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Research Resources

There are many different places to get started with your research journey at UC San Diego. Feel free to check out any of the resources below - and know that peer coaches and our Research & Involvement Coordinator are available to discuss any of the options with you!

Need Support through a Specific Step in Accessing Research?

Click the bubble of the stage you are at to get support through the process:

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is research?

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

In a more tangible example, research comes in different forms whether it's conducting experiments 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. 

Can transfer students get involved in research?

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!

Who is the Research & Involvement Coordinator at the Triton Transfer Hub?

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 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 support 
  • 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! 

What is the Undergraduate Research Hub?

The Undergraduate Research Hub (URH) is an office dedicated to supporting all things research for the undergraduate student population at UCSD. Services include:
  • 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 support
Phone: (858) 534-1774
Location: Student Center Building B, 1st Floor
Wayfinding Address: 9358 Mandeville Lane, La Jolla, CA 92093

When can I do Undergraduate Research?

Most programs require 90 quarter units (60 semester units) be completed at the start of your program making most eligible upon transfer to UC San Diego Most applications are open the quarter prior to the quarter research occurs, (ex. apply fall quarter for winter research) We recommend taking your first quarter at UC San Diego to learn about the various opportunities, meet professors, and adjust to the quarter system.

Where can I find research opportunities at UCSD

 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

How to make connections with faculty/professors at UCSD?

  • 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
a picture of a smiling women with curly hair and glasses wearing a navy blue polo with the triton transfer hub's logo

Meet with Transfer Research & Involvement Coordinator

Looking for for ways to get involved at UC San Diego?  Make a 30-minute appointment with Elizabeth, the Transfer Research & Involvement Coordinator. In-person and virtual appointments are available to discuss research or other ways to get involved on campus such as UCDC, study abroad, internships and more!

Book Appointment Now

Connect with Us

Visit Us

The Transfer Hub is located in Pepper Canyon Hall, room 261.

Video to the Hub

Contact Us

Email: tritontransfers@ucsd.edu Phone: 858-246-4997

Email Us

Hours

Spring Quarter Hours: Mon - Thu, 9am-6pm Friday, 10am - 4pm *Virtual hours only for Spring Break*

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