Undergraduate Research Projects

According to the American Association of Colleges & Universities (2007), Undergraduate Research is included in a set of verifiable, effective educational practices that are correlated with positive educational results for students from widely varying backgrounds (see “High-Impact Educational Practices: A Brief Overview,”, pp.9-11). In connection with the AAC&U essential learning outcomes, Undergraduate Research fosters broad knowledge of human cultures and the natural world, strengthens intellectual and practical skills, and it is a practice of interactive and applied learning.

At Mesa Community College, Undergraduate Research Experiences occur in all disciplines. In this recorded presentation, faculty describe undergraduate research in their teaching practice.

Connect with faculty members of the Undergraduate Research Committee to learn more about these experiences and practices.

What are Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences?

Faculty integrate undergraduate research into regularly scheduled courses. The CURE projects are offered as an assignment option or a course requirement for all students. Students document the project by creating a research poster or similar documentation artifact.

What are Special Project Undergraduate Research Internships?

Faculty recruit students for undergraduate research internships to contribute to an original faculty-led or student-initiated research project. Students document the project by creating a research poster or similar artifact.

MCC is a member of the Computing Alliance or Hispanic Service Institutions (CAHSI). Students that successfully complete CSC205AB and satisfy eligibility criteria may work with an MCC faculty mentor to complete the CAHSI Local Research Experience for Undergraduates (LREU). The LREU project may be blended with funding-eligible criteria for faculty development projects. Application cycles take place in the fall and spring terms.

Develop an Undergraduate Research Project

  1. Use this template to guide your project development. See BIO182 CURE example, Using AI and GBIF Data to Explore Species Distribution Shifts in a Changing Climate
  2. Integrate a student research poster or similar documentation artifact as part of the project plan.
  3. Self-assess the project using criteria for high impact practices.

Questions? megan.garvy@mesacc.edu