Interested in research but not sure where to begin? Whether you’re drawn to biology, computer science, psychology or any other field, UT offers incredible opportunities to get involved in hands-on research. Research can be done as a volunteer, for course credit, or, in some cases, for pay.
Joining a lab isn’t just about gaining experience—it’s about discovery, growth and connection. As an undergraduate researcher, you’ll:
- Deepen your understanding of topics you care about
- Build valuable skills in critical thinking, data analysis and lab techniques
- Form meaningful relationships with faculty mentors and peers
- Strengthen your resume for grad school, med school, or industry jobs
- Contribute to real-world discoveries that can make a difference
This step-by-step guide will help you explore your interests, connect with faculty and find a lab that’s the right fit for you.
-
1
Explore and Identify Your Interests
Before jumping into research, take time to reflect on what excites you most. Ask yourself:
- What research topics genuinely interest me?
- What first drew me to science?
- Are there courses or subjects I want to explore more deeply?
- Do I prefer a wet lab (hands-on experiments), dry lab (computational or theoretical work), or field research (outdoor data collection)?
Understanding your interests will help you find a lab that’s a great fit.
-
2
Identify Potential Faculty Mentors
Most CNS faculty don’t advertise research openings. Instead, they often select students from their classes or those who reach out directly. To build a list of 10+ faculty members whose work aligns with your interests, you can:
- Browse departmental faculty profiles
- Read the CNS Experiential Learning Office’s weekly newsletter for opportunities, sent via 12twenty@Texas to all CNS undergraduates
- Don’t limit yourself to your major—great opportunities may exist in other departments!
-
3
Start with Your Network
Before sending cold emails to faculty you've never met, start with the people you already have a connection with. A personal recommendation or introduction almost always carries more weight than a cold email. You may be surprised how many doors are already open to you.
Here's who to reach out to:
- Professors whose classes you've taken. If you've done well in a course and are genuinely interested in that area, ask the professor directly whether they have openings or whether they know of colleagues who do.
- Peers who are already doing research. Friends or classmates in labs are one of your best resources. Ask whether their lab has openings, and if not, whether their PI might know of other opportunities.
- Graduate Teaching Assistants. TAs are often active members of research labs. Ask them about their own lab and whether they know of openings in their department.
- Any faculty or staff you've built a relationship with. Advisors, program coordinators, and instructors can all be valuable connectors even if they're not in your target field.
Even if the person you ask doesn't have an opening themselves, ask if they know of anyone who might. That kind of warm referral will get you much further than a cold email to someone who doesn't know you.
-
4
Reach Out to Faculty
If you've exhausted your network and still haven't found a match, that's when cold emailing becomes your primary strategy. Before emailing faculty, do your homework:
- Read their UT profile and lab website
- Take notes on what excites you about their research and techniques
- Check their “Contact” or "Join Our Lab" page for any lab-specific contact procedures
Then, write a personalized email to each professor. Be clear, concise and specific about why you're interested in their lab. Need help? Check out our guide to emailing professors.
If you don’t hear back within two weeks, it’s okay to send a polite follow-up.
-
5
Meet with Faculty
If a professor responds, they may invite you to meet and discuss a potential position. Be ready to answer questions like:
- Why do you want to do research?
- What interests you about our lab specifically?
- How much time can you commit (hours per week and number of semesters)?
Also, come prepared with thoughtful questions of your own as it shows initiative and curiosity.
-
6
Start Doing Research!
Once you join a lab, clear communication is key. Work with your faculty mentor to set expectations and create a schedule. Be reliable, ask questions and stay engaged.
Helpful questions to ask early on:
- Is there any background reading I should do?
- Are there weekly lab meetings I should attend?
- Who do I coordinate my lab time with?
- What are your expectations for new undergraduate researchers?
Starting Research as a Senior? Check out our guide!
Senior year is a natural time to ask: "Is it too late to get into research?" The honest answer is that it is harder. Most faculty are looking for students who can commit to a lab for two or more semesters. But there are still paths forward, and knowing your options makes all the difference.
If you're still enrolled
The steps above still apply and a few things can improve your chances as a senior:
- Be upfront about your timeline. Let faculty know exactly how many semesters you have left and how many hours per week you can commit. Some faculty do take seniors, especially for projects with a defined short-term scope. Consider committing to research the summer after you graduate to lengthen your timeline.
- Look beyond the lab. Computational, data analysis, and literature review projects often have more flexible timelines and may be a better fit for a one-semester commitment.
- Start early in the semester. Reach out in the first two weeks of fall when labs are most likely to have open slots before the semester gets busy.
After graduation
Once you graduate, you lose your UT affiliation, which makes it harder to walk into a campus lab as a volunteer. If you're heading into a research career and want more experience, here are some paths worth exploring:
Post-baccalaureate (post-bac) Research Programs
Structured 1–2 year paid research positions designed specifically for recent graduates. Post-bac programs are a common stepping stone before graduate or professional school.
- NIH Postbac IRTA Program — Paid full-time research at the National Institutes of Health. One of the most competitive and well-known postbac programs in biomedical science.
- Pathways to Science Postbac Database — Searchable database of hundreds of postbac programs across institutions and disciplines.
Professional Science Master's Programs
Some students use a professional master's degree to build research skills and lab experience before entering a PhD program or the biotech industry. Many universities offer professional MS programs in biotechnology, biological sciences, and related fields designed for students who want hands-on training without the full commitment of a research PhD. These are worth exploring if you're interested in a research career but didn't get significant lab experience as an undergrad.
Want more guidance?
CNS Undergraduates can make a “Research Opportunities Advising" Appointment with our team in 12twenty@Texas.