Undergraduate research
There are many ways to get involved in research at UBC Okanagan.
Through undergraduate research you can:
- enhance your studies and refine your academic or career interests
- deepen your knowledge of an academic subject or topic
- build experience for co-op or other employment
- get to know potential supervisors for graduate studies
- apply what you are learning in class
- learn more about an industry or particular research area
- get hands-on experience in a lab or other research setting
- develop teamwork, presentation, project management, communication and organization skills
Access Support
UBC Okanagan’s Undergraduate Research Ambassadors have experience in research and are here to assist you in navigating the many opportunities available to you as an undergraduate student to get involved in research and build upon your academic experience.
Undergraduate Research Ambassadors can help with:
- guidance on how to get started in your specific discipline
- strategies for connecting with faculty members to learn about their research and potential opportunities
- connecting to research communities on campus
- tips for thriving as an undergraduate researcher
- workshops, events, and resources to help you expand your research network
Check back in September for drop- in schedules and events or contact research.ambassadors@ubc.ca
Join our mailing list for regular updates throughout the term and information about events and opportunities in Undergraduate Research at UBC Okanagan.
Explore Opportunities
Research Opportunities by Faculty
Faculties Schools and Departments are your starting point for specific information about research initiatives and opportunities in each discipline.
Visit the Research Website: https://fass.ok.ubc.ca/research/
Research Opportunities and Information by Department
Review specific research themes, institutes and labs, opportunities for undergraduate students, and awards by department.
Visit the Research Website: https://science.ok.ubc.ca/research/
Research Opportunities and Information by Department
Review specific research themes, institutes and labs, opportunities for undergraduate students, and awards by department.
Visit the research website: https://management.ok.ubc.ca/research/
- See the Undergraduate Student Resources for research-related opportunities for students.
Visit the research website: https://fhsd.ok.ubc.ca/research/
Research Opportunities and Information by School
Review specific research themes, institutes and labs, opportunities for undergraduate students, and awards by School.
Visit the research website: https://fccs.ok.ubc.ca/research-creation/
- Check Funding and Awards for undergraduate research funding opportunities in FCCS.
Visit the Research and Partnerships page to learn more about research in the Okanagan School of Education: https://education.ok.ubc.ca/research-partnerships/
- For student awards and scholarships in the Okanagan School of Education visit Student Resources
Visit the research website: https://engineering.ok.ubc.ca/research/
- Capstone is a fourth-year course running from September to April during which students work in teams to solve engineering problems. Learn more about the Undergraduate Capstone program here.
- Learn more about awards for undergraduate research in Applied Science.
- Check out the Engineering Researcher Reference Guide
Visit the Southern Medical Program research website: https://smp.med.ubc.ca/research/
See the Student Research page for research-related opportunities for students.
Research Opportunities Abroad
As a UBC student, you are eligible to get involved in research as part of your academic studies at many of UBC’s 150 partner universities through the Go Global program.
Awards and Programs Supporting Undergraduate Research
There are a number of awards, programs, and funded opportunities for research at the undergraduate level at UBC Okanagan.
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) funding is available for undergraduate students in the School of Engineering, the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science, and the School of Health and Exercise Science within the Faculty of Health and Social Development.
For more information, visit your Faculty’s specific NSERC-URA information pages:
A variety of undergraduate research awards and opportunities are available to students through Faculties. Please see specific resources below for further details, timelines, and application processes.
- Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies
- Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
- Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Management
- School of Engineering
- Okanagan School of Education (awards and scholarships)
- Faculty of Health and Social Development:
The Indigenous Research Mentorship (IRM) Program is an opportunity for self-identified Indigenous undergraduate students to gain practical research and laboratory experience while working with a UBC Okanagan faculty member or post-doctoral fellow. Find further information on the Indigenous Research Mentorship Program here.
MURPH is an undergraduate research program at UBC Okanagan aimed at offering a unique cross-disciplinary platform to undergraduate students for engaging in academic research while also providing professional training through custom-designed workshops. Project teams comprising multiple undergraduate students and faculty members across different disciplines work together on applied health research projects. For more information or to check the application process, visit MURPH.
makerspace UBCO is an interdisciplinary, peer facilitated work space designed to foster creative thinking through design and making, serving as a hub for innovation, cross-discipline collaboration and entrepreneurship. Open to all students in all disciplines, it is a space to incubate, design, prototype and fabricate ideas. Learn more through the makerspace UBCO website.
The Tuum Est Student Initiative Fund at UBC’s Okanagan campus provides financial support for student initiatives, conferences, and competitions. Learn more about the Tuum Est Student Initiative Fund here.
Learn more about a variety of undergraduate student awards through the following links:
Upcoming Events
To find out about upcoming events in Undergraduate Research, check the Events Calendar or connect with an Undergraduate Research Ambassador by emailing: research.ambassadors@ubc.ca