Confused about research? Turn to the new Roadmap to Research

For the first time, information about research opportunities across Penn’s schools has been assembled in a comprehensive format.

Officially released yesterday , the Roadmap to Research is a guide to research opportunities in various fields compiled by the Student Committee on Undergraduate Education with input from the Center of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships, professors and teaching assistants in different departments and undergraduate researchers.

The idea was born after SCUE noticed that many students arrive at Penn interested in research opportunities, but struggle to find research positions as underclassmen.

“Penn is such a vast institution in terms of resources and money for research, and yet you find a disparity with undergrads trying to find research,” Roadmap to Research co-chair and Wharton sophomore Arjun Gupta said.

The 69-page document on SCUE’s website outlines how to start research, approach professors, learn about various opportunities and make the most of the experience. The Roadmap includes eight sections detailing different fields and concludes with vignettes from students already involved with research.

“There’s a lot of pressure to get involved at Penn, and a roadmap will show there is a systematic way to get involved in research,” said Mary Sanford, College sophomore and Roadmap to Research co-chair .

According to Gupta, the Roadmap can be useful for all Penn students — whether they are interested in research, are already conducting research or are just curious about what opportunities exist.

CURF Undergraduate Advisory Board Treasurer and College junior Dee Luo agreed. “Everyone should look into research even if they don’t think they would be interested,” she said. “It’s worth looking into.”

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