UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State undergraduate students who wish to learn strategies and gain support needed to become successful undergraduate researchers are encouraged to apply for the fall 2023 Undergraduate Research Jumpstart Program (UGRJ).

This semester, an in-person program begins at 6-7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 21, on the University Park campus, with a remote program offered on Wednesdays from 3-4 p.m. beginning on Sept. 20. Both programs run weekly through Nov. 8 and 9. Participants are expected to attend at least six of the seven workshops. To apply for the program, fill out and submit the completed UGRJ Program Application before the deadline of 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 8.

The goal of UGRJ is to help students understand the nature of the research process and how to pursue undergraduate research at Penn State. In this program, students will explore resources and services that will help in identifying their research interests while also gaining insight into the process of applying for undergraduate research opportunities. By the completion of the program, students will have curated a toolkit personalized to their research interests.

The full Undergraduate Research Jumpstart Program schedule follows:

• Week 1: What is research and why should I do it?
• Week 2: Doing research on research.
• Week 3: Research within the Libraries & beyond.
• Week 4: Nuts & bolts of finding research opportunities.
• Week 5: Finding, and communicating with, faculty.
• Week 6: Exploring your research knowledge.
• Week 7: What’s next for me?

For more information or questions about UGRJ, please contact Danica E. White, coordinator for Undergraduate Research and Engagement for Penn State University Libraries, at dew5422@psu.edu.