undergraduate research opportunities msu

Current Research Opportunities

This page lists the undergraduate research opportunities at Michigan State University that are currently open for application. Explore the list and click the links to apply.

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Why Participate in Undergraduate Research?

Have you ever imagined yourself being involved in the creation of new knowledge or the discovery of new ways of understanding? It’s pretty exciting.

Opportunities to Conduct and Present Research

Engaging in research is an opportunity to become more actively involved in your education through intellectual inquiry and experiential learning. It is a chance to explore your chosen field as well as other fields of interest, and an opportunity to develop the skills employers want (for example, teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking and communication).

Undergraduate researchers always have a research mentor, which could be a faculty member or a graduate student. In many cases, they are part of a faculty-led research team that includes graduate students and may include other undergrads. Some students are able to contribute to a journal article or conference presentation in which research findings are disseminated at a professional meeting.

Students may participate in research projects for course credit, as volunteers, or as paid research assistants. Sometimes faculty ask students to volunteer for a semester before considering them for a paid position.

Opportunities within the College of Education

The College of Education offers several types of research experiences for undergraduates.

Research Funded by MSU’s Office of Undergraduate Research

Each year, College of Education faculty are invited to apply for funds provided to the college by MSU’s Office of Undergraduate Research. Faculty submit research proposals early in the fall semester, and those who receive awards use the funds to hire undergraduate students on an hourly basis. Below are the Fall 2022 projects. Apply now!

If you have any questions about the Fall 2022 funded projects, contact Emily Bouck at  [email protected] .

Educational Research on Student Motivation and Engagement in STEM Fields

Faculty: Drs. Lisa Linnenbrink-Garcia & Jen Schmidt

Students will participate in multiple educational research projects on student motivation, engagement, and achievement using data from adolescent and young adult populations. The majority of our research is aimed to identify personal and contextual factors that support or discourage student engagement and persistence in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields – with a specific focus on better supporting female, first-gen, and minoritized students STEM engagement. This research has taken various forms over the years, including classroom-based surveys and meta-analysis (i.e., combining data from multiple studies) projects. The purpose of this RA position is to provide undergraduate researchers with research training and experience at the intersection of educational, developmental, and social psychology. Undergraduate assistants will attend weekly lab meetings and work closely with graduate students and a post-doctoral scholar to help with tasks such as data collection, data processing, data management, and reviews of relevant literature. Undergraduate assistants will also have opportunities to develop independent research projects, including participation in undergraduate research events (e.g., University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum, Mid-Michigan Symposium for Undergraduate Research Experiences) based on their own research ideas with their mentors’ guidance.

To apply for this position or to ask any questions, please contact the post-doctoral scholar, Sharlyn Ferguson-Johnson ( [email protected] ). Please also visit  https://sites.google.com/msu.edu/llgarcia/people/lab-collaborators/mi-state-motivate  for more information on our lab.

Clinical Outcomes after Orthopaedic Surgery

Faculty: Dr. Matt Harkey

The purpose of this study is to prospectively measure patient-reported, functional, biomechanical, and imaging outcomes among patients during the first 2 years after knee surgery. Participants will be enrolled prior to their return to sport and will be assessed serially during the first 2 years following surgery and then at annual intervals after that. Assessments will include patient reported measures of knee function, pain, fear of re-injury, fear of movement, physical activity. In addition, participants will complete a thigh muscle strength assessment, assessment of hopping performance, lower extremity biomechanical assessment, and a knee ultrasound assessment at each time point.

To apply for this position or to ask any questions, please contact Matt Harkey: [email protected] .

Enhancing Immigrant Children’s Bilingual and Transnational Learning Through Virtual Reality

Faculty: Dr. Jungmin Kwon

The goal of this project is to examine how virtual reality (VR) can be used as a tool to enhance immigrant children’s bilingual and transnational learning. While there is growing attention on integrating VR into K-12 educational contexts, little has been discussed as to how VR can be used to empower students who are linguistically, culturally, and racially minoritized. Taking a social design experiment perspective, we are designing curriculum for the informal learning program that uses virtual reality (VR) as a tool to engage immigrant children in exploring diaspora and sharing their transnational and bilingual expertise. We seek to continue revising and improving the program by working with teachers and immigrant children. Ultimately, this study will examine how immigrant children engage with curricular experiences that foreground their linguistic and cultural expertise and use VR to represent their multilingual and transnational identities.

