Types of Research

There is an amazing variety and quantity of research being conducted in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. It covers both basic and applied research in agriculture, food and nutrition, life sciences, environmental sciences, and the social and behavioral sciences. Much of this research takes place in laboratories or greenhouses, but much involves work in the "field," under controlled environmental conditions; researchers can also be found collecting information in settings as diverse as food superstores, media organizations, farms, and tropical rain forests. Whatever its type or setting, all research conducted in the College is motivated by its relevance to society. It is designed to lead to the betterment of people's lives, in New York State, the nation, and the world.

Team Oriented

CALS undergraduate students are often part of this research, joining teams composed of some combination of faculty members, graduate students, post-doctoral students, and others. In some cases they hold paid positions, in others they participate in honors research, and in still others they take part through credit-bearing courses. In the latter case, 600 or more CALS students enroll in Undergraduate Research 4990 and Independent Study 4970 each year. The experience can be positive for undergraduates in many ways. It can provide the opportunity to develop stronger ties to faculty members (often a sense of collegiality and sometimes mentoring relationships that last for years); become a valuable part of a research team; integrate research work with course work and career plans; design and conduct their own research projects; and experience the excitement of discovery. Additionally, some students have even become co-authors of significant papers published in refereed journals, co-inventors on patent disclosures, and speakers at national conferences.

Plan Ahead

While the overall picture for the involvement of CALS undergraduates in research activities is very positive, there are some limitations. For example, positions are not always available in a given facility or with a particular professor. Also, it is often necessary for students to work their way into positions, perhaps by taking certain courses or by starting out in a very routine role-performing setup or cleanup in a laboratory, for example. The most exciting positions usually go to the students who are very active in identifying, pursuing, and preparing for them. The following information should help students in that preparation. It focuses on opportunities in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and it provides general guidelines and specific computer links that will be helpful to CALS students who want to explore possibilities across campus as well. Whether with individual professors, research centers, or institutes, there are many exciting research possibilities. Students must take the initiative but help is available.