Undergraduate Research at WSU
Augment Your Learning
Expert faculty can mentor you in hands-on research, scholarship, and creative activities, adding important new dimensions to your knowledge in your field. And, to your education at Washington State University.

Office of Undergraduate Research

WSU undergraduates from all majors, in all years in college, and on every campus can be researchers who work with faculty mentors and contribute something new to their field. It’s easy to get started and plenty of resources will help you enjoy the experience.

We’re Here to Help You

The faculty and staff in the WSU Office of Undergraduate Research help you envision your future as a researcher and turn that goal into reality. We:

What Is Undergraduate Research?

Research is the process of making new contributions to a branch of knowledge. It takes place in all disciplines, whether you are in the humanities, arts, and social sciences, or in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). And undergraduate students are an integral part of the research, scholarship, and creative activities that take place at WSU to bring knowledge to our world.

Get Connected

Meet with a Peer Mentor

Peer mentors, who are undergraduates currently involved in undergraduate research, are available most weeks to meet with you. They have the experience and training to answer your important questions, such as:

  • “How do I get started with my research or creative activity?”
  • “Will I get paid for what I’m doing, or am I eligible for a special scholarship?”
  • “How do I find the right faculty mentor for me?”

Schedule a meeting with one today!

What’s New

Undergraduate Research Award Applications Open

Washington State University undergraduate students can apply online Nov. 13, 2023 through Jan. 26, 2024 for any of eight awards to support their mentored undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activities in academic year 2024–25. A variety of awards are available to all students. Three are presented by the Office of Undergraduate Research in the Division of Academic Engagement and Student Achievement (DAESA). Others are from the WSU LSAMP (Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation) program, the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture, and the Team Mentoring Program (TMP). A grant for research into arts and humanities topics is available from the WSU Emeritus Society. Last year, 42 awards totaling more than $60,000 were made for 2023–24.

WSU Undergraduate Research Presents 8 Awards to 41 Students

The Washington State University Office of Undergraduate Research announced that awards to support mentored research, scholarship, and creative activity have been given to 41 students in 31 majors across four campuses for the 2023-2024 academic year. More than $60,000 was presented from among eight types or combinations of awards, said Jeremy Lessmann, office director. Students from WSU Pullman, WSU Tri-Cities, WSU Vancouver, and WSU Everett are among the recipients.

Explore More

Undergraduate student practicing violin under supervision of a professor

Why & When to Get Involved?

Regardless of your major, getting involved in research will help you contribute to knowledge in a field, and benefit your intellect, skill set, and career readiness.
A student standing with her research mentor in the lab

How Do I Get Started in Research?

We can show you how to engage with the research going on all around you at WSU. With our assistance, getting started in undergraduate research will be easier than you think.
Undergraduate student researchers receive recognition at SURCA.

Receive Credit or Funding

We can show you how to engage with the research going on all around you at WSU. With our assistance, getting started in undergraduate research will be easier than you think.
Undergraduate researchers presenting their work at SURCA

Share Your Work & Results

Sharing new knowledge with the wider community in your field is essential to the research process. Opportunities abound to disseminate your discoveries both at WSU and beyond.