to see what students at NAU are currently doing in research!