Undergraduate Research

As the saying goes, you have to do research to do research.

There are research opportunities with faculty in E3B, in other departments at the university, and throughout the city. Students should also consider summer research options in the States and abroad.

The first step is to think about research areas that interest you. Then explore some lab websites, the research conducted in the labs, and read some of the articles before reaching out to the faculty. Some labs might require that you complete some foundational courses first, others will be open to the curious who are willing to put in time and effort. Typically, students do not earn credit for research experiences though there are exceptions such as independent study. Many faculty host a weekly or bi-weekly lab meeting which is led by a faculty member and attended by postdocs, graduate students, and undergraduate students. Undergrads who attend a regular lab meeting learn a lot about the research happening in a lab group, which is a great entry point. If you see a faculty member whose research interests you, ask if you attend a lab meeting!

Critically, reach out to the Directors of Undergraduate Studies (Dr. Palmer and Dr. Shapiro) as they may have additional recommendations.

With E3B

Check the E3B opportunity board to find research with E3B professors and graduate students. Make sure to filter for education level.  

• Bendesky Lab: https://bendeskylab.com
• Brodie Lab: https://bekkabrodie.com/
• Cords Lab: https://www.columbia.edu/~mc51/
• Delmore Lab: https://www.delmorelab.com/
• DeFries Lab: http://www.ruthdefries.e3b.columbia.edu/ruth-defries/
• Duik-Wasser Lab: http://mariadiukwasser.com/
• Menge Lab: http://www.columbia.edu/~dm2972/  
• Naeem/Palmer Lab: http://naeemlab.com/
• Rubenstein Lab: https://www.columbia.edu/~dr2497/
• Uriarte Lab: https://uriartelab.org/

Across the University

• Lamont Research Assistant Opportunities  
• Work Study: At the beginning of each semester, Lamont posts various work study Research Assistant positions.  If you qualify for a Federal Work Study award, you can search and apply for these positions through Columbia’s Federal Work Study site under ‘Find a Job.’