To apply for this position or to ask any questions, please contact Jungmin Kwon: [email protected] .

Beyond Lip Service: An Improvement Science Approach Towards Racial Equity in Teacher Education

Faculty: Dr. Terry Flennaugh

While there is considerable evidence to document the pervasive Whiteness in the teaching profession and the demographic imperative for increasing the number of teachers of Color, there have been relatively few systematic investigations of the racial equity climate in teacher preparation programs and the extent to which these programs prepare candidates to practice racial equity and social justice in P-12 classrooms. Four universities are attempting to transform their teacher preparation programs by forming a networked improvement community (NIC) focused on racial equity and social justice. This project will examine the strategies these universities have implemented to reduce systemic racism and document how they have sought to strengthen teacher preparation through a shared commitment to racial justice. This includes collecting data on the steps each institution is taking to attract and retain more faculty and teacher candidates of Color–and to transform their teacher preparation programs to provide environments that welcome and affirm diversity and promote systemic change.

To apply for this position or to ask any questions, please contact Terry Flennaugh: [email protected]

Exploring Digital Tools to Support Students with Disabilities

Faculty: Dr. Emily Bouck

The project supports students to work on one of two projects that involve exploring digital tools to support students with disabilities. In Project 1, undergraduate researchers would work with Dr. Bouck and her graduate research assistant to teach and explore high school students with intellectual disability to use online simulations to learn independent life skills (e.g., using the microwave, using the self-checkout at a store). Undergraduate researchers would help to develop data collection materials, assist in data collection, and then analysis and dissemination of the results. For Project 2, undergraduate researchers would work with Dr. Bouck and her graduate research assistant to explore teaching mathematics to students with disabilities via virtual manipulatives. Undergraduate researchers would assist with developing data collection materials, data collection, analysis, and dissemination.

To apply for this position or to ask any questions, please contact Emily Bouck: [email protected]

Examining Variables that Affect Concussion Recovery

Faculty: Dr. Tracey Covassin

The purpose of this research is to document concussions in adolescents and collegiate populations. Concussion is an injury that results in a variety of physical, cognitive, emotional, balance and sleep impairments. In addition, physical activity following a concussion has become an important recovery measure instead of having them go in a quiet isolated room to recover. This study has two aims. Aim 1 includes MSU collegiate athletes who will be administered a baseline test prior to the sport season. Aim 2 examines a concussed participants recovery from the acute stage (i.e., within 72 hours) to full recovery (i.e., 30 days following medical clearance) either compared to their baseline or a control group. This study will examine cognition, vestibular/ocular function, concussion symptoms, sleep, anxiety, family environment, athletic identity, and health-related quality of life following their concussion as well as physical activity (via wearable sensors, gait test, and the HiMAT) during the time of their concussion to medical clearance.

To apply for this position or to ask any questions, please contact Tracey Covassin: [email protected]

Dirt Track Racing Rollovers: Why are midgets and non-winged sprint cars more prone to rollovers and associate injuries?

Faculty: Dr. David Ferguson

Automobile racing is an expensive sport but a cost-effective form of motor racing is “Dirt Track Racing”, where drivers compete on a dirt surface instead of asphalt or concrete. In addition to the cost-effective surface and car there is less money spent on safety regulations. Consequently, it is a particularly dangerous form of motor racing. In order to improve safety in the sport commonalities in crashes must be established. To fill this gap in the literature a retrospective analysis of dirt track crashes will be performed by searching for news articles, injury database, and first-hand accounts regarding dirt track racing accidents. Crashes and injuries will be coded and tabulated. Multivariable statistical tests will be used to determine predictors of injuries. A potential outcome from this study will be to better inform stake holders in this form of motorsport.

To apply for this position or to ask any questions, please contact David Ferguson: [email protected]

Faculty Funded Research

College of Education faculty sometimes employ undergraduate researchers with funds they have received to conduct specific research projects. They may also include committed volunteers on their research team. If you are interested in the work of a faculty researcher, contact the faculty member directly. See “Approaching a Faculty Member about Your Research Interest” below.

A number of faculty in the Department of Kinesiology have research labs and include undergraduate researchers (paid or unpaid) as part of their research team. To learn more about the research conducted in each lab, visit KIN Research .

