Research Cafe

What Counts as Research?
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 | 11:00 am-12:00 pm | PCSE #234, Library 2nd Floor

Research isn’t just working in a lab! Explore what undergraduate research can look like across different majors, disciplines, and interests. We’ll talk about different types of research, how research happens, and how you might get involved.

Identifying a Faculty Mentor
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 | 11:00 am-12:00 pm | PCSE #234, Library 2nd Floor

Ready to find a research mentor but don’t know where to start? Learn how to identify faculty whose research interests align with yours, where to look for opportunities, and how to reach out to a potential mentor.

Research Beyond the Classroom
Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | 11:00 am-12:00 pm | PCSE #234, Library 2nd Floor

What happens when research leaves the classroom? Explore how research connects to communities, careers, internships, graduate school, policy, and real-world problems. Come share your ideas, hear about different possibilities, and discover how research can extend far beyond a class assignment.

Attending a Conference
Wednesday, October 28, 2026 | 11:00 am-12:00 pm | PCSE #234, Library 2nd Floor

So...what actually happens at an academic conference? Learn what to expect before, during, and after a conference — from presenting research and networking to navigating sessions and making the most of the experience.

What is a PhD?
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 | 11:00 am-12:00 pm | PCSE #234, Library 2nd Floor

You’ve heard of a PhD — but what does getting one actually involve? We’ll demystify doctoral education and talk about what a PhD is, what doctoral students do, how programs work, funding, and what opportunities a PhD can open up.