Research Is Where We Ask Big Questions
At UAH, we live and breathe research. As an undergraduate student, you have the opportunity to contribute to our academic tradition by engaging in your own research and creative projects and building toward your future.
Whether you’re studying engineering, physics, education, or business, research is where we ask big questions and unravel complex—and at times, surprising—answers. Where will your curiosity take you?
Undergraduate Researcher of the Week
Katie Barton, Biological Sciences
Understanding how the nigrostriatal pathway develops and is maintained is crucial because this circuit plays a central role in regulating movement and is one of the first features to degenerate in Parkinson's disease. In the long term, this work could inform strategies for preserving or restoring motor function in neurodegenerative disorders.
Explore the Possibilities
As a leading research university, we're proud to have 17 on-campus research centers at UAH. Whether you're looking to choose between a summer or year-round program or interested in publication or presentation opportunities, we can help set you up for success.
Hands-on experience in a high-pressure, multidisciplinary environment and the support from faculty helped me grow both technically and professionally. I'm confident that the foundation I've built at UAH will continue to support my development as both an engineer and a leader.
The experiential learning you’ll gain from tapping into the abundance of resources at UAH brings you that much closer to your professional aspirations and being career-ready upon graduation.
Learn about our eligibility requirements to apply to an internship or co-op through Career Services at UAH.
Discover which departments provide research programs that align with your professional goals.
The Summer Community of Scholars Program supports research or creative work experiences for undergraduates across disciplines
How to Start a Research Project
Step One: Exploration
As you begin your research inquiry, take inventory of how much time you can allot outside of your regular academic schedule. Consider what subjects you’re interested in and do some light research at the library. Read the most current news in those fields.
Step Two: Advising & Determining Scope
After choosing a subject, speak to your advisors and current professors and find a faculty member who may be open to mentoring you. Define the scope of your project and allocate enough time to train under your mentor (i.e. during summer and winter breaks) so you can work more independently when classes start back up.
Step Three: Conduct Project
Ask your mentor if you’d be eligible to receive academic credit for your project. As you begin, be aware that there may not be a natural end to the question you set out to answer, so pace yourself by creating a timeline of goals and regularly communicate with your mentor. Find more tips at our Getting Started page.
Step Four: Submit for Publication
Ask your advisor how to prepare your findings and where you may be able to share your project. UAH holds research events for students to present and/or publish their work. Perpetua, a peer-reviewed undergraduate academic journal at UAH, is a great place for submissions.
Meet the Director
Dedicated to the advancement and empowerment of students through co-curricular activities, Dave Cook began his career at UAH in 2009 with the Office of International Services. In 2011, he became the Coordinator of Student Research Programs under the Office of Vice President for Research and the Office of Academic Affairs, before becoming Director of Undergraduate Research in 2018; he also currently holds a half-time appointment as Undergraduate Research Director with the Honors College. Cook holds a master’s degree in humanities from California State University and a bachelor’s degree in social science and political science from Michigan State University.
Visit or Contact Our Offices
Office of Undergraduate Research
Frank Franz Hall
Room 113-B
1301 Ben Graves Dr.
Huntsville, AL 35816
Campus Map
256.824.5705
david.cook@uah.edu
Office of Undergraduate Research
Shelby Center for Science and Technology
Room 145
301 Sparkman Dr. NW
Huntsville, AL 35899
Campus Map
256.824.5705
david.cook@uah.edu