A small number of incoming freshmen are invited by the MSU Honors College to become Professorial Assistants . The Honors College pays Professorial Assistants a stipend to work with faculty members for approximately eight hours per week during the academic year. You may want to browse examples of PA research projects in the College of Education . It is sometimes possible for students who are not Professorial Assistants to engage in these projects as volunteers or paid research staff members. Interested students who are not PAs may contact faculty researchers directly to express their interest in a particular research project. Please see the tips below for approaching a faculty member about your research interests.

Resources for Finding Opportunities Outside the College of Education

Your advisor.

You might begin by talking with your advisor and/or your college career consultant . You might also talk with instructors who teach classes that you enjoy. Visiting the Office of Undergraduate Research website (see below) and attending UURAF (see below) will also be enlightening. 

Office of Undergraduate Research Website

The Office of Undergraduate Research website is a good source of ideas (for example, see First Steps , Student Spotlights and Undergraduate Research [UR] Videos ). You will find links to research contacts in each of the MSU colleges as well as links to resources beyond MSU (for example, the Summer Research Opportunities Program) . You can also visit Venture , MSU’s undergraduate research database, to search for research opportunities. For members of the Honors College, another source of information and ideas is the Honors College website . 

University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum (UURAF)

Attending or participating in  UURAF  is a Spartan experience that’s not to be missed! Students employed with funds from the Office of Undergraduate Research are  expected  to present their work at UURAF in the spring, but  all  undergraduate researchers are strongly encouraged to present their work. Recently, the presentation of a Kinesiology student in the College of Education received one of two grand prizes ($500), and the presentations of a number of other College of Education students received first place awards in their sections ($100). Congratulations to our undergraduate researchers! 

Approaching a Faculty Member about Your Research Interest

Before contacting a faculty member about your research interest, you should do some preparation (similar to the way you would prepare for a job interview). Do an online search and learn more about the faculty member’s research agenda. If she or he has a website, that is an excellent place to begin. Read the abstracts (summaries) of journal articles the faculty member has published, or browse books or book chapters that she or he has written. If you have taken a class from the faculty member, think about what it was that sparked your interest in her or his research. Think carefully about the strengths and talents you would bring to the research team. Be prepared to talk about your previous work experiences. The work may be different, but the faculty member will want to know that you have been successful in the work place; that is, you showed up when and where you were scheduled to work, you got to work on time, you did what you were asked to do in a timely fashion, etc.

Funding an Undergraduate Research Experience

If you are unable to find a paid research position, the Office of Undergraduate Research has some suggestions for funding your work:

• Ask your faculty research mentor for ideas about professional organizations or agencies related to your work. Sometimes these organizations offer scholarships and grants to undergraduate students.
• Be prepared to “cobble” together your funding—you may not find one source that will provide all of your funding. However, you might find units at MSU and/or small grants that would pay for a portion of your expenses. Prepare a spreadsheet that outlines your anticipated expenses.
• The  MSU Library Grant Site  is a database with funding opportunities for individuals, such as financial aid or scholarships for students.
• Your research mentor and/or your college research contact may also be able to share resources for  travel support  if you are presenting your work at a conference.

Research Abroad

You can combine an education abroad experience with a research experience to create a  Research Abroad  experience! The  Office of Education Abroad  offers a number of  approved programs for research abroad . Even better, the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education (APUE) and the Office of Education Abroad offer  scholarships  to undergraduate students who wish to participate in an approved education abroad program that includes an undergraduate research component. Learn more!

Undergraduate Research in Kinesiology

With state-of-the-art laboratory spaces, participation in kinesiology research provides an opportunity for experiential learning and more active engagement in your education.

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Undergraduate research changes lives. 

For a growing number of Spartans, undergraduate research is a defining experience in their college career. Hands-on research enhances learning and critical thinking, empowers students to apply new knowledge to their studies and helps them prepare for graduation and beyond. 

MSU is a national leader in undergraduate research opportunities, where students can collaborate with world-renowned researchers. Hundreds of individual and group research options are available at MSU in every college and offer unique opportunities for faculty-student collaboration on in-depth academic projects, all while students experience learning in exciting new ways.

Dive deeper into undergraduate research opportunities

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Undergraduate research is an invaluable experience, whether you decide on professional or graduate school or a research job after college.

• Guidelines for finding undergraduate research positions
• Courses BMB 490, BMB 491, and BMB 499
• Molecular Biology Study Abroad - Düsseldorf, Germany
• Biological Science Internships/Research Opportunities

Presenting your Research

On-campus presentations.

