Undergraduate Research
Research has been a great opportunity to apply and reinforce what I learn in class. I enjoy that it allows me to actively engage in scientific discovery and opens doors for me to interact with other scientists at different academic levels, in different fields, and from all around the world."
Jaquesta Adams, Goldwater Scholar, B.S. 2020
Why Should I Participate in Research?
Research as an undergraduate offers students the opportunity to find solutions to a scientific problem with faculty in research laboratories. The experience allows students to learn critical techniques and scientific ethics as they begin to shape their career. Often, many students find that the research experience helps them to find the right career for them. Research experience is important and can help students when applying for jobs, internships, and graduate programs.
What Types of Research are Undergraduates Doing?
Undergraduates at Howard University are working on projects such as the synthesis of inorganic nanoparticles, determining the amount of particulate matter in the atmosphere, using computational algorithms to design nanoscale materials, developing novel medicines to fight cancer, and even designing biomaterials. Others have performed research across campus and at other universities with applications for materials, medicine, and technology. Some of their work can be found in published manuscripts with their faculty advisors, graduate students, and postdoctoral associates.
Browse Our Research OpportunitiesPublications with Undergraduates (Undergraduates in Bold)
Recent Selected Publications (2018 -2020)
A. Adeagbo, T. Wei, A. Clayborne "Computational Comparative Analysis of Small Atomically Precise Copper Clusters" The Journal of Physical Chemistry A (2020) ASAP DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpca.0c03992
D. Stephens, N. Osunsanmi, K. Sochacki, T. Powell, J. Taraska, D. Harris, (2019) "Spatiotemporal organization and protein dynamics involved in regulated exocytosis of MMP-9 in breast cancer cells." The Journal of General Physiology 151 (12), 1386-1403 (2019) DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201812299
D. Casimir, I. Ahmed, R. Garcia-Sanchez, P. Misra, F. Diaz, (April 18th 2018). "Raman Spectroscopy of Graphitic Nanomaterials" Raman Spectroscopy, Chapter 8, IntechOpen (2018), DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.72769.
How Do I Get Involved in Research?
We encourage you to look at the Faculty Profiles to learn about the different research in the department. If you find a group that interests you, we encourage that you reach out to the group leader (professor) via email. Some things you can place in your email include: your name, your current academic standing (i.e., sophomore, junior, etc.), state the courses you have taken so far, and mention you would like to meet with them to learn more about possible research opportunities. Though many professors are very busy, we often try to respond within 48-hours.
Please keep in mind that research opportunities can be highly competitive to obtain. Some groups have set limitations on the number of students that can work in a group. Do not be discouraged from reaching out, but do be mindful that if there are no opportunities available in a given semester or year, there may be one in the desired group the following year.
Students are equally encouraged to apply to other undergraduate research opportunities in other departments at Howard University as well as national (and international) ones. Some examples include the Research Experience for Undergraduates program, Pfizer Summer Research Fellowship, Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF), and many others. Many students do participate in summer internships with various non-profits and industrial companies as well.