The iSchool is at the forefront of innovation, distinguished by leading academic programs and groundbreaking research. Our researchers enjoy a track record of success, securing grants from some of the nation's most prestigious funders. We collaborate with scholars around the world on interdisciplinary projects, and our vibrant research centers serve as incubators for emerging areas of research. iSchool Research Website
iSchool Undergraduate Research Opportunities
iSchool students will email research opportunities within faculty and research centers/labs as they are available by email to students. Additional information is posted on this page below.
iSchool Research Opportunities Website
Are you interested in gaining research experience? iSchool Research Services and Student Affairs are excited to announce a new resource for identifying research opportunities with iSchool faculty. This website may be accessed by all iSchool students, and includes opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.
To access the page:
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- Login to Moodle and navigate to the Student Research Opportunities page.
- Click the “Enroll me” button and use “iSchool student” as enrollment key.
- You now have access to the space and can view postings by faculty.
These opportunities will be either paid or for course credit. We believe that students should receive something of value for any work they do. As such, these research opportunities do not allow for volunteers. Students should work with faculty to determine if they will earn credit or be paid for the work they do.
It is important that you read descriptions closely to make sure you are eligible and qualified before applying and follow the instructions provided for each opportunity to apply.
If you have a question, please contact the following person:
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- The Moodle page or research at the iSchool: Alaine Martaus, Research Services Coordinator
- Setting up a Practicum/Internship: Rebecca Hodson, iSchool Career Services
- Setting up an Independent Study: read information in below section and contact ischool-is@illinois.edu for more information
To find research opportunities outside of the iSchool, you can always search Handshake or The Office of Undergraduate Research listings.
iSchool/Informatics Research Projects
Prior to each semester iSchool students will be emailed research opportunities offered by iSchool/Informatics faculty. These are not paid positions, but students are able to sign up for Independent Study credit. Students in BSIS may count one independent study (189/389) or one practicum (IS 249) towards a 100-200 level IS elective course. Once the closing deadline has passed, applications will be forwarded to the project leads for further evaluation and to determine who to interview and choose for their project. The goal is to bring students on board as soon as possible and to make sure that students get registered by the 10th day of the semester. Please do not contact the project leaders/faculty directly. Applications should be submitted using the form.
Fall 2021 Projects will be emailed over the summer
Past Projects (gain an idea of previous opportunities):
Independent Study (with iSchool Faculty) IS 189/389
Independent Study enables the intermediate or advanced student opportunity to undertake the study of a topic not otherwise offered in the curriculum, and pursue a topic beyond or in greater depth than is possible within the context of a regular course. Independent Study should be a rigorous investigation of a highly specific topic, calling for student initiative, and requiring the formal structure. Independent Study is not available as an alternative version of a course otherwise offered on a regular basis by the School.
Enroll: Students who have secured an Independent Study with iSchool Faculty should work with the faculty member to complete the Request to Enroll in Independent Study Form (instructions listed on the form~ please complete student information, secure faculty signature, and submit to ischool-is@illinois.edu). If adding after the deadline, please see below.
Late Add: Independent Study courses are full-semester courses. If you add after the deadline, you must complete the Late Section Change/Add process for your college (please consult your college's website or speak with someone in your college to ensure you use the proper form). The Late Add Form should accompany the Independent Study form above when sent to our office.
Other Campus Research Opportunities
Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR)
OUR is guided by the philosophy that all Illinois undergraduate students should learn about current disciplinary research, take part in research discussions, and be exposed to research experiences in their regular coursework. Furthermore, where practical, an advanced research experience should be among the capstone options in all major programs of study. Undergraduate research opportunities should be designed to support the pedagogical goals and the research mission of the university. Visit the OUT Website: http://undergradresearch.illinois.edu/
The NCSA Spin program provides Illinois undergraduates with a paid opportunity to participate in hands-on research and contribute to interdisciplinary projects covering focus research areas in Culture and Society, Earth and Environment, Bioinformatics and Health Sciences, Material and Manufacturing, Data and Computational Sciences, Physics and Astronomy, and Digital Agriculture. The program spans over the summer. (http://spin.ncsa.illinois.edu/)
Handshake
Faculty and research centers across campus post additional opportunities on Handshake
IHSI: Community–Academic Scholars Initiative
IHSI’s Community-Academic Scholars Initiative matches University of Illinois undergraduate students with community-based research projects for a supportive 10-week summer research experience.
The Community–Academic Scholars Initiative is seeking faculty research project submissions for summer 2021. Eligible projects will involve a community partner and address a need in the areas of health, poverty, or social inequity. If you would like to explore the opportunity for an undergraduate scholar to help accelerate your work, please submit your project here: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/640494752
More information about the program available: https://healthinstitute.illinois.edu/research-support-translation/community-academic-partnerships-health/community-academic-scholars
Deadline: December 1, 2020
Off-Campus Resources
Pathways to Science Research Experiences
Programs and professional development resources for current and prospective undergraduate students -- research experiences for undergraduates (REU), scholarships, and travel and research opportunities. Undergraduate scholarships and tips on applying: https://pathwaystoscience.org/Undergrads.aspx
Video tutorial on how to use our advanced search page: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxKsAGk8dAw&t=16s