• The BMB Undergraduate Poster Session is held each spring. Students are notified about how to participate by e-mail from the Undergraduate Program office. Posters may be printed by our department's Macromolecular Computer Facility (Advance scheduling is greatly appreciated.) Financial support for printing costs is often available from the faculty researcher.
• University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum (UURAF) - April each year
• Mid-Michigan Symposium for Undergraduate Research Experiences (Mid-SURE) - July each year
• Check the Undergraduate Research Office’s Events calendar for upcoming undergraduate research workshops

Off Campus Presentations

• West Michigan Regional Undergraduate Science (WMRUGS) Research Conference (Grand Rapids)

Undergraduate Education

Undergraduate Research

The Undergraduate Research Office at Michigan State University is located within the Office of Undergraduate Education. We strive to support the work of faculty and students across campus by collaborating to develop, promote, enhance, and assess undergraduate research and creative activities at MSU.

URCA Mission

The undergraduate research program strives to:

• increase opportunities for MSU students to engage in scholarship;
• expand the pool of faculty and partners engaging undergraduate students in their scholarly work; and
• better understand the impact of this engagement on student learning and retention.

Using a multi-faceted approach, we seek to capitalize on the strengths of faculty and existing programs while offering new opportunities commensurate with the culture and research methodologies of different academic disciplines.

The annual University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum (UURAF) provides Michigan State undergraduate students with an opportunity to showcase their scholarship and creative activity. Held each spring in the historic MSU Union, UURAF ("you-raf") brings together an intellectual community of highly-motivated students to share their work with faculty, peers, and external audiences. UURAF provides a unique educational opportunity for aspiring researchers. MSU undergraduates gain experience in presenting their research, answer questions about their work from audience members and guests, and receive constructive feedback from judges.

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How to Get Started

• Check out the overview of current research in the Department of Chemistry. Identify a few projects that interest you, and then contact the faculty member(s) conducting the research.
• Ask your chemistry course instructor about their research or research in general in the Department of Chemistry.
• Talk with Dr. Onchiri or Prof. Posey about your interests. They can assist you in identifying faculty who are conducting research that aligns with your interests.

Research participation is by arrangement with a faculty member. You can receive course credit for participating in research by enrolling in CEM 420 – Independent Research or CEM 400H – Honors Work. An override is required to enroll in CEM 420 or CEM 400H. You must complete an independent study application before an override will be entered. It is also possible to do research without enrolling in a course.

Current Opportunities

• Research on how students learn chemistry and how we can assess their understanding.
• Polymer synthesis-- developing methods for making and characterizing plastics with new or enhanced properties.
• Students who have completed or are taking organic chemistry are preferred.
• Femtosecond time resolved mass spectrometry—figuring out how molecules fragment.
• Using ultrafast laser spectroscopy for chemical/biological sensing.
• Tailoring ultrashort laser pulses to control chemistry.
• Computer simulations.
• Programming for real-time data acquisition at extreme speeds (C++, LabView, and/or Python).
• Detecting contaminants in biopharmaceuticals using AI-assisted coherent spectroscopy.
• Super-resolution remote imaging at large distances.
• Automated spectral-temporal-spatial analysis of quantum dots and other nanoparticles.
• Adiabatic quantum computing.
• Entropy of qubit states and time-dependence of the entropy.
• Total absorption spectroscopy of short-lived neutron-rcih Zn isotopes.
• Multiple interaction detection in a light emitting scintillator.
• Electromagnetic transitions rates in neutron-rich Mo isotopes.
• Experimental light distribution from isomeric nuclear configurations.
• Novel methods for organometallic synthesis and catalysis. Students who have had or are currently taking organic chemistry preferred.
• Electrochemistry of diamond and diamond-like carbon materials.
• Structure and anti-corrosion properties of inorganic conversion coatings for aerospace aluminum alloys.
• Analytical assays for biological and environmental analytes using flow injection analysis with electrochemical detection.
• Energy science - converting ammonia to electricity.
• Bioinorganic chemistry - understanding how nitric oxide works in biology.
• New organic methodologies that convert C-H bonds to functional groups.
• Quantum mechanical studies of transition metal and heavy element chemistry – physical chemistry.
• Environmental chemistry - geochemistry.
• Software development/machine learning (variety of projects including quantum dynamics, quantum mechanics).
• Protein-ligand interactions – drug design, environmental impact of contaminants.
• Complex electronic structure of heavy elements.

