The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences offers undergraduates numerous opportunities to participate in exciting research experiences. By participating in undergraduate research you can explore your interests and gain valuable skills, contribute to the creation of new knowledge, become a member of a research community, and develop relationships with faculty, staff and graduate student mentors.
“Being involved in research has given me an opportunity to understand how research is conducted and has allowed me to get hands-on experience that far surpasses what I would be able to learn in classes…it also gives me a slight competitive edge in the job market and it’s helped me to network and build connections with people I may end up working with one day! My advice for someone considering undergraduate research: Be open minded and always willing to learn and voice or express interest in areas that you want to learn more about and gain more experience in.”
—K.K, viticulture and enology major
Getting started
- Discover and Explore: Browse CA&ES faculty websites and laboratory or facility directories. Attend office hours and ask instructors and TAs about their current research projects. Look for department research fairs and ask an academic advisor how students in their program typically get involved in research in the major/s they support.
- Some CA&ES Specific Research Opportunities (not exhaustive)
- Agricultural and Resource Economics DIRECT Program
Bodega Marine Laboratory
Museum of Wildlife and Fish Biology Research Opportunities: California
Research Scholars in Insect Biology
UC Davis Plant Breeding Center: Student Collaborative Organic Breeding Education (SCOPE) Project
UC Natural Reserve System
Undergraduate Research Opportunities in Ecology and Environmental Sciences (listings managed through the Department of Environmental Science and Policy)
Connect with Academic Advisors in your major and/or the department where you are interested in doing research to learn more about specific opportunities available in their programs.
- Reach Out: Send tailored emails to faculty expressing interest in their research. Ask if there are any opportunities for undergraduate researchers in their programs. Ask to meet with them to learn about their research. Consider including a resume that highlights your experiences and skills relevant to the research group you are interested in. Meet with a Career Center counselor for resume tips and a resume review.
- Tips for Contacting Faculty
- Be professional and respectful. Start out your message with a formal greeting, e.g., Dear Dr. Jones or Dear Professor Martinez. Close with a thank you and include your name and contact information.
Share your interests. Be specific about why you are interested in their research—show that you already know something about their research. You don’t have to be an expert or fully understand the research—just show that you’re interested and willing to learn. Tailor your message to individual faculty and their research—don’t send the same generic email to everyone.
Be clear but flexible. Ask if they have undergraduate research opportunities in their group—you may need to be flexible with the timing if they don’t have opportunities now, but they do expect opportunities in the future.
Be patient. If you don’t hear back immediately, try again 4-5 days later. Stop by their office hours and ask if they have time to talk or ask if they’ll set up an appointment with you for a future date/time.
Be resilient. If a researcher doesn’t have an opportunity for you, ask if they know of others who might be looking for an undergraduate researcher. Don’t take it personally if a researcher isn’t able to accept you into their group. Most researchers take their mentoring responsibilities seriously and want to make sure you have a good experience; so, they may not accept you if they don’t feel they have a project that is at a stage where another student can assist, if they don’t have capacity to mentor you themselves and/or if they don’t have a graduate student or other staff member who can mentor you at that time. If they aren’t able to accept you in the lab, thank them for their time and reach out to another researcher you are interested in working with.
Remember: Research experiences vary widely. Research projects can involve fieldwork, laboratory work, computer modeling and data analysis, literature reviews, community engagement, and creative projects. Deciding on the best research experience for you will depend on your interests, schedule, skills, and the specific needs of the research group. - Example message to faculty
- Dear Dr. Parker—I’m in your Entomology class and found the recent lecture on spiders fascinating. I was looking more at research opportunities in the Entomology department and found that you do research on beneficial insects in agricultural systems. I’m really interested in agricultural practices that can help to reduce use of chemical pesticides, and your research aligns well with some of my career goals in the agriculture industry.
I’d like to learn more about your research and discuss possible opportunities to participate in research projects in your laboratory.
Could we set up a time to meet to discuss further? If you prefer, I can stop by your office hours for an initial meeting also.
I look forward to hearing from you and learning more about research opportunities in your laboratory.
Thank you for your consideration.
Regards,
Gunrock
You’ve identified a possible research mentor
- Meet with the Mentor: Learn more about their research and specific project opportunities with their research group. Prepare your questions ahead of time and don’t worry about asking basic questions—faculty don’t expect you to be an expert. They do want to know that you are motivated and interested. Learn about the type of work you’ll be doing and ways you might be able to contribute to the project/s. Ask if there are any background readings they can provide you with more information about their research.
- Discuss Expectations: Talk with the mentor about the weekly and quarterly time commitment. Be clear about your availability. Clarify the skills needed or if specific courses should be completed before starting the research. Ask if there is an opportunity to enroll for 199 Research credits and/or to be paid.
- Learn About How the Research Group is Organized: Will you be working directly with a graduate student, post-doctoral scientist and/or other staff? Are there group meetings you should attend regularly?
- Confirm Timeline: Ask when you might hear back from the mentor about acceptance into their group. Discuss a timeline for starting if you are accepted to their group.
You’ve started your research!
- Complete Safety Trainings: Trainings will vary depending on the research group. Ask what’s required and should be completed before starting the research.
- Get to Know Others in the Research Group: Be friendly, respectful, and supportive of others you are working with.
- Communicate your Schedule: If you need to be absent, provide notice ahead of time and make sure there is coverage for time sensitive tasks if needed.
- Be Curious: Ask questions when you don’t understand!
- Share your Research: As you gain more experience and confidence, ask about opportunities to present your work at the UC Davis Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities Conference. Note—it often takes several quarters for students to have completed enough research to present your research at a conference.