There are many opportunities for Penn undergraduates to conduct research in any discipline—regardless of their previous experience. Research positions can be: volunteer, arranged through work-study, paid—funded directly through a faculty member’s grant or via a program that provides a stipend, conducted for academic credit, or supported via a grant for which you apply. Have questions? CURF is here to help!
Resources for Getting Started
Undergraduate Research Canvas Site
This Canvas site contains self-guided modules to answer your questions about all aspects of your research journey at Penn, whether it's identifying your interests, finding potential mentors, or deepening your engagement.
visit our canvas site
RPAs
CURF Research Peer Advisors (RPAs) are undergraduates representing a variety of research fields who can help you navigate your own research journey at Penn!
learn about our RPAs
Finding a Faculty Mentor
Identifying a mentor is a key part of your research journey. The CURF Research Directory is a great tool for learning about potential mentors. Here you also will find tips on how to craft an effective email and prepare for meetings with faculty.
Learn about finding a mentor
Funding Opportunities
Utilize CURF's database to identify research programs, grants, and opportunities at Penn, elsewhere in the US, and abroad.
browse funding opportunities
Make an Advising Appointment
Still have questions? Find links to schedule time with Dr. Vernon-Grey or Dr. Milch!
schedule an appointment
RPA Podcast
Ever Thought About...? is a podcast created by Penn undergraduates with exciting episodes about a wide range of research undertaken around campus. Listen in as we chat with Penn professors about how they got started, hot topics in their field, and advice for undergrads.
listen hereUndergraduate Research Stories
See All Stories
Exploring Potential Career Paths
Noel Palomino de la Torre ('27), a Visual Studies and Mathematics double major, was an intern at the Arthur Ross Gallery. The Arthur Ross Gallery is a catalyst for creativity, and its mission is to engage, educate, and inspire. This internship was supported by the Summer Humanities Internship Program.
Energy and International Security Research Abroad
Annabelle Paradise ('25), an Earth and Environmental Science major, traveled to Norway and Lithuania to conduct research on sub-sea critical energy infrastructure security. Annabelle was mentored by Dr. Benjamin Schmitt (Department of Physics and Astronomy, Kleinman Center for Energy Policy) and this project was supported by the College Alumni Society Undergraduate Research Grant.
My Most Rewarding Academic Experience
Manya Gupta ('25), a Political Science and Economics double major, conducted research on why many Indian households still cook with firewood despite receiving free liquified petroleum gas under government programs. Manya was mentored by Dr. Tariq Thachill (Department of Political Science) and this project was supported by the College Alumni Society Undergraduate Research Grant. Her thesis won one of three university-wide Phi Beta Kappa Best Thesis Awards, shared the Leo S. Rowe Prize for best thesis in comparative politics and international relations, and won the Holden Furber Prize for best undergraduate essay related to South Asia.
Be Willing to Learn, Make Mistakes, and Keep Going
Ryan Tannir ('25), a Biology and Biochemistry double major, conducted research on immunotherapy treatments for cancer. Ryan was mentored by Dr. Leyuan Ma (Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine) and this project was supported by the College Alumni Society Undergraduate Research Grant. Currently, Ryan, is continuing his research at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia as a Research Technician.