Research-related Scholarship Opportunities

• CNS Undergraduate Research Scholarships (MSU College of Natural Science, awarded for Fall, Spring, & Summer semesters).
• Dean’s Research Scholars Program (MSU College of Natural Science, application deadline early March).
• Goldwater Scholarship (National, requires nomination by MSU).
• Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transforming(SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program (US Department of Defense).

Other Resources

• College of Natural Science Undergraduate Research Information .
• MSU Undergraduate Research Database .

Teaching and Learning Success Strategies

Undergraduate research opportunities.

Students are encouraged to reach out to individual faculty about possible opportunities to participate in research that can be conducted remotely. The availability of such opportunities depends on the nature of the research. Each of Michigan State University's undergraduate colleges maintains web resources for undergraduate research, including information about research and funding opportunities. Click on the link to be taken to the appropriate site.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Arts and Letters

Broad College of Business

Communication Arts and Sciences

Engineering

Honors College

James Madison

Lyman Briggs

Natural Science

Residential College in the Arts and Humanities RCAH contact Dr. Joanna Bosse at [email protected]  for more information.

Social Science

Veterinary Medicine

For additional resources and information, visit the Office of Undergraduate Research  website.

Office of Undergraduate Research

PCCM's REU program provides opportunities for undergraduates to carry out research at the forefront of materials science and engineering.For 9 weeks the REU students work on projects under the guidance of faculty from the departments of Physics, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and Civil and Environmental Engineering.

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Assistant/Associate Professor Tenure System

Working/Functional Title

Position summary.

The Department of Plant Biology at Michigan State University invites applications for several tenure-system Assistant or Associate Professor faculty positions. We are looking for individuals focused on gaining mechanistic understanding of cellular and molecular processes of plants or other photosynthetic organisms using biochemical, cell biological, computational, genetic, genomic, and/or other state-of-the-art approaches. Researchers using artificial intelligence based computational approaches are specially encouraged to apply. Ideal candidates will develop a multidisciplinary research program that complements the department's goal to address fundamental biological questions about photosynthetic organisms at all scales.

The Department of Plant Biology (PLB) is part of the College of Natural Science at Michigan State University, a diverse community that fosters synergies among all departments and is committed to pursuing academic and research excellence in a safe, equitable, and supportive environment in which differences are valued and all members are empowered to grow and succeed. As one of the top plant sciences programs in the country, our core mission is to advance the understanding of plant biology from molecules to ecosystems. Our strength lies in encouraging diverse perspectives and approaches to science, and supporting a diverse community committed to inclusive excellence and equality.

The successful applicants will have a PhD in a relevant field, with postdoctoral experience preferred. Applicants for an Assistant Professor position will demonstrate expertise in cutting-edge research in the requested research area, and the potential to establish an independent and externally funded research program. They will also be expected to document their commitment to graduate and/or undergraduate teaching and research mentoring. Successful applicants for the Associate Professor position will additionally demonstrate a substantive and sustainable research program in targeted areas and provide evidence of effective instructional and mentorship activities. All successful applicants should also demonstrate their commitment to service and the advancement of diversity, inclusion and equality through their scholarly activities.

MSU is committed to providing a work environment that supports employees' work and personal life and offers employment assistance to the spouse or partner of candidates for faculty and academic staff positions .

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Relevant field

Minimum Requirements

Required application materials.

Complete applications must include 1) a cover letter (1 page) summarizing their research experience,  interest in the requested field and qualifications for the position; 2) a curriculum vitae that includes education, academic appointments, professional experience, funded grants/fellowships, publications, evidence of peer recognition (e.g., awards/honors, invited talks), and service roles; 3) a research statement (3-5 pages) that integrates past research experience and accomplishments with future directions in the requested research area; 4) a teaching statement (1 page) describing past instructional and/or mentoring experiences, and future interests; and 5) contact information for three references. Applicants are expected to summarize their commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout their application materials. 

Letters of recommendation will only be requested for top applicants. Application materials should be submitted as a single PDF file through the MSU applicant page (Posting 988714). Questions regarding this position can be directed to the search chair, Dr. Eva M. Farré at [email protected]  

Complete applications should be preferably received by November 1, 2024 (6 WEEKS AFTER POSTING STARTS) to receive full consideration. Late submissions will be considered if suitable candidates are not identified by the deadline.

