Participating in undergraduate research will expand your academic experience at UCF. Research is a process of careful inquiry leading to the discovery of new information. Although there are some differences in how research is conducted across disciplines, research is not restricted to certain disciplines and occurs in all programs at UCF. Undergraduate students are currently working on numerous and diverse projects.

There are several projects in which you can join and learn more such as:

EXCEL Program
The EXCEL program is designed to increase student success in the first two years of their college career in a STEM discipline. EXCEL offers numerous benefits to participants, including a paid undergraduate research experience.

Honors in the Major (HIM) Program
The Burnett Honors College hosts the HIM program which offers UCF juniors and seniors the opportunity to earn Honors distinction on their diploma.  Students work with faculty in their major to produce an independent thesis on an original topic in their area of interest.

McNair Scholars Program
McNair prepares undergraduate students for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities. Participants are either first-generation college students and low-income as defined by federal guidelines or members of a group that is traditionally underrepresented in graduate school.

Research and Mentoring Program (RAMP)
RAMP offers paid research experiences to students in their junior and senior years with the potential to continue in graduate school. Faculty members mentor students, and participants engage in research throughout the academic year.

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) at UCF
UCF hosts several REU experiences open to undergraduate students across the nation. The programs are sponsored by the National Science Foundation and participants spend the summer engaged in research. 

Student-Mentor Academic Research Teams (SMART)
The Burnett Honors College hosts the SMART program, which offers research experiences to all UCF undergraduate students who have completed at least one semester and have at least two semesters left before graduation.  SMART offers grants to students and faculty every spring, summer, and fall.

Summer Research Academy (SRA)
This two-and-a-half day event is held every summer for transfer students and rising sophomores and juniors. SRA scholars receive one credit and free housing (if needed) for the academy, where they learn about academic research.

There are various positions now open for students. These positions may be assisting jobs (e.g. washing dishes in lab) or independent research projects. Either way these positions are a great way to get involved in research programs on campus.

For more information please visit the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR).