This book is a complete guide for students on how to make the most of intensive, experiential research outside a college classroom. Engaging in research as an undergraduate can lead to successful and rewarding careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM). Being successful in an undergraduate research experience benefits from the self-awareness and planning, strategies and skills that Success in Navigating your Student Research Experience can help you build and develop. 


The first part of this book describes strategies and processes for finding, applying, and preparing for an undergraduate research experience that matches your own needs and interests. These strategies are useful for any student, but are particularly helpful for individuals who have been minoritized in STEMM or are the first in their family to attend college. The central part of the book presents the undergraduate research experience as a “three-legged stool” whose legs—research, education, and community—each have unique values in advancing your path in STEMM. The last part of the book illustrates the many options for continuing and expanding your path in research. These range from communicating results to colleagues to moving forward with graduate studies and careers in STEMM, in which you can become a mentor to the next generation of students.


This book is the student’s companion to the authors’ book for mentors, “Success in Mentoring your Student Researchers: Moving STEMM Forward.”