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Undergraduate Research

The Office of Undergraduate Research at York College

Upcoming Undergraduate Research Days

Borough of Queens CUNY Undergraduate Research Symposium

The Office of Undergraduate Research at Queens College is inviting all students, faculty, and staff to participate in the CUNY Undergraduate Research Symposium held on April 2, 2024.

For more information

Register to attend or submit abstract

Abstract submission deadline is March 1, 2024. 

York College Undergraduate Research Day

The Office of Academic Affairs together with Office of Undergraduate Research is sponsoring an Undergraduate Research Day on May 2, 2024, to celebrate undergraduate research and creative scholarships in all disciplines at York College.

Register to Attend

Abstract Submission

Abstract submission deadline is April 1, 2024.

CUNY Undergraduate Research Celebration Day

CUNY Office of Research is inviting student researchers from all CUNY schools to participate in their 2nd annual Undergraduate Research Celebration Day on May 24, 2024. Students who are interested should send their abstracts to uresearch@york.cuny.edu.

Abstract submission deadline is April 3, 2024.

Program Mission

The Office of Undergraduate Research is tasked to promote course-based or faculty-mentored undergraduate research across the disciplines. One of the goals of the office is to match a faculty’s scholarly activity with the undergraduate’s educational curiosity. The advantages of involving undergraduates in “hands-on” experiential learning are well documented. The majority agree that experiential learning through research training or on-field internship yields a well-prepared, knowledgeable undergraduate who is more than likely to succeed and be on the path toward a rewarding career. The office will also coordinate and sponsor activities that foster learning communities built around common themes to eliminate student isolation and passivity, promoting a sense of belonging. The Office of Undergraduate Research aims to assemble a group of students and faculty with similar academic interests and aspirations.

Participating in Undergraduate Research

Based on the definition provided by the Council on Undergraduate Research, undergraduate research is “an inquiry or investigation conducted by an undergraduate student that makes an original intellectual or creative contribution to the discipline”. Students from all backgrounds and disciplines are eligible to participate in undergraduate research; the only thing required is an expressed interest to inquire, explore, and discover new ideas under the guidance of a faculty facilitator. You can start by registering with the Office of Undergraduate Research. See also the Resources for the Undergraduate Researcher.

Benefits of Undergraduate Research

  • An opportunity to inquire, explore and discover ideas under the mentorship of York’s esteemed faculty.
  • Expand problem-solving skills, creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking abilities.
  • Gain “hands-on” experiences that are translatable to real-world skills.

Experiential learning provides students with the skills to be inquisitive, critically evaluate information, and use their ingenuity to explore, discover, and create.

The Office of Undergraduate Research Provide

We hope to provide our undergraduate researchers with guidance to become well-rounded scholars destined to be movers and leaders of their communities. The specific activities the office facilitates include:

  • Linking undergraduates and faculty members with similar research, scholarship, and creative endeavors.
  • Providing access to workshops, career talks, field trips, and other academic enrichment activities.
  • Helping students apply for scholarships and/or paid internships, when available.
  • Developing the undergraduate’s written, oral, and poster presentation skills.
  • Seeking financial support for the undergraduate researcher’s participation in on-campus, regional, and national conferences. This includes sponsoring York’s Annual Undergraduate Research Day held in spring.
  • Advising students on how to put together job applications or how to go about submitting applications to pursue graduate degrees.
  • Sponsoring faculty mentor recognition events and, when possible, providing grant writing aid in collaboration with the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.
  • Showcasing a repository of student results, findings, and/or creative works that is accessible to the York College population.