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Getting Started

A page within Undergraduate Research & Creativity

Image of a city scape with words that read, "NCUR 2026 is in Richmond, VA. Click to learn more about presenting at NCUR." Image of a city scape with words that read, "NCUR 2026 is in Richmond, VA. Click to learn more about presenting at NCUR."
Image of the rotunda in the Wisconsin Madison Capitol Building with words that read, "Research in the Rotunda 2026. Click to learn more about presenting at RitR." Image of the rotunda in the Wisconsin Madison Capitol Building with words that read, "Research in the Rotunda 2026. Click to learn more about presenting at RitR."
Image of the UWL Student Research & Creativity Laureate logo. "UWL Research & Creativity Laureate" is surrounded by laurels. Below the logo it reads, "Click to learn more about how to become a URC Laureate." Image of the UWL Student Research & Creativity Laureate logo. "UWL Research & Creativity Laureate" is surrounded by laurels. Below the logo it reads, "Click to learn more about how to become a URC Laureate."
Image of the Barry Goldwater Scholarship & Excellence in Education Foundation logo. Below the logo is a bulleted list that reads, "Awards up to $7,500; Sophomores and juniors; 3.0+ GPA; Pursuing a research career in STEM or non-social/behavioral psychology; U.S. citizens or nationals OR permanent residents. Click here to learn more about how to apply." Image of the Barry Goldwater Scholarship & Excellence in Education Foundation logo. Below the logo is a bulleted list that reads, "Awards up to $7,500; Sophomores and juniors; 3.0+ GPA; Pursuing a research career in STEM or non-social/behavioral psychology; U.S. citizens or nationals OR permanent residents. Click here to learn more about how to apply."

We're back in Graff!

The Student Research, Creativity, & Experiential Learning Office is now back in 243 Graff Main Hall.

