Research participation

One of the major benefits of attending a premier research institution like Wayne State is that it provides the opportunity to participate in the research programs of faculty. These are invaluable learning opportunities where you'll gain first-hand experience on how science is conducted and obtain valuable skills in problem-solving, communication, critical thinking and teamwork.

Research experience is also valued by graduate schools, professional programs, and employers. Beyond the many skills gained in the laboratory, you will also gain a mentor who can provide a detailed letter of recommendation that is needed when students apply for post-graduate work.

Finding a research position

Students need to take the initiative to find their own research placements, contacting faculty members directly. There is no need to be shy about this; keep in mind that most (if not all) faculty were once undergraduate research assistants themselves! The number of positions available in laboratories is limited, so you may need to ask several faculty before finding a placement.

One of the key things to keep in mind is that working in a laboratory will take a significant investment of time and effort on your part. Therefore, make sure to seek a lab position in research areas in which you have some intellectual interest. There are several resources that will help your search:

Speak to a faculty member! They were once in your position and understand very well the challenges of finding the right research placement
The CLAS undergraduate research page provides helpful advice and links
UROPConnect is a searchable database designed to support undergraduate participation in research and creative activity across the campus. It includes profiles for Wayne State University faculty members with information about their research interests as well as a listing of posted openings for undergraduates on research projects
University departments maintain research pages that list faculty and their research interests, such as the pages provided by the Departments of Biological Sciences and Psychology
Students should also consider looking at the research pages on department sites in the School of Medicine, which has many laboratories that support undergraduate research

Signing up for a directed study course

Neuroscience majors must sign up for directed study using one of the NEU course codes. Syllabi for these courses are available on the neuroscience major Canvas site or from a program advisor. Note: If you are not currently on the major Canvas site and would like an invite, please contact neuroscience@wayne.edu using your WSU email account.

Brief descriptions of the requirements for the Undergraduate Research Course are provided through the links below:

To register:

First, speak with a prospective mentor (faculty member) and obtain their approval to enroll. You should not proceed until you have confirmed your laboratory participation with your mentor first!
Using the link below, complete the electronic enrollment form with detailed information regarding your proposed UG research project. Proposals with minimal information will likely be denied until enough information about the research project is included. Note that the form will not save progress, so make sure you have time to complete and submit the form once you have started. Any incomplete form or proposals with limited information that are denied will have to be restarted on a new form.

Once you submit, your form will be sent to your research mentor for approval. This must be sent to their WSU address, so you will be required to enter your faculty mentor's access ID on your application.
You will receive email notifications regarding every level of approval (mentor/program level/override entered). Once the final approval is submitted, you will be able to register for your desired courses. Emails will come from Microsoft PowerAutomate, these are NOT spam emails.

Link to Undergraduate Research registration form