Research experience helps you deepen your understanding of a subject, develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and build close mentoring relationships with faculty. Whether you're in the sciences, humanities, or social sciences, engaging in research can set you apart when applying for internships, jobs, or graduate school. It shows initiative, curiosity, and the ability to work independently—qualities that employers and academic programs highly value.
Getting involved in research isn’t just for science majors—students in any discipline can find opportunities to explore questions that matter. Here’s how to get started:
Your professors are often conducting research themselves or know who is. Attend office hours, express your interest, and ask if they know of any projects you could assist with. Be specific about your interests and what skills you're hoping to gain. Looking to get involved in research? See what Eckerd faculty are working on here.
These science-focused opportunities typically take place over the summer months and allow participants to hone their research, laboratory, and/or field skills at a host institution. Many REUs come with stipends, free or low-cost housing, and other benefits to make the opportunity more accessible.
REUs are highly competitive, and the application process begins early. Expect to apply in January or February for summer REUs. In addition to submitting a resume, you may be asked to write cover letters, short essays, or other documents as part of your applications. Schedule an advising appointment on TritonTrack for assistance with both your REU search and application process.
Here are resources you can use to search for REUs:
Grantforward: a database of funding opportunities, including REUs