Starting Your Research Journey

1. Why are you interested in a research experience?

Are you curious about the world? Have an idea for a research or creative project? At CU Denver, students are involved in investigation and creative inquiry across all majors and disciplines. Whether you have your own research idea or want to get involved in an existing project, research may be for you!

2. When do you want a position?

The sooner you get started, the better - begin searching in your first year if possible! However, it is never too late to find your first research experience. Make an appointment with an undergraduate research advisor in Handshake to get started.

3. What benefits do you hope to get from the experience?

Are you looking for letters of recommendation, experience before graduate studies, hands-on work with a mentor? The benefits of research extend beyond your resume. Click Here to learn more about mentored experiences.

4. How much time do you want to spend on research?

Are you looking to attend a lab meeting, find a summer-long experience, or get involved for multiple years? Many positions are looking for volunteers, but it is possible to get paid for your research positions! Look into the EURēCA! Programs or search through other opportunities for paid fellowships and summer programs.

5. What are your interests and professional goals?

Think through your educational and professional goals, how will research help you get there? What specific topics interest you? Explore these questions and more with LynxConnect staff.

1. Meet with an Undergraduate Research Advisor

Book an individual appointment in Handshake or call 303-315-4000 to begin exploring research opportunities, get tips on searching, and have your resume and cover-letter reviewed before applying.

2. Search for open positions or a new mentor

First, talk to your professors to see if they have opportunities. Then see if your department has a web page describing faculty research interests. If possible, read their publications and watch videos of their lectures. Next, select two or three professors whose work most excites you to contact with your research assistant request.

View tips to get started. or look through the opportunities listed on the URCA website.

3. Find out what other undergraduates are doing

Talk to your classmates who are involved in research, many students find openings in labs or project teams by checking this way. View past project and stories to learn about research that was done by students just like you!

• Read student stories 
  
• Explore the virtual Research and Creative Activities Symposium 
  
• View funded grant projects

1. Attend Undergraduate Research Events and Drop-in Hours

Register through Handshake to view details for in-person and/or virtual events.

Attend in-person or virtual drop-in hours for quick questions.

Click Here to View Upcoming Events or Drop-in Hours

2. Build your research-specific resume and cover letter to apply

Have your materials reviewed at LynxConnect to get started. Then set up an in-depth appointment with either an Undergraduate Research Advisor or the Career Counselors through Handshake. Learn More

Remember to tailor each cover letter and resume specifically to the research project you’re applying to join. The best cover letters are highly specific to the lab and researcher, not generic.

Click Here to view resources for your research resume and cover letter in Handshake.

Want to start on your CV as? Click Here for Handshake resources

4. View Auraria library resources to explore your topic

Click Here to watch one of the Library's Tutorial Videos

Click Here for 24/7 chat service that allows you to talk to a librarian (a real person) 24 hours a day. 

Click Here to make an appointment for an in-depth research consultation with a librarian.

Click Here to view the Ask Us page for more information

5. Learn how to present your work

Click Here for resources to write an abstract

Click Here to learn how to develop an elevator pitch and poster presentation 

Click Here to view previous student presentations for examples

Click Here for opportunities to present

6. Access the Writing Center for additional help

Click Here to book an appointment

Click Here for Business, Scientific, and Professional Writing Resources

Once you have built your research resume and cover-letter, had them reviewed by LynxConnect staff, and/or met with an Undergraduate Research Advisor, it's time to apply!

Many positions have an email for the supervisor listed in the job posting. Reach out directly with questions and to introduce yourself after sending in your application materials.

If you are blocked from applying, check your major, year, or label restrictions. Email [email protected] with questions about Handshake.

View Steps to Apply for EURēCA! Positions on Handshake

Look through the Other Opportunities page for programs and opportunities at CU Denver | Anschutz and beyond. You will find semester-long programs, summer fellowships, mentored opportunities, and more. Look through travel and supply grants, and places you can present your work as an undergraduate. 

Working in an unpaid research position or needing support for an independent project? Learn about the 'Make it EURēCA!' option of the EURēCA! Student Assistant Program.

View Make it EURēCA! Application Process

Need help with your applications? Reach out to LynxConnect, or utilize the CU Denver Writing Center for assistance.

First search department webpages to find 4-5 top faculty names, then read over their CVs or publications, and email with a specific ask!

Are you looking to join a lab meeting, attend office hours, set up an informational interview, or apply for a longer-term research position? Be clear what you are asking for and include a request for additional information. Make sure your emails are personal to your interests. Here are a few examples:

• Is there an upcoming lab meeting where I can learn more about the type of research you conduct?
• I am looking to explore the role of women in film, can I attend your office hours to get your thoughts on my research ideas?
• Can we set up a time to talk in the next week or two to learn more about research in your area?
• If you are not the best person to ask, can you recommend who I can reach out to?'

You can send you resume and cover-letter in an inquiry email. Use a clear subject line to grab the Faculty’s attention. Here are a few examples of email subject lines you might consider:

• Dr. Carton, can I assist with your neural circuit research?
• In need of a research assistant with brain mapping expertise?
• Professor Manette recommended I reach out regarding your research (if you indeed can use a professor as a reference)

Consider the best time of year to email

If you want to secure a research assistant position during the academic year, you should email your cover letter in the spring or mid-summer, before the fall semester starts.

If it’s already the middle of the fall semester, you have two options. First, you can reach out and inquire about becoming a research assistant for the spring semester or ask to join for summer projects.

Follow up if you don’t receive a reply

Wait a week—but no longer—before following up. Make your follow-up email very brief. Send it as a reply to your original email with your cover letter and resume, so the professor can easily review your initial research assistant request. See sample below.

It’s appropriate to send one follow-up email, but do not continue to pester the faculty if you still don’t receive a reply. At that point, widen your search and find other faculty to approach. View examples emails below.

