UNDERGRAD OPPORTUNITIES
Undergraduate students are an integral part of the UCI Center on Stress & Health study team and undergraduates are involved in many aspects of the research process. Activities have included assisting with recruitment of children and their parents to participate in research studies, preparing study recruitment and questionnaire packets, completing data entry and preliminary analysis using SPSS, being involved in the research collaboration with CHOC Children's associates for various projects, and attending weekly lab meetings with the principle investigators and research staff.
We are very excited to be able to enroll undergraduate students in the independent research programs, Bio 199, SE 199, and NS 199 under the mentorship of Michelle Fortier, PhD or Bio 199 or SE 199 under the mentorship of Sarah Martin, PhD. This program allows students the ability to receive course credit for the time they spend at the lab. Additionally, students also have the opportunity to conduct independent research, apply for funding and ultimately present their findings through research symposia. Previous undergraduates have successfully funded their research projects and presented their findings in a variety of settings, including local and national scientific conferences.
We also encourage UCI undergraduates to apply for the UCI Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) and Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) funding opportunities.
Not a UCI student?
Undergraduate research opportunities for students who do not attend UC Irvine are available through the UCI Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP). For more information, visit: UROP Opportunities
UCI Journal of Undergraduate Research - Excellence in Research Papers
Effects of Children's Temperament on the Amount of Analgesics Administered by Parents After Surgery
Effects of Parental Attitudes about Pain Management Using Analgesics on the Child's Self Pain Report
Effects of Parental Language on Children's Illness Uncertainty
Effect of Children's Temperament on the Relationship Between Parental Anxiety and Postoperative Pain
BIO 199
Brief Description
The School of Biological Sciences believes that successful participation in creative research is one of the highest academic goals its undergraduates can attain. Approximately nine hundred students are enrolled in and conduct experimental laboratory, field, or clinical research as an apprentice scientist under the supervision of a professor in one of the more than 250 laboratories in the School of Biological Sciences or the School of Medicine.
It is in these situations that faculty train students to think in a sophisticated way about real-world problems. Students develop new scientific skills and knowledge while training with professors who are on the cutting edge of research and discovery in the biological and medical sciences making headlines today. Students enrolled in Biological Sciences 199 and who meet the eligibility requirements also have an opportunity to present the results of their research endeavors to peers and faculty by participating in the Excellence in Research Program. Because of the opportunity to actively participate in the undergraduate research training program our students have an understanding of and an appreciation for the research process which they could not have obtained in any other fashion.
SOCIAL ECOLOGY 199
Brief Description
Research is an opportunity for students to get hands-on experience working with faculty or graduate students. Although research is not required, many students find it beneficial because it allows them to apply concepts learned in the classroom. It provides them the opportunity to work with faculty members who are well-known experts in their fields of study and can be an excellent avenue for requesting letters of recommendation for graduate studies. Students in the past have used their research experience to develop their own research projects. Some students have even co-authored works with their research professors.
One way to get involved in research with graduate students and sponsoring faculty members in the School of Social Ecology is to approach them. Be prepared to talk about your coursework and interests and be sure to ask about their current research. Most students approach professors in courses they have enjoyed and done well in. The best time for students to approach professors and graduate students is during their office hours and before or after class, email also works well.
PUBLIC HEALTH 194
Brief Description
The Program in Public Health curriculum focuses on multidisciplinary approaches to public health practice and research, exploring both quantitative and qualitative aspects of public health at all levels of analysis. Undergraduates explore topic areas including epidemiology, genetics, health informatics; chronic and infectious diseases; environmental and global health sciences, social and behavioral health sciences; and health policy and administration. The program places emphasis on learning through research on critical issues including vector biology, exposure assessment, air and water pollution, natural disasters and emergency health response; toxicology and environmental microbiology, occupational health and industrial ecology, community and neighborhood health assessments, risk mapping and health disparities, maternal and child health, comprehensive and alternative medicine, health promotion and communication, and international health.
Public Health education is most firmly embedded in knowledge systems through research and practice. Public Health students enroll in PH 198 Directed Studies and PH 199 Individual Research to engage in groups (PH 198) or individual (PH 199) research working directly with faculty on public health topics in a research laboratory or in the field. Through a collaboration with the Institute for Clinical and Translational Science, funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Program also offers opportunities for students to enroll in PH 194 Clinical and Translational Science Preparatory course series that trains students to work with faculty members in clinical and healthcare settings.