There are many kinds of research done at Cornell. We have excellent scientists and engineers, with well-equipped and staffed laboratories; other faculty may work outdoors in nature or with people in their community. Some research is done in front of a computer screen, using sophisticated software. 

Research can be done almost everywhere, including schools, hospitals, laboratories, libraries, museums, field sites, and more. It's done here in Ithaca, across the United States, around the world—even in space! Where you do research is up to you and your interests.

Research is often done by teams of people who have different expertise and experience. Undergraduate students may join teams composed of faculty members, graduate students, post-doctoral students, and others. A research experience provides an opportunity to learn from those team members and create lasting ties.

One of the greatest myths is that only scientists can do research. The truth is that research is fundamental to all fields of scholarship. Faculty at Cornell are leaders in the research done in their discipline, and research is happening in every college, department, and unit on campus. There are also a number interdisciplinary projects that transcend majors and departments.

Many first- and second-year students decide to explore research by volunteering on projects and networking to meet faculty. Through this process, they develop necessary skills and move on to more independent positions during their junior and senior years. Take your schedule into consideration and allow yourself to transition to college; you can get involved in undergraduate research when you’re ready.

Cornell has ample opportunities for you to pursue your interests, including pursuing research in an area outside of your major. Often, you’ll find the techniques and principles applied in one field relate to another. Interdisciplinary synthesis is a powerful tool! It’s also a skill you’ll continue use after graduation.

Many Cornell faculty are involved in research in other countries, and undergraduates can often get involved in those projects as well. In addition, the Office of Global Learning may be able to advise you on research-focused programs abroad.

Participating in undergraduate research at Cornell is not a requirement; it is on opportunity you can choose to take part in. Research can be both wonderful and frustrating. It involves long hours and days in the library, lab, or the field, sometimes without positive results. Most researchers work for many, many years on a question. Research should be done because you're interested in the topic, not because you feel obligated to do it.