Special Instructions

Questions regarding this position can be directed to the search chair, Dr. Eva M. Farré at [email protected]   Complete applications should be preferably received by November 1, 2024 (6 WEEKS AFTER POSTING STARTS) to receive full consideration. Late submissions will be considered if suitable candidates are not identified by the deadline.

Review of Applications Begins On

https://plantbiology.natsci.msu.edu/

Department Statement

The Department of Plant Biology strives to provide the world with a program of excellence in the fundamental plant sciences by fostering innovative research and teaching that encompasses and integrates all levels of biological organization, from molecules to ecosystems. Our success lies in encouraging diverse perspectives and approaches to science and in our commitment to leading on the path towards diversity, equity and inclusion within our community.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

Advertised: Sep 11, 2024 Eastern Daylight Time Applications close: Sep 11, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Forestry

Tenure-track assistant/associate professor – spatial technologies in forestry and natural resources.

Hiring Organization: Mississippi State University Employment type: Full-Time Application Due Date: October 15, 2024

Position : Tenure-track Assistant/Associate Professor, Department of Forestry, College of Forest Resources, Forest and Wildlife Research Center, Mississippi State University. The anticipated start date is January 1, 2025, but shall be no later than August 1, 2025.

Required Qualifications : Ph.D. in Forestry, Natural Resources, or a closely related discipline. Demonstrated expertise in the use of GIS and remote sensing technologies in forestry and/or natural resource applications. ABD applicants will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications : Record of scholarly publications; demonstrated ability or potential to secure extramural funding; experience in teaching at the university level; potential to develop a collaborative and interdisciplinary research program; research expertise in areas including collection and processing of terrestrial and aerial LiDAR data, management of geodatabases, and spatial statistics.

Responsibilities : Responsibilities will include participation in the Department’s teaching, research, and service activities. The successful candidate will be expected to teach on-campus and distance-learning undergraduate and graduate courses including Spatial Technologies in Natural Resources Management, Remote Sensing Applications, GIS for Natural Resources Management, and a graduate course in the candidate’s area of expertise. The successful candidate will also be expected to develop an extramurally funded research program in areas such as geospatial assessment of natural resources, precision forestry, or quantification of carbon storage and ecosystem services using passive (e.g., spectral reflectance) and/or active (e.g., LiDAR) sensors. Opportunities exist for research collaboration with the USDA Forest Service and other federal agencies, state agencies, forest industry, non-governmental organizations, forest landowners, and land and resource managers.

Rank and Salary : Tenure-track, full-time, 9-month appointment. Salary is negotiable and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Department of Forestry : The Department of Forestry is one of three departments in the College of Forest Resources and Forest and Wildlife Research Center and has excellent facilities in Thompson Hall, including the Measurements and Spatial Technologies Laboratory that houses a dual server for large data storage and PC workstations with GIS, image analysis, and statistical software packages. The Department has two SAF-accredited undergraduate degree programs (Forestry, and Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation). The 8,000-acre John W. Starr Memorial Forest and 22,000-acre Bulldog Forest properties are near the University and used for teaching, research, and demonstration activities. 

Mississippi State University: Mississippi State University is a Carnegie Very High Research Activity (R1) institution, a National Center for Excellence for the Federal Aviation Administration, and a land grant university that includes the Mississippi State University Extension Service and various facilities and research centers, such as the Forest and Wildlife Research Center,   Geosystems Research Institute , High Performance Computing Collaboratory , Raspet Flight Research Laboratory , and Agricultural Autonomy Institute . The University is located in beautiful Starkville, Mississippi. 

Application Procedure : Screening of applicants will begin October 15, 2024, and continue until a suitable applicant is found. Applications must be made through the Mississippi State University Employment Opportunities website via the following link: http://www.msujobs.msstate.edu/ (PARF Number 508218). Applicants must submit a letter of application; CV; copies of unofficial transcripts (for all degrees); statements of 1) research and 2) teaching and mentoring (1 page each); and complete contact information for three professional references. For additional information, please contact Dr. Robert K. Grala ([email protected]), search committee chair, Spatial Technologies in Forestry and Natural Resources.

Disability Accommodation:  In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or send email to [email protected] . If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or  [email protected] . Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.

MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.

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Student info.

