Undergraduate Research Week Showcases Opportunities for Student Discovery

Students at the U of A will have multiple opportunities to explore, present and engage with research during Undergraduate Research Week, set for April 20-23 across campus.

Hosted in part by the U of A Libraries and the Honors College, the weeklong series features hands-on workshops, panel discussions and research presentations designed to introduce students to the research process and highlight ongoing undergraduate work.

The week begins Monday, April 20, with the first of two 3D Printing Contest workshops in the Mullins Library Makerspace. Open to all skill levels, the contest invites students to design and create a 3D-printed die, with judging based on creativity and functionality. A second workshop will be held Wednesday afternoon.

Events on Tuesday, April 21, focus on helping students take their first steps into research. A morning student panel in Gearhart Hall will offer insights from undergraduates who have conducted their own research, followed by a day-long Wikipedia Edit-A-Thon in Mullins Library. During the drop-in event, participants can learn how to edit and improve Wikipedia articles with guidance from librarians, while enjoying free food and refreshments.

Programming continues Wednesday with sessions aimed at building research skills and understanding its long-term value. A morning workshop in Special Collections will introduce students to primary sources such as rare books, manuscripts and archival materials, along with strategies for using them in academic work. At noon, a graduate student panel will share perspectives on how undergraduate research can support future academic and professional goals.

The week concludes Thursday, April 23, with research symposium sessions showcasing student work from a wide range of disciplines. Poster and paper presentations will take place in the Arkansas Union and adjacent classrooms, offering attendees the chance to engage directly with student researchers. Later that afternoon, a "Final Countdown" session will be held during Honors Recess, at which students can learn about submitting their thesis to the university's institutional repository and to receive guidance on completing their research projects.

All events are open to the campus community, and many include free food and flexible, drop-in formats.

Organizers encourage students at all stages of their academic careers to participate, whether they are just beginning to explore research or preparing to present their findings. Undergraduate Research Week aims to demystify the research process while fostering a culture of curiosity, collaboration and discovery across campus.