Undergraduate Research Network
The COSAM Undergraduate Research Network connects students with faculty-led research opportunities across Auburn University and beyond. Through laboratory research, field studies, computational modeling, data analysis and interdisciplinary projects, students gain hands-on experience applying scientific and mathematical concepts to real-world questions.
Research is one of COSAM’s signature high-impact learning experiences. Approximately two-thirds of COSAM students participate in undergraduate research during their time at Auburn, reflecting the college’s strong commitment to experiential learning and faculty mentorship. These experiences help students develop technical expertise, critical thinking skills and professional competencies while contributing to the creation of new knowledge.
The Undergraduate Research Network is maintained by the COSAM Office of Student Services, which facilitates the posting and promotion of research opportunities and helps connect interested students with faculty mentors. Research experiences are provided and supervised by faculty mentors across Auburn University, creating opportunities for students to engage in meaningful scholarly and creative work across a wide range of disciplines.
For Students
Undergraduate research allows students to move beyond the classroom and engage directly in discovery, problem solving and scholarly inquiry.
Research experiences help students:
- Apply knowledge gained in coursework
- Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Gain experience with laboratory, field and computational methods
- Strengthen communication and teamwork skills
- Explore graduate, professional and career pathways
- Build relationships with faculty mentors
- Develop competitive applications for graduate and professional programs
Students can explore available opportunities through the Undergraduate Research Network and connect with faculty mentors whose research aligns with their interests.
For Faculty
COSAM welcomes research opportunity postings from both COSAM and non-COSAM faculty whose projects provide meaningful learning experiences for undergraduate students. Research opportunities may include laboratory research, fieldwork, data science projects, educational research, community-engaged scholarship and interdisciplinary collaborations.
Research opportunity postings are coordinated through the COSAM Office of Student Services, which maintains the Undergraduate Research Network and promotes opportunities to interested students.
Undergraduate Research Articulation Program
The Undergraduate Research Articulation Program is a faculty incentive initiative sponsored by Auburn University’s Office of Academic Insight. The program supports faculty mentors who incorporate structured articulation activities into undergraduate research experiences.
Participating faculty may ask students to complete research presentations, poster presentations, reflection videos, research summaries for non-specialist audiences or other communication-focused deliverables. These activities help students connect their research experiences to academic learning, professional development and future career goals.
The program supports COSAM’s Student Success Framework outcome on articulation and communication of science and mathematics and helps students describe the value of their research experiences to graduate programs, professional schools, employers and broader audiences.