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Faculty Labs

• Andrew Finley | Geospatial Laboratory
• Emily Huff | Human Dimensions of Natural Resources Laboratory
• David Skole | Global Observatory for Ecosystem Services Laboratory
• Scott Stark | Tropical Forest Ecology Laboratory
• Mojgan Nejad | Green Bioproducts Science & Engineering Lab
• Raju Pokharel | Socioeconomics Lab
• Richard Kobe | Forest Ecology Laboratory
• Jeremy Johnson | Forest Genetics Lab

Forestry Initiatives & Programs

• Urban WildFIRE
• Hanover Forest Science Seminar Series
• MSU Extension Forestry Resources
• Forest Carbon & Climate Program
• MassTimber@MSU
• Spartan Nature Walks

Alumni & Friends

• Give to the MSU Forestry Department
• MSU Forester Alumni Magazine
• Forestry Alumni Contact Form
• Forestry Foundations: Alumni Stories

College of Social Science

The dean’s institutional access fellows program.

The College of Social Science Dean’s Institutional Access Fellows Program attracts SSC faculty to build leadership skills, provides professional development opportunities around institutional access and prepares the fellows to lead internally and externally.

Fellows are expected to participate in weekly meetings with other members of the Dean’s Institutional Access Fellows Program, and collaborate with the Associate Dean for Access during their fellowship year. Fellows will be appointed for a one-year term that may be extended to a second-year dependent upon resources and agreement of all parties.

2024-2025 Dean’s Institutional Access Fellows

Dr. Carrera’s research uses an environmental justice perspective, grounded in Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) methods, to examine the differential impacts of access to environmental resources on distributions of power in marginalized communities. Her area of research focuses on environmental justice issues of access to clean water and sanitation in low-income communities.

As part of MSU’s Global Water Initiative, Dr. Carrera was lead PI for a WaterCube research team which conducted a CBPR citizen science study investigating water quality associated with water shutoffs in Detroit.  This work was featured in MSU’s The Engaged Scholar Magazine.

2020-2021 Dean’s Institutional Access Fellows

Dr. Carole Gibbs is an Associate Professor in the School of Criminal Justice. She received her PhD from University of Maryland in 2006. Her research focuses on white-collar and corporate crime and using interdisciplinary approaches to develop a more nuanced understanding of street crime. She has published in Criminology and Public Policy and the Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology. Dr. Gibbs served as the inaugural co-chair of the School of Criminal Justice’s Committee on Equity, Inclusion and Justice, helping lead the school through a climate assessment process. She was also Vice-Chair of the Division on White-Collar and Corporate Crime and is a recent graduate of the Great Lakes Leadership Academy.

Dr. Brian Johnson is an assistant professor of Human Development and Family Studies at Michigan State University. He holds a B.S. and M.T. from Hampton University in Early Childhood/Psychology, a J.D. from Western Michigan University-Cooley Law School with a concentration in Constitutional Law and Civil Rights, and a Ph.D. from Michigan State University in Human Development and Family Studies. His scholarly interests focus on examining the constitutionality of laws and policies that affect youth and college-age underrepresented populations. He also has a particular interest in exploring and increasing sense of belonging among underrepresented groups at the college level. In addition to currently teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels, he has over ten years of experience directing pipeline, recruitment, and retention programs. Also a certified elementary teacher, his pipeline programs focus on preparing students for college during the K-12 years, and ensuring they receive resources for success throughout their college experience. His advising, recruitment and retention initiatives have been recognized at the university and state levels.

Dr. Vélez Ortiz is an Associate Professor in the School of Social Work at Michigan State University. His areas of research are in Latino older adults, cultural factors in mental health services, mental health literacy, technological approaches to cultural gaps, and structural factors relating to service delivery. His long-term work aims to integrate community mental health literacy and services into community spaces where older adults, particularly Latino groups, naturally gather. He would like to develop a link between disconnected systems of care using technology and other available resources. Dr. Vélez Ortiz has deep commitment to an applied focus in his research, where he has advanced knowledge with an emphasis on improving the lives of Latinos and other minorities across different age groups. He is also active in outreach and leadership.

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CALS Undergraduate Research Grants

Terms and dates:.

Kristina Harrison

Cornell Affiliations:

Agriculture and Life Sciences

CALS Undergraduate Research Grant

Funding up to $2000 USD is available to undergraduate students for research expenses, including travel to a professional meeting or conference to present findings. Funding may not be used as a stipend for students conducting the research. Students are advised to work with faculty members to develop scientifically relevant and well-circumscribed research proposals.

Decisions made by late-November for Fall funding and in early April for Spring/Summer funding.

