Western Carolina University has established itself as a national leader in undergraduate research and has ranked in the Top 10 for the number of projects accepted to the National Conference on Undergraduate Research annually since 2006.
Monica Reece, Undergraduate Research Student
Undergraduate research and creative inquiry are defined as inquiry or investigation that makes an original intellectual or creative contribution to the discipline. Undergraduate students engaged in research and creative inquiry are making contributions in every department and college on Western's campus.
As undergraduates, students work closely with research and creative teams that are led by our faculty. These faculty are experts in their field and guide students through the research and creative inquiry process.
Participating in undergraduate research can prepare you for post-graduation plans by expanding your academic experience and giving you the opportunity to explore an academic discipline more fully.
Explore our frequently asked questions below:
Want to learn more about becoming an undergraduate researcher? Not sure how to find a faculty member to work with on a research project? Nervous about contacting a faculty member about research? Confused about which programs you qualify for to support your research experience? Getting started can be overwhelming, but we are here to help!
For more guided support in getting started, make an appointment with the Coordinator for Undergraduate Research, Kloo Hansen (kchansen@wcu.edu), to collaborate on how to get started. Office hours are Thursdays from 11 AM - 12 PM.
Kloo Hansen
Coordinator for Undergraduate Research
Natural Sciences, Room 327
828.227.2010
For many professional schools and career positions, you will need letters of recommendation.
Most professional graduate programs and positions require at least three formal letters of recommendation. Job applications often also require references.
Conducting undergraduate research is a way to develop strong relationships with faculty members who can serve as references for you, and write you strong letters of recommendation.
Undergraduate research allows students to engage in unique experiences.
Students work as individuals or in small teams on research and creative projects, ranging in topic and depth. These experiences build strong skill and professional knowledge. Drawing from these experiences can help students stand out during interviews for graduate and professional school programs, as well as the job market.
Undergraduate research gives students a chance to be specific in their interviews about the learning they've engaged in while participating in research or creative projects.
Undergraduate research provides myriad opportunities to expand portfolios or academic resumes.
Undergraduate research students participate in opportunities that include things like presenting their work in a professional setting (both on and off campus), earning scholarships or fellowships, taking course credit, and defending theses and publishing their work.
All of these opportunities can be highlighted on a students’ resume and discussed in cover letters.