Thinking beyond the classroom
Our students collaborate with the world’s leading experts and even lead their own projects to experience the thrill (and sweat) of discovery first-hand.
![Nilufar Kayhani](/sites/default/files/styles/collage_4_item_medium/public/2022-01/NilufarKayhaniright750.jpg?h=9e499333&itok=sFflyugi)
“The health care system is not made for people who may not speak English. I had the interest (in setting up a clinic), but no opportunities to give it a shot. But then I arrived at a school with such opportunity.”
Nilufar Kayhani
UC Berkeley
![Bianca Ryans](/sites/default/files/styles/collage_4_item_large_wide/public/2022-01/Screen%20Shot%202022-01-18%20at%203.19.54%20PM.png?h=d65593f1&itok=9Y1iKgMN)
“We set out to see how the Woolsey fire affected stream biodiversity. I designed the entire project. In labs, you’re given a manual. Here you make it up as you go.”
Bianca Ryans
UCLA
2021 Field Fellowship
UC’s Natural Reserve system
Hands-on learning
70%
of UC students participate in original research or creative projects
600
new inventions a year are created by UC students
1 in 3
UC students directly assist faculty in their research
![Researcher working in a lab](/sites/default/files/styles/50_50_feature_block_image/public/2022-01/2018_04_12_UCSF_day1-174.jpeg?h=e5565190&itok=BUl7OxfX)
Follow where your interests lead
Participating in undergraduate research is a great way to get a jump on your career after college – and to be a better, more prepared scholar.
Find topics that interest you, connect with faculty, explore the opportunities and apply early! A world of opportunity awaits.
![Jonah Gertz](/sites/default/files/styles/quote_block/public/2022-01/gertz-jonah-1.jpg?h=735f7c84&itok=9sGGFYAO)
I was surrounded by so many different opportunities to grow as both a historian and musician. I guess, at the end of the day, I put a lot on my plate because it was offered at the buffet.
The journey of discovery starts here
Explore undergraduate research opportunities by campus:
![Student researchers on the back of a truck working with a drone](/sites/default/files/styles/50_50_feature_block_image/public/2022-01/UCM_day1-124.jpeg?h=f2221fcc&itok=P2_vkYnO)