The following is a list of undergraduate grants offered by the Office of Academic Programs:

• The Dextra Undergraduate Research Endowment Fund enables talented undergraduate students in genomics/life sciences and/or environmental sciences to perform undergraduate research. Undergraduate students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences are invited to submit proposals. Several grants of up to $2,000 will be made each year.
• The Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station (Cornell AES) has made available $25,000 this year for supplementing current Hatch or Multistate projects where the principle investigator is mentoring a College of Agriculture and Life Sciences undergraduate student in research associated with that Hatch project. Twenty-five projects will be supplemented with $1,000 each to support the undergraduate student's research. The student should be engaged in independent research (i.e. involved in the research process more than doing "busy work" to earn an income).Projects awarded this supplement in Federal Year '22 (FY22) must be spent by September 30, 2024.
• The Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station (Cornell AES) has made available $4,000 this year for supplementing current McIntire-Stennis grants, where the principal investigator is mentoring a College of Agriculture and Life Sciences undergraduate student in research associated with that McIntire-Stennis Grant.
• The Jane E. Brody Undergraduate Research Award funds undergraduate students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Research Honors Program. Up to $500 of funds per student is available. Undergraduate students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences are invited to submit proposals.
• S. Ann and Robert R. Morley have provided funds to support research by undergraduate students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The primary objective is to increase the involvement of students in research in the agricultural and life sciences. Undergraduate students from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences are invited to submit research proposals in competition for funding. Applicants may be individuals or groups; projects may involve basic or applied research. At least four proposals will be chosen for a maximum of $1,500 each. No student may receive the award for more than two consecutive years.
• Fredric (Fred) N. Gabler ’93 was a CALS alumnus who was killed in the September 11, 2001 tragedy. The Gabler Endowment was established by friends of Fred Gabler and his family to ensure the continuance of the honors research program in CALS. The fund will provide financial assistance to an undergraduate researcher enrolled in the CALS Research Honors program. 
• The Michael W. Berns BS ’64, MS ’66, PhD ’68 Undergraduate Research Award provides support to undergraduate students enrolled in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences performing research in the life and environmental sciences. The fund will provide financial assistance to an undergraduate student working with a faculty member on a research project, which may take place during an academic semester or over a summer.

Grant Proposal Application Instructions

Proposals  must  strictly adhere to the guidelines described below; those that do not may be returned.

Proposals should include :

• Cover Page/Application Proposal  for Research funds. Students with Microsoft Word may fill out the application digitally. Eligible applicants may apply to more than one program using a single application.
• Statement of Objectives and Significance
• Brief Review of Relevant Literature
• Description of Methodology (detail adequate to evaluate the probability of project completion; statement(s) of expected results helpful if known)
• Time frame (research to be completed within a 12-month period)
• Literature Cited

Additional considerations:

• Proposals should be written in 12-point font with single or double spacing between lines and at least 1-inch margins. Abbreviations within the proposal must be defined. No appendices may be included.
• Undergraduate grant proposals are restricted to a  maximum of 2 pages , excluding cover page and list of literature cited.
• The budget should list the actual project cost; other sources of funding received, expected, or for which the student has applied; and the amount of funding requested from the Office of Academic Programs, including an explanation of how those funds will be used.
• If the student has already received funding for this research from one of these sources, an additional page must be added to the proposal describing the research progress.
• Computers and software purchased with these funds are the property of Cornell University and must remain at Cornell after the student graduates.
• All undergraduate proposals must be reviewed by the student’s research mentor and revised according to his/her recommendations. The final proposal must be signed by the research mentor before submission to the Office of Academic Programs.

A sample proposal is available for review:  sample #1 .

Funding is limited to  full-time students  only. 

These awards can be used for research or travel related to research, including attending research conferences.

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Peer Advising

Did you know Undergraduate Research experiences are #44 on the Spartan Bucket List ? The Office of Undergraduate Research hosts peer advising hours throughout the semester. Interested students can connect 1:1 with a peer Undergraduate Research Ambassador to learn more about engaging in undergraduate research at MSU.

Peer Advising Hours

Peer advising is available throughout the year either virtually or in-person. You can schedule a peer advising appointment using our bookings page . Choose an ambassador using the drop-down menu and select a date and time. A virtual appointment will be automatically created and added to your MSU Outlook calendar.  If you prefer to meet in-person, please request this in the "Notes" section of the form. We look forward to meeting you soon!

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