Skip to main content
Department of Botany & Plant Sciences

Why research matters

The Plant Biology program requires undergraduates to participate in research because it can shape or clarify future career choices and offer several important benefits:

  • Undergraduate research experiences show students how the knowledge they learn in classes is created — through asking questions, designing experiments, and interpreting evidence. 
  • By participating in research, undergraduate students build conceptual skills, including data collection, analysis, and critical thinking, as well as technical expertise. 
  • Students have the opportunity to contribute to new scientific discoveries and technological advances. Hands-on work also strengthens resumés, helping students stand out in a competitive job market. 
  • Working closely with faculty and postgraduate scientists allows students to build their professional network. These relationships can often lead to stronger, more meaningful letters of recommendation. 

 

FAQs

  • The best time to start research is usually in the sophomore or junior year, but may be earlier, after completing foundational coursework and learning to balance academic demands with other activities. Students benefit most from research experiences that last a year or more as it provides the time needed to become proficient and independent. It is usually more difficult to find a research position as graduation nears.

  • Common options are an hourly wage or research for credit. BPSC 197 and BPSC 199 are two courses that offer a graded research opportunity and fulfill the B.S. program requirement. Some research positions start on a volunteer basis, allowing flexibility and an initial assessment by the lab and the student before further commitment. 

  • Two units of research are required for the B.S. degree. For BPSC 197 and BPSC 199, expect to spend three hours on research per week for each registered unit. The expectations for volunteer or paid undergraduate researchers varies by lab; 10 to 12 hours per week is a good rule of thumb for making significant progress in experiments and skill development.

  • This is a great topic to discuss with your faculty advisor. The Undergraduate Research Portal is also an excellent resource for finding research opportunities. Jobs are posted in the uResearch Portal and you can also find a list of organized campus research programs. However, many research opportunities are not advertised and are only found through directly contacting a lab of interest.

  • First, identify a lab whose research you find interesting. Each department has a listing of their faculty, often with a brief description of their research areas and links to their lab webpages for more details. The Department of Plant Sciences faculty page is here. Spend a little time reading and thinking about their work. Second, send a concise, carefully edited email that introduces who you are, what you are requesting, and why. Briefly explain why you are inquiring about a research position with this lab in particular. Attach a resume or CV, preferably in pdf format. Third, if you don't receive a response within a week, send a follow-up email. More guidance can be found at the Undergraduate Research Portal. 

  • Summer Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) programs are full-time, paid research positions typically lasting 10 weeks. Several REU programs or similar campus-sponsored programs are offered each year at UCR, including
    NSF CEPCEB-REU program

    MSRIP

    RISE
    and others listed at the Undergraduate Research Portal.

     

    REUs also offer opportunities to experience different research at other institutions and will usually cover room, board, and travel expenses.
     

    A database of NSF-funded REU sites can be searched here. Check for deadlines and eligibility.

  • Yes! Just to list a few:

    Chancellor's Research Fellowship: https://engage.ucr.edu/research/chancellor_fellowship

    Minigrants for Undergraduate Research: https://engage.ucr.edu/research/minigrants

    ASPB Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Award: https://aspb.org/awards-funding/aspb-awards/surf/

    CNAS Scholarship Opportunities: https://cnasstudent.ucr.edu/scholarship-opportunities

    California Native Plant Society: https://www.cnps.org/education/students/chapter-scholarships

     

Let us help you with your search