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Penn State Altoona
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  1. Home
  2. Research and Engagement
  3. Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry

Finding an Opportunity

When you get involved in research or creative activity, you will typically work on a project outside of class under the guidance of your faculty mentor. First, you must find a faculty mentor to supervise your work. If you have taken a class that interested you, the instructor teaching that course would be a great first contact! You may also find opportunities in the database below. Review potential mentors’ websites, read some of their recent publications, and reflect on your own goals and how research/creative inquiry aligns with your goals.

After compiling a list of potential mentors, contact them via email and inquire about working with them. In the email, you should introduce yourself (name, year in school, major, any relevant coursework or training), articulate what interests you about their research or creative endeavors, what you would like to learn, and ask if they are accepting new students. Don’t get discouraged if you do not receive an immediate response or if some faculty aren’t taking students! Any involvement in research or creative inquiry will be a productive experience that will be beneficial to your development while at Penn State Altoona.

Search for opportunities in Penn State's Undergraduate Research Opportunities Database.

Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry

  • Who Participates in Undergraduate Research and Why
  • Finding an Opportunity
  • Funding Opportunities
  • Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Fair
  • Programs to Support Your Experience
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Information
  • Information for Mentors
    • Advertising a Research Position
    • Funding Undergraduate Researchers
    • Developing Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs)
    • Resources and Opportunities

Research Features

Five students pose in front of a Howard University sign

Penn State Altoona student researchers explore Washington, D.C.

Taura Barr

Nese College of Nursing hosts Jean Vallance/WE LEAD Inspirational Leader Lecture

Spotlight on Teaching and Research

Altoona lecture series on teaching and research to continue Feb. 23

See More
Pennsylvania map showing Penn State's campuses with Penn State Altoona highlighted

Penn State Altoona

A full-service, four-year, residential campus located less than 45 miles from the research campus at University Park. Offering 21 four-year degrees and the first two years of over 275 Penn State majors.
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • instagram
  • youtube
  • flickr
  • linkedin
Give Visit Apply
  • This is Penn State Altoona
    • Welcome from the Chancellor
    • Penn State Altoona At a Glance
    • Mission, Vision, and Values
    • College Leadership
    • Our History
    • Campus Map
    • Current Weather Conditions
    • Livestream
  • Academics
    • Majors
    • Academic Calendar
    • Out-of-Class Learning
    • Eiche Library
    • Robert L. Smith Learning Resources Center
    • Registrar
    • Academic Advising
    • Honors Program
    • Campus Closures
  • Admissions
    • Visit Us
    • Information for First-Year Students
    • How to Apply
    • Accepted Students
    • Experience Altoona
    • Virtual Tour
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Scholarships and Awards
    • Grants
    • Loans
    • Work-study
    • Financial Aid Basics
    • Tuition and Costs
    • Financial Aid Information
  • Student Success
    • Center for Student and Civic Engagement
    • Health and Wellness Center
    • Student Diversity and Inclusion Programming
    • International Student Services
    • Housing
    • Parking
    • Police and Safety
    • Career Services
    • Diversity at Penn State Altoona
  • Research & Engagement
    • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
    • Faculty Research Resources
    • Community-Based Studies
    • Internships
    • Study Abroad/Study Away
    • Internal Grants and Awards
  • Athletics
    • Schedule
    • Facilities
    • Recreation and Club Sports
    • Staff and Coaches Directory
    • Athletic Training and Sports Physicals
    • Athletics News
    • Camps and Clinics
    • Hall of Fame
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Penn State University
3000 Ivyside Park, Altoona, Pennsylvania 16601 814-949-5000

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