We all know that learning through reading and listening to lectures is a vastly different experience from learning through doing. Think about the difference between watching a chef dice an onion on a TV cooking show and actually pulling out a knife and cutting board to do it yourself—what TV chefs make appear trivially easy on-screen can be a tear-soaked slog for the uninitiated. Research is a bit like this; it's hard to master without the guidance and support of a dedicated mentor to guide the learning process in action.
That’s why undergraduate research is no longer a “high-impact practice” that only a few, highly motivated students can access, but is fast becoming a strategic, institution-wide lever for student success, broadening opportunities for students to learn through doing, preparing participants for the South Carolina workforce and increasingly defining the University of South Carolina’s institutional identity.
USC’s model of faculty-mentored research gives students the opportunity to work alongside faculty scholars, delving deeply into subject matter across the sciences, humanities and professional disciplines. Through hands-on experience, students benefit from close supervision and meaningful mentorship from experts in their fields.
The data confirms that engaging in research helps undergraduate students build confidence and important career skills. A 2025 end-of-project survey of students who received research grants from the USC Office of Undergraduate Research found:
- 90 percent reported significant growth in Communication, defined as the ability to clearly and effectively share ideas, information and interpretations in multiple formats.
- 85 percent reported significant growth in Critical Thinking, including the ability to compile and analyze information to answer questions or solve problems creatively.
“We know that students engaged in research report growth in communication, critical thinking, respectful engagement, leadership, professionalism, teamwork and technology, all core competencies identified by the National Association of Colleges and Employers as essential for career readiness” said Director of Undergraduate Research, Lauren Clark. “Collectively, these findings tell us that undergraduate research is playing a major role in participants’ career readiness.”
Research at USC has totally influenced the trajectory of my life, and I am so grateful for all of the opportunities that the OUR has given me to explore my interests while getting paid, making connections and figuring out what to do with my life.
Take it from Lilly Kosoglow, a senior in marine science who is set to graduate this spring:
“Research at USC has totally influenced the trajectory of my life, and I am so grateful for all of the opportunities that the OUR has given me to explore my interests while getting paid, making connections and figuring out what to do with my life.”
To ensure USC undergraduate students have access to life-changing research experiences, the university coordinates undergraduate research support through the central Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR), which helps students studying at USC Columbia and all university system and Palmetto College campuses by offering getting-started resources, specialized professional development, and even funding for their research.
This unique unit of the university’s Office of Research also helps faculty researchers connect with motivated students to support their projects throughout the academic year and during the summer. Many USC faculty members make the most of this win-win scenario, receiving vital research assistance and offering valuable out-of-the-classroom experience for the students who support their scholarly mission.
To maximize impact, the OUR emphasizes getting students started in research as early in their undergraduate career as possible, offering Getting Started in Research Workshops and a Getting Started Toolkit to make it easy to get involved. The OUR even offers a unique program, the Undergraduate Research Journey Grant, specifically for students in their first and second years on campus. The Journey Grant introduces students to the research enterprise while building essential professional skills and providing salary support to encourage recipients to stick with research throughout their time at USC. This early training demystifies research and reinforces that students need not be seasoned academics to contribute meaningfully.
The Journey Grant put the idea in my head that I can do it, that I can apply myself and do these hard things, as long as I am passionate and honestly trying my best.
Ethan Irizarry, a biochemistry major in the class of 2028 who received a Journey Grant in 2025, had this to say about his research experience: “The Journey Grant put the idea in my head that I can do it, that I can apply myself and do these hard things, as long as I am passionate and honestly trying my best.”
Beyond their work to make an initial connection as early as possible, the OUR supports students through competitive research grants, opportunities to showcase their research and scholarly projects, and a yearly professional development workshop series tailored specifically to undergraduate researchers.
The OUR also builds relationships with faculty and helps them grow their research mentorship skills, offering support with mentoring best practices, providing helpful supervision resources and data-driven guidance for grant proposals that incorporate undergraduate research. The university invests in these efforts because of the measurable difference they make in students’ educational experiences, but faculty mentors report positive impacts on their work, too.
“One of the best parts of my job as a USC faculty member is the opportunity to mentor bright, eager students who bring enthusiasm and new perspectives into our research” said Sayward Harrison, an associate professor in psychology.
The OUR is proud to sit at the intersection of innovation, mentorship and student growth, ensuring that USC’s research excellence directly enriches the undergraduate experience.
Connect with the Office of Undergraduate Research
The Office of Undergraduate Research collaborates with students, faculty and campus partners to enrich the undergraduate experience through hands-on research opportunities. It was established by the Office of the Vice President for Research in November 2004 to centralize resources for undergraduates of all disciplines and make it easy to engage in research at the University of South Carolina.
The OUR provides both web-based resources that students can explore independently and in-person support for those seeking guidance, with opportunities designed for students ranging from beginner researchers to more experienced and established undergraduate investigators. Students can take advantage of these resources at any stage of their research journey.
- Getting Started in Research Toolkit and Workshops: Get details on upcoming starter workshops, browse the getting started in research toolkit and more.
- Faculty Research Database: Search, filter and browse listings of faculty research mentors seeking undergraduate researchers to support their work.
- Ambassadors share experiences with peers at U101campus partners and campus events: The OUR is proud to work with Undergraduate Research Ambassadors, experienced undergraduate researchers who help the office promote undergraduate research in U101 classes, volunteer for relevant events and serve as role models and peer leaders in the USC community.
The OUR assists research teams in publicizing research opportunities for undergraduates, provides handouts and flyers for advisors and faculty to share resources with their students and offers practical support that helps faculty develop strong mentoring relationships while expanding their research programs and enhancing student learning.
- Promoting research opportunities to undergraduate students: Whether you’re mentoring your first student or expanding an established research group, this page provides key resources and guidance to support your role as a faculty mentor.
- Advising FAQ (pdf): Download the OUR's Faculty Advisor Guide for FAQ and additional guidance on mentoring undergraduate researchers at USC.
The OUR offers grant opportunities that support faculty-mentored research experiences for students on the USC Columbia campus and throughout the USC system.
- USC Columbia Funding Opportunities: Check out OUR's full slate of funding opportunities for mentored undergraduate research projects, with opportunities tailored to beginners, intermediate and advanced researchers.
- USC System Funding Opportunities: Connect with funding opportunities and eligibility information for undergraduate student researchers studying a USC four-year campuses in Aiken, Beaufort, Lancaster and the Upstate.
The OUR offers targeted workshops designed to support and enhance undergraduate students' professional growth.
- Professional Development Workshops During the Academic Year: Get involved in workshops designed to help undergraduate researchers build skills and confidence to thrive in academic and professional settings.
- Summer Research Professional Development Series: This annual series of seminars equips summer research students with essential knowledge and best practices for maintaining a safe, respectful and efficient work environment.
The OUR hosts opportunities for students to present their work in person and online, develop their communication skills and network with peers and leaders in their fields.
- Discover USC: OUR organizes USC's premier showcase of student research, scholarship, leadership and creativity each spring. Here, students at all levels of study, across all disciplines, have the opportunity to present a scholarly poster to visitors and reviewers, building skills in professional communication and more.
- Summer Research Symposium: The annual Summer Research Symposium provides a forum for undergraduate researchers working over the summer to share their projects. This event includes USC students and those visiting campus from other institutions to engage in summer research.
- This is Undergraduate Research: The OUR is sharing stories of undergraduate research impact featuring students from across the unversity through a new online showcase page.