Working with Students

We couldn’t do it without you.

Faculty-mentored research provides exciting opportunities for students to apply classroom learning to real-time challenges. Student researchers explore areas of scholarship in depth, and apply entrepreneurial thinking while developing problem-solving and communication skills.

What counts as research?

Research projects may be undertaken in any academic area, at either the Charles River or Medical Campus. We consider research to be any scientific or scholarly activity that leads to:

  • The production of new knowledge
  • Increased problem-solving capabilities (including design and analysis of a research project)
  • Original critical or historical theory and interpretation

How does UROP work?

Students often start by investigating faculty research interests on department websites, or they begin by consulting current opportunities. These opportunities are submitted by professors who are 1) interested in involving undergraduates in an existing project, or 2) seeking undergraduates to develop a project. Online posting takes just a few minutes.

After agreeing to work together, the student/mentor team defines their project. Students can perform research as a volunteer, for academic credit, or the project can be set up as a paid position with three options:

  • Work-study job (if the student has a work-study award)
  • Faculty member supports the student through a grant
  • Student can apply for stipend, supplies, and/or travel awards from UROP

Who needs to apply?

Only students seeking UROP funding need to submit an application. If another type of support is arranged, we would appreciate learning about it, but do not need to be involved in the process.

Stipend funding is given directly to students. If multiple students apply to work with you, funding is provided to each student individually. It is not provided to the mentor for distribution among multiple students. Funding is limited to two students per faculty member, per application cycle.

Faculty mentors are advised to assist with the funding application, and they are required to review it at least once before submission. Mentors must complete a recommendation form by midnight of the application deadline.

Questions? Call us at 617-353-2020, or send us an email at urop@bu.edu.