A loaded question! In a broader sense, research can be a detailed study of a specific problem, topic, concern, or issue, usually centered around a research question. It is also discovering new ideas or information or building upon existing information. 

In a more tangible example, research comes in different forms whether it's conducting experiements in a research lab, interviewing research participants, or writing an annotated bibliography!

Research is for anyone who is curious about a topic whether it's related to your major, career aspirations, personal connection, or even just for fun! Whether you're a STEM major or in the social sciences, research can contribute to your academic achievements. 

Absolutely! Plenty of transfer students engage in research during their time at UCSD and you can be one of them. There is a misconception that transfer students are "late", when in fact there may be various opportunities for you to get involved with research!

If you have found this module, you are in the right place! The important thing is to have some background information on how to get involved with research at UCSD- which this webpage provides.

Step 1: Our recommendation is to start with the Research & Involvement Webinar above titled "Research at UCSD". This webinar outlines the most common ways to get involved with research at UCSD. 

Step 2: Read through the Frequently Asked Questions 

Step 3: Talk to the Research and Involvement Coordinator to narrow down your questions and how to take the next steps! 

The Research and Involvement Coordinator (R&I Coordinator) is a full-time professional staff member at the Triton Transfer Hub. UCSD transfer students interested in research and other involvement opportunities are able to book an appointment with Elizabeth Vazquez, R&I Coordinator, to discuss and explore research and involvement opportunities. Some more information about the R&I Coordinator services:

• Appointments are available virtually and in-person. (Please note, there will be no appointments available for Weeks 0-3 of Fall Quarter 2024-instead there will be drop-ins) Please see our instagram (@tritontransfers) for the latest updates.
• The R&I Coordinator is a liaison between the Triton Transfer Hub and the Undergraduate Research Hub 
•  Resume/Cover Letter support 
• Learn about cold emailing professors and professionals 
• LinkedIn Advice 
• How to navigate your major website for research opportunities
• Experiential Learning 
• Internships, Study Abroad, UCDC, UC Sacramento connections and suppport 
• How to pick a research topic 
• How to apply to a research lab 
• Meet your Research and Involvement Coordinator on our "Meet the Team" page.
• Schedule an appointment below! 

• Summer/Yearly/Quarterly academic research programs
• Yearly research conferences (undergrads are welcome to present their research) 
• Conference travel funding for students who complete a URH-affiliated research program 
• Weekly newsletter about all things research at UCSD 
• Prestigious scholarships 
• General research suppport

 Undergraduate Research Hub 

• Work under a faculty mentor at UC San Diego
• Participate in research programs part-time in the academic year and full-time over summer

Academic Internship Program

This is a great option for international students- your work/ internship experience will be related to field of study and may allow for paid work. Contact the AIP team learn more. 

• Work at UC San Diego or in local companies and organizations
• Earn course credits
• Sometimes receive financial compensation
• Research opportunities are available in every quarter part-time and full time in the summer 

Research Experience & Applied Learning (REAL) Portal 

• Connect with internships research, service learning and more to apply what you are learning in your coursework
• Create a profile where faculty and staff can reach you with opportunities

Check out UCSD Faculty websites

• Use this site (https://profiles.ucsd.edu/) to browse UCSD faculty research by topic 
• Check out faculty under majors- this can be your major, one similar, or an area you are interested in
  • Some majors/ departments break into smaller categories or subtopics for easier browsing

• Watch the Research and Involvement Webinar titled "Outreach to Faculty for Research" found toward the top of this webpage in Step 1. 
• Finding a Faculty Mentor- follow steps outlined by the Undergraduate Research Hub (URH) on how to begin the search for a faculty mentor, one of the first steps in research
  • Dine-with-a- Prof Program: If you are looking for another way to make a connection with a professor to discuss research opportunities you can apply to receive a voucher from your college to take them out to coffee or a meal as a networking opportunity.
• Pop over to the office or visit after a class- connect with them and share your interest in their work. Come ready with a resume and questions ready

Reach out to the Research and Involvement Coordinator, Elizabeth Vazquez for any research-related inquiries. 

Email: e6vazquez@ucsd.edu 

For general Transfer questions please email tritontransfers@ucsd.edu 

For Transfer Admissions/Applications please visit admissions.ucsd.edu