Emory University: A World of Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Emory University, a leading research institution, offers a multitude of opportunities for undergraduate students to engage in meaningful research across various disciplines. These experiences provide invaluable hands-on learning, mentorship, and professional development, empowering students to make a difference in their fields of interest. From the natural and social sciences to the humanities and arts, Emory fosters a culture of curiosity and inquiry, encouraging students to drive their own research efforts in collaboration with faculty experts.

Why Undergraduate Research Matters

Engaging in undergraduate research offers numerous benefits, regardless of a student's chosen career path. The experience gained through hands-on research, such as working collaboratively and managing complex projects, equips students with essential skills that are highly valued in various professions. For pre-health students, research experience is particularly crucial, as research requirements can vary depending on the specific health profession and professional school of interest.

Diverse Research Settings and Topics

Emory provides a wide array of research opportunities, encompassing diverse settings and topics. Students can explore research within the university's numerous departments and research centers, as well as through collaborations and partnerships with top-tier organizations. This allows students to tailor their research experiences to their specific interests and career goals.

Key Emory Undergraduate Research Programs

Emory University boasts a rich ecosystem of undergraduate research programs designed to support students at all stages of their academic journey. These programs offer financial support, mentorship, and networking opportunities, enabling students to delve into their research interests with confidence.

Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) Program

The SURE program is a highly selective ten-week summer program that provides undergraduate research fellows with the opportunity to conduct full-time independent research under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Participants receive a housing award for residence on the Emory campus and a stipend to support their full-time attention to research training and professional development. The SURE program fosters a vibrant community of student researchers, providing opportunities for networking and graduate school preparation. The SURE-Oxford program is an extension of Emory’s Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program. After conducting their research, students present their research posters in the Oxford Science Building and on the Atlanta campus to showcase your results.

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Semester-Long Independent Research (BIOL 499R)

The Undergraduate Research Program in Biology offers students the chance to learn the process of science and apply knowledge gained in classes through independent research. Students work under the direction of a faculty member engaged in biological research for at least two semesters, for 4 credit hours each semester. Biology 499R is not offered in the summer. Biology 499R may be used to satisfy only one elective and an upper-level lab towards the Biology major after successful completion of the second semester of Biology 499R. Students are expected to identify a research mentor prior to registering for Biology 499R.

Honors Research (BIOL 495R)

For students seeking to graduate with honors, the Biology Department offers Honors Research (BIOL 495R). This program requires a 3.7 Biology GPA and a 3.7 cumulative GPA. Completion of the program with an overall average of 3.7 results in Honors. High Honors requires outstanding performance, including an overall average of 3.7 and a thesis of quality sufficient for oral presentation to scholars in the candidate's field. Highest Honors requires exceptional performance, including an overall average of 3.7 and a thesis of a quality suitable for publication.

SIRE (Student Intramural Research Experience) Program

The SIRE Program offers first-time Emory undergraduate students a chance to explore research by working as research assistants on faculty-led projects in a variety of fields. Participants gain hands-on experience, develop professional research skills, and receive course credit or federal work-study compensation while joining a supportive community of fellow student researchers.

Other notable Emory research programs

The Petit Scholars Program: A year-long research experience for top undergraduate students from Georgia Tech, Emory, and other local colleges, providing hands-on lab work, mentorship, and training in a wide range of biomedical and engineering fields. Scholars work alongside graduate student mentors in IBB labs, gaining valuable research and career skills to prepare for advanced degrees and future careers in science, medicine, and industry.
The INSPIRE program: A 10-week summer research experience at Emory University for undergraduate students from across the country who are interested in infectious diseases research. Participants are matched with mentors, gain hands-on research experience, receive professional development training, and present their work at a research symposium, while mentors also receive training to strengthen their support for future scientists.
The LGS-SOAR Program: A 10-week summer research experience for non-Emory undergraduates interested in pursuing a PhD, offering hands-on, mentored research in fields like biomedical science, public health, and the humanities. Open to students from diverse backgrounds, the program includes academic training, professional development, and graduate school preparation-available both in-person and virtually-designed to build skills, confidence, and a strong foundation for future doctoral study.
HealthPREP: An eight-week summer program hosted by Emory’s School of Medicine and Rollins School of Public Health. It supports first-generation and/or low-income undergraduate and graduate students interested in health careers such as medicine, public health, and genetic counseling.
The SUPERR program: A 10-week summer research experience for undergraduates interested in kidney, urology, and hematologic (KUH) diseases. Students gain hands-on lab and clinical experience, mentorship from NIDDK-supported researchers, and professional development, culminating in a national research symposium-all designed to inspire future careers in biomedical research and healthcare.
Emory College of Arts and Sciences Computational Neuroscience Fellowship: Supports two Emory undergraduate students per year for an intensive academic year and one summer to obtain training and perform research in Computational Neuroscience.

Research Opportunities at Oxford College

At Oxford College, research is an integral part of the academic experience, starting from the first year. Oxford students have multiple opportunities to conduct research with renowned faculty members in a wide array of fields.

Oxford Research Scholars (ORS) program

The Oxford Research Scholars program provides students with the opportunity to work directly with faculty members for a full academic year on research projects. Students then get to present their work during the annual Oxford Research Scholars Spring Symposium. A few lucky ORS students may also have the opportunity to take their research global through the Halle Institute Global Research Scholars Program. Select research projects can get funding to add a 1 or 2 week research component conducted outside of the United States.

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External Research Opportunities

In addition to Emory's internal research programs, students can explore external research opportunities at other institutions and organizations. These opportunities provide exposure to different research environments and expand students' networks. Examples of external research programs include:

REU: Research Experience for Undergraduates
SIP: Summer Internship Program in Biomedical Research
Brigham and Women's Hospital Summer Student Research
SURF: Mayo Clinic Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship
Harvard Stem Cell Institute Internship Program
NYU Jack Cary Eichenbaum Summer Scholars Program
SickKids Summer Research Program (SSuRe)

Resources and Tips for Finding Research Opportunities

Emory University offers a wealth of resources to help undergraduate students find and engage in research opportunities. These resources include:

ForagerOne: A platform connecting students with research opportunities.
Emory Undergraduate Research Programs website: A comprehensive resource for information on Emory's undergraduate research programs.
The Council on Undergraduate Research: A national organization dedicated to promoting undergraduate research.
Office of International and Summer Programs: Provides information on international research opportunities.
Handshake: A career services platform listing research positions.
Approach professors: Students are encouraged to approach professors whose classes have particularly interested them to inquire about research opportunities.

Showcasing Undergraduate Research

Emory provides various platforms for undergraduate students to showcase their research findings and accomplishments. These platforms include:

Oxford Research Scholars Spring Symposium: An annual event where Oxford students present their research projects.
Research conferences and symposia: Students have the opportunity to present their research at regional, national, and international conferences.
Publications: Students may have the opportunity to co-author publications with their faculty mentors.

Emory: A Hub for Interdisciplinary Research

Emory University is a hub for interdisciplinary research, fostering collaboration between students, faculty, and staff across diverse fields. This collaborative environment allows students to engage in research projects that address complex global challenges, making a tangible impact on society.

The Impact of Undergraduate Research at Emory

Undergraduate research at Emory University has a profound impact on students' academic and professional development. Students gain critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and the confidence to pursue their passions. The research experience also enhances their competitiveness for graduate school and future employment opportunities.

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