An image of student Aditya Anil smiling as he speaks to another student. His quote is included as white lettering on a dark green background: "Being a part of the undergraduate research experience has been one of the most defining and rewarding aspects of my time at UWL. As an undergraduate student, opportunities to apply classroom knowledge and concepts in a practical way can be limited. Research allowed me to bridge that gap by transforming abstract concepts into real-world results. Collaborating with professors not only deepened my understanding of the subject matter but also introduced me to the process of academic discovery. I was able to engage with complex questions, contribute to ongoing projects, and see the impact of careful, persistent work. This experience affirmed my desire to pursue a future in academia. It gave me a sense of purpose and belonging within the scholarly community, and helped me realize that research is not just about finding answers—it's about curiosity, collaboration, and contributing to something larger than yourself. I am truly glad to contribute to bigger ideas and goals through my work. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and its lasting influence." An image of student Aditya Anil smiling as he speaks to another student. His quote is included as white lettering on a dark green background: "Being a part of the undergraduate research experience has been one of the most defining and rewarding aspects of my time at UWL. As an undergraduate student, opportunities to apply classroom knowledge and concepts in a practical way can be limited. Research allowed me to bridge that gap by transforming abstract concepts into real-world results. Collaborating with professors not only deepened my understanding of the subject matter but also introduced me to the process of academic discovery. I was able to engage with complex questions, contribute to ongoing projects, and see the impact of careful, persistent work. This experience affirmed my desire to pursue a future in academia. It gave me a sense of purpose and belonging within the scholarly community, and helped me realize that research is not just about finding answers—it's about curiosity, collaboration, and contributing to something larger than yourself. I am truly glad to contribute to bigger ideas and goals through my work. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and its lasting influence."
An image of student Daniela Gomez-Meza presenting her research to Sen. Brad Pfaff. Her quote is included as white lettering on a black background: "Conducting this research has been one of my most transformative academic experiences during my undergraduate journey. As a first-generation college student, I felt deeply connected to the topic and motivated to explore the psychological and academic challenges others like me face in higher education. Through this project, I gained valuable skills in data analysis, critical thinking, and scholarly communication. It strengthened my understanding of how social-emotional factors like anxiety and self-efficacy impact student success and gave me insight into how research can inform real-world support systems. This experience has also reinforced my passion for pursuing a graduate degree in mental health counseling. I aim to work with marginalized communities, particularly first-generation students and youth, navigating trauma or systemic barriers. I feel more confident in my academic abilities and more prepared to engage in graduate-level research advocating educational equity and psychological well-being." An image of student Daniela Gomez-Meza presenting her research to Sen. Brad Pfaff. Her quote is included as white lettering on a black background: "Conducting this research has been one of my most transformative academic experiences during my undergraduate journey. As a first-generation college student, I felt deeply connected to the topic and motivated to explore the psychological and academic challenges others like me face in higher education. Through this project, I gained valuable skills in data analysis, critical thinking, and scholarly communication. It strengthened my understanding of how social-emotional factors like anxiety and self-efficacy impact student success and gave me insight into how research can inform real-world support systems. This experience has also reinforced my passion for pursuing a graduate degree in mental health counseling. I aim to work with marginalized communities, particularly first-generation students and youth, navigating trauma or systemic barriers. I feel more confident in my academic abilities and more prepared to engage in graduate-level research advocating educational equity and psychological well-being."
An image of student Brielle Hachey presenting her research poster to other students. Her quote is included in white text on a dark purple background: "Participating in undergraduate research here at UW-La Crosse has strengthened my problem-solving skills, teamwork, and confidence in collaborating with driven peers to achieve a common goal. Through research, I’ve had the opportunity to present my work across the country, expand my professional network, connect with like-minded students, and enhance my resume for graduate school. My experience has also deepened my understanding and appreciation of science beyond the classroom. The interpretation of results has sharpened my analytical thinking, an invaluable skill that applies to my career goal of diagnosing and treating patients as a PA. Working closely with faculty and peers has reinforced the importance of collaboration—an essential aspect of patient-centered healthcare. I also appreciate the ability to direct my own research, allowing me to explore topics that align with my interests and future career goals in medicine. These experiences have not only prepared me academically but have also given me a strong foundation in critical thinking and teamwork that will serve me well in my future profession." An image of student Brielle Hachey presenting her research poster to other students. Her quote is included in white text on a dark purple background: "Participating in undergraduate research here at UW-La Crosse has strengthened my problem-solving skills, teamwork, and confidence in collaborating with driven peers to achieve a common goal. Through research, I’ve had the opportunity to present my work across the country, expand my professional network, connect with like-minded students, and enhance my resume for graduate school. My experience has also deepened my understanding and appreciation of science beyond the classroom. The interpretation of results has sharpened my analytical thinking, an invaluable skill that applies to my career goal of diagnosing and treating patients as a PA. Working closely with faculty and peers has reinforced the importance of collaboration—an essential aspect of patient-centered healthcare. I also appreciate the ability to direct my own research, allowing me to explore topics that align with my interests and future career goals in medicine. These experiences have not only prepared me academically but have also given me a strong foundation in critical thinking and teamwork that will serve me well in my future profession."
When should I start?

You can start engaging in research as early as you like. Many students begin as a freshman, which allows them to determine if their major is a good fit for them. We recommend starting by your sophomore or junior year if you want to write undergraduate research grants, which can provide funding for your project, and are excellent additions to future graduate school or job applications.

Identifying your research interests

Research is a hands-on way to explore different interests within your field. You do not have to limit your research interests to just your major, but they should still be in academic areas of interest to you. You may develop an idea of your interests based on class activities such as reading, researching for class assignments, or discussing topics in class. Look and listen for announcements from faculty members seeking student researchers on bulletin boards, in classes, or at seminars.

Finding a mentor

Identify a few faculty members who have similar research interests and ask if they have time to supervise an undergraduate researcher. If they do, arrange to meet with them to discuss available options. One of the quickest and easiest ways to learn what faculty members' research interests are is by visiting the Our People page for each department.

If you are having trouble identifying a faculty mentor, please email us at srcel@uwlax.edu.

Ways to participate

There are several ways to participate in undergraduate research:

  • Volunteer: Most professors involved in research are willing to take on student volunteers. This method allows you the most flexibility in how much time you can dedicate.
  • Take a research credit: Many disciplines allow students to receive elective credit for undergraduate research.
  • Seek student employment: Some professors have funding that allows them to hire student workers.
  • Apply for grants/programs: There are several UWL grant opportunities and programs that provide funding for undergraduate researchers.
  • Present: There are a variety of opportunities available to present your research or creative project, whether on-campus, statewide, or nationally.

NOTE: If you are planning to conduct research outside of the U.S. or its territories, please work with the Office of International Education & Engagement (IEE) to plan your travel.

Upcoming events: