Undergraduate research center

Introducing the Undergraduate Research Center

A new undertaking for Binghamton University -- but one that recognizes the volume of undergraduate research already taking place on campus -- this Undergraduate Research Center has been launched in direct response to a recommendation of the University's Task Force on Undergraduate Education in the Digital Generation. In its final report, the Task Force called the establishment of this kind of organizational structure to support undergraduate research, scholarship and creative activities a top institutional priority.

What it is

At Binghamton, undergraduate research is all about opportunities for our undergraduates to work directly with faculty, mentored by them as they delve into research and creative activities in areas ranging from the sciences to the humanities and fine arts − and often across disciplines. These research experiences enrich our students' understanding of what they are learning in the classroom, and provide increasingly important preparation for them as they apply to graduate school or embark on a career.

About 25 percent of Binghamton's undergraduates participate in some level of research during their time at Binghamton. Our Undergraduate Research Center will help us focus more on these student-faculty relationships as we expand and strengthen the opportunities available to our students.

Why it is important

Just a few short years ago, earning a bachelor's degree virtually guaranteed a person a career in his or her chosen field, whatever it might be. Today, graduate institutions and employers are looking for more.

Development of expertise in evidence-based analysis, demonstration of success in a sustained research project or accomplishment in a demanding creative endeavor are all building blocks for success in our global society. Every experience students have to enrich their education makes their applications for graduate and professional schools -- or employment -- more competitive.

And, according to the Association of American Colleges and Universities, students who work with a mentor in an experience like this gain one of the most effective high-impact undergraduate educational practices possible.

The Undergraduate Research Center will:

• increase faculty-student interaction and engagement around cutting-edge research and creative work
• move us closer to our goal of helping every student engage in original research or creative work
• provide a University-wide framework for an educationally exemplary program