Why Do Research?

Undergraduate research, scholarship, or creative work gives you an opportunity to delve, hands-on, into your academic field. It enables you to learn skills in problem solving, communication, and teamwork while helping you to clarify academic and professional goals. Participating in research, scholarship, or creative work also gives you the chance to create lasting relationships with some of the best and most productive faculty members in your discipline.

Graduate schools and future employers look for students who have taken their education to the next level through undergraduate research opportunities because such experiences provide you with these and many more benefits.

Here, in Drexel students’ own words, are some of the benefits gained from undergraduate research, scholarship, or creative work:

“The most important thing I learned [from my research experience] was how to effectively contribute in a team environment.” – Robert Davies, Mechanical Engineering

“The most important thing I learned [from my research experience] was time management. … Time management is a very useful skill in everyday life and in my future career as a student and professional.” – Louis Luong, Business Administration

“To keep an open mind to be ready to absorb, process, [and] analyze new information” – Melissa Duong, Biological Sciences

“Practical experience. It is one thing to sit in class and learn about quantum mechanics and another thing to actually put it to practical use.” – Alex Benjamin, Mechanical Engineering

“I have learned that in research, we encounter many obstacles and unforeseen events. Research requires a lot of dedication, as well as quick thinking and adjusting to any problems that come along the way.” -  Tanmai Rayavarapu, Business Administration

“I learned that patience is key when conducting research. One can get frustrated quite often, but it is important to keep one’s head up and continue working.” – Piotr Jurgielewicz, Biological Sciences

“I learned that I don’t necessarily want to do research for the rest of my life. It helped me cancel out a career path and help[ed] me focus on what I want to do for my future.” – Meredith Snyder, Chemical Engineering