Need help with searching for faculty or want a second set of eyes on your inquiry emails? URCA is here to support through the process! Book appointments by calling 303-315-4000 or in Handshake.

Example 1:

Dear Faculty Name,

 I am a sophomore here at CU Denver who recently declared a concentration in Health & Human Biology. I am writing out of interest in your research on global trends in emerging infectious disease. I was very excited to read about your work on the CU Denver News page last week.  

I am eager to pursue medical or graduate school after CU Denver and focus my efforts on immunology and global health. As I move toward my junior year I am hoping to line up a research experience, collaborative or independent, focused on similar topics.  

 I have course work and some voluntary experiences that I believe position me well for more in depth work in the lab. Do you have any opportunities for a student like me in your research group over the summer or following academic year? I have attached my resume and transcript and would be delighted to talk with you if an opportunity for me might exist.

I hope to hear from you soon,

Name

Example 2:

Dear Faculty Name,

I am writing to inquire about potential research opportunities in your lab. I am a sophomore intending to pursue a Biology ScB (EEB track). I am specifically interested in your research on New England Cottontail infectious disease dynamics, and Conservation Medicine more broadly. I am available this summer and throughout the fall and spring semesters if you have openings in your lab. My transcript and resume are included. You will see that I have solid grades in relevant courses and experience working in the field.

Please let me know if I can schedule a time to speak with you.

Very best wishes,

Name

Example 3:

Dear Faculty NAME,

Dr. NAME recommended that I contact you about potential opportunities to purse research in your lab. I am entering my senior year and very eager to pursue an independent research project where I can explore the global distribution of infectious diseases using new GIS tools. I have read your work published on disease biogeography and would be very excited to speak with you in person. Could I make an appointment for next week?

Looking forward to talking,

Name

Example Follow-up:

Dear Dr. NAME,

I wanted to quickly follow up on the possibility of joining your team as a research assistant. I know you’re busy, and I hope that as your research assistant I could take some work off your hands.

Please see my original email to review my qualifications and the passion I have for your work examining how neural circuit function contributes to neurological disorders. I would love the opportunity to meet with you and discuss how I can contribute to your research further.

Sincerely,

Name

Many positions are looking for volunteers, but it is possible to get paid for your research positions! Look into the EURēCA! Programs or search through other opportunities for paid fellowships and summer programs.

Yes, while major restrictions and policies apply, many students receive internships, directed research, or independent study credit for their research positions. Talk to your academic advisor to see if this is an option for you.

You can do undergrad research any time! The EURēCA! Student Assistants program is intended as an introduction- great for a first research experience. The EURēCA! Fellows program is for students looking for more independent experience. You can apply for either or an outside opportunity when you feel ready to start a research project!  

No! You can do undergraduate research in any discipline. Finding a good match with your mentor and a topic you are interested in is more important than staying within your major.  

Have your materials reviewed by the LynxConnect Peer Advisors to get started. Then set up an in-depth appointment with either an Undergraduate Research Advisor or the Career Counselors through Handshake.

Remember to tailor each cover letter and resume specifically to the research project you’re applying to join. The best cover letters are highly specific to the lab and researcher, not generic.

Click Here to view resources for your research resume and cover letter.

Want to start on your CV as? Click Here for resources

No. There is no minimum GPA requirement.  

Check out our projects archive or the virtual Research and Creative Activities Symposium

If the group or mentor you join is not a good fit, first talk to your mentor. Keeping up with communication is the best thing for maintaining a good professional relationship. Switching research groups or topics is possible if you need to. Want some help with this situation? Contact us!  

EURēCA! Student Assistants is an entry-level program intended to introduce students to research and creative scholarship in their discipline.   

EURēCA! Fellows is a program for students more advanced in their research and creative scholarship intended to prepare them for graduate training and careers beyond CU Denver.  

The EURēCA! Summer Fellows program provides a small number of CU Denver undergraduates with 8-weeks of stipend support to work on a mentored project with a CU Denver | Anschutz faculty member.   

The EURēCA! Grant is a $500 student grant that can be used for project supplies, professional development, or research-related travel.

Research is a mentored investigation or creative inquiry conducted by undergraduates that seeks to make a scholarly or artistic contribution to knowledge (see more from the Council for Undergraduate Research)  

Your research might fall into one or more of these common disciplines:  

• STEMM  
  • Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine  
• Social Sciences and Humanities 
  • Economics, Human behavior, History, Philosophy, Languages, and Literature 
• Arts and Media 
  • Film & Television, Music & Entertainment, and Visual Arts 

Qualitative Research is research that involves collecting, analyzing, and interpreting non-numerical data, such as language, text, or video. Qualitative studies seek to understand how individuals or groups give meaning to the world.  

Quantitative Research is research that involves collecting, analyzing, and interpreting numerical data and statistics. Quantitative studies seek to understand the natural and physical world by describing, predicting, and controlling variables.   

A theory is an evidence-based explanation of a natural phenomenon or the general principles of a field (ex: music theory).  

A method is the system or technique used to approach a research question or experience.  

Interdisciplinary means studies or knowledge relating to more than one field. Often an approach to solve big problems beyond the scope of a single field or discipline.   

Jargon is the term for specialized words or expressions that are used by a particular expert group and are difficult for others to understand. Every field has jargon! Jargon shuts down interdisciplinary communication!  

You! A mentee is a person who gains advice, guidance, and training in an individualized learning experience. A good mentee takes an active role in their intellectual and scholarly development, asking for feedback and maintaining clear communication with their mentor.  

A mentor is a person with more experience than you in a given field who provides training, guidance, advice, and motivation. A good mentor should take an active role in nurturing your intellectual and scholarly development.