Undergraduate Faculty-Mentored Research

Research allows students to delve into subjects that they are passionate about while developing important analytical skills and learning to collaborate with others. UT offers both credit and noncredit research opportunities in outstanding facilities equipped with the latest tools and technology. Faculty members in all colleges engage in research, some sponsored by outside grants.

Students are often invited to assist faculty members with their research or come up with ideas on their own and find a faculty mentor to guide them. It is not unusual for students to co-author and present papers with faculty members at regional and national conferences. Each year, the Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry (OURI) awards Undergraduate Research and Inquiry grants to support student research by providing students with a $1,000 fellowship and $2,000 for supplies and travel. Additionally, OURI funds up to 20 students to work on research and creative inquiry projects during the summer through the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF). SURF students received a $3,500 stipend, an on-campus housing allowance, and $2,000 for supplies and travel. More info about these awards can be found at UT.edu/inqiry. 

In addition to the opportunities offered through OURI, Honors students are encouraged to complete an Honors Thesis, which is an original research project with a faculty member. Approximately 75 students receive academic credit for research-oriented Honors Enrichment Tutorials each semester.