The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has a long-standing tradition of excellence in research and its broader impact on society. That commitment to discovery has a profound impact on the educational experience of our students. Research is deeply interwoven into our academic mission, providing a training ground with hands-on and experiential learning opportunities for students.
Student research engagement is also critical for our ranking and reputation among peers. When we attract the best and brightest faculty, they attract the very best students. And those students become the talented workforce of tomorrow, bringing greater benefit to our state and reinforcing our reputation as a global research leader.
Next week we celebrate University Research Week — our annual, week-long showcase of Carolina’s research excellence — with events designed to share opportunities for students to get engaged in one of the many research activities available across campus. Over the course of the week, there will be more than 50 events, among them our first Research and Discovery Fair. The fair, with participation of more than 25 labs, is designed specifically to expose students to opportunities they may not otherwise know about.
Hosting University Research Week each year gives us the opportunity to share how research enriches the undergraduate experience by providing students with ample opportunities to discover and engage in their own research projects, fostering a culture of innovation and academic growth.
Benefits of research experience for students
As a component of the Ideas in Action curriculum, every Carolina undergraduate student is required to take at least one Research and Discovery course. These courses provide students the opportunity to immerse themselves in a research project, learning a wealth of new skills as they produce and disseminate original scholarship or creative work. Students and faculty overwhelmingly find that engaging in research is a positive experience, and student researchers report greater overall satisfaction with their undergraduate experience.
Such research experiences allow students to seek solutions to challenging problems and adapt to new challenges, skills that are essential for success in today’s rapidly changing world. These experiences also provide the opportunity for students to work as part of research teams and collaborate to meet shared goals. We consistently hear that research experiences are among their most favorite and meaningful experiences at Carolina.
UNC-Chapel Hill faculty members are committed to mentoring students and helping them develop their academic and professional skills. For faculty members, students bring fresh perspectives and new ideas that enrich their scholarship. Our student researchers make breakthroughs, innovate, and develop new technologies that are completely transformative.
There are currently more than 1,000 undergraduate students employed in labs across our campus. One such example is Lilly Nekervis, who studies information science, and has a passion for the potential of robotics to assist people with disabilities. After joining the Interactive Robotics and Novel Technologies Lab, she embarked on a research project to transform the lab’s Spot robot into a guide dog for individuals with visual impairments.
Nekervis modified existing software and hardware, including developing a specialized harness and integrating cameras, sensors, and a speaker system. Through her research, she aims to create a mobility aid for people with visual impairments and bridge the gap between robotics and assistive technology.
Research experience provides students an opportunity to think critically, solve problems, and work independently, making them more attractive to employers. Undergraduate and graduate students who work in labs and in the field receive valuable workplace experience and earn greater salaries, offsetting their education expenses, generating new jobs to the region, and ultimately increasing our state revenue.
The benefits of faculty research for students
Research comes alive as faculty bring their latest research findings into the classroom as part of lectures and course activities. This ensures that students are learning the most up-to-date information and developing a deep understanding of current trends and challenges.
For example, faculty experts in artificial intelligence incorporate the latest methodological tools and approaches to provide a comprehensive understanding of this rapidly evolving field. Theoretical physicists provide examples of how they solve critical problems in the pursuit of new knowledge. Similarly, field researchers use real-world examples, such as data from recent extreme weather events, to assess impacts and solutions. This creates opportunities to address concerns like flooding and harmful containments.
Just this week we announced the launch of a new undergraduate minor in risk management, developed by the newly established Institute for Risk Management and Insurance Innovation in partnership with the School of Data Science and Society. Beginning in Spring 2025, students can take four courses in the risk management minor to become equipped with the necessary skills to analyze and mitigate risks ranging from extreme weather to cybersecurity.
Research is a cornerstone of the UNC-Chapel Hill experience, providing students with a rich and rewarding education that prepares them for success in their future careers. By engaging in research, faculty members advance knowledge in their fields at the same time as they enhance learning opportunities for our students. The dedication of our faculty to use research to equip the next generation of problem solvers and world changers is a testament to Carolina’s commitment to research and teaching excellence.