The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) is a resource for undergraduate students in all majors at all stages from freshman to seniors at Prairie View A&M University.
If you are interested in getting involved in undergraduate level scholarly research or creative activity at PVAMU, then you have arrived at the right place. OUR supports students throughout the research cycle from the exploration of topics, identifying research projects and faculty mentors, to the dissemination of research project outcomes to the PVAMU campus community and beyond.

Undergraduate Students

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Get Familiarize with OUR & Get Connected

  • Make yourself familiar with OUR by exploring and reviewing our webpages and the resources.
  • Introduce yourself by contacting the OUR manager Dr. Grace Abolaji at gtabolaji@pvamu.edu, (936)261-1565, Delco Room 133.
  • Contact your College Representative(s) in the OUR council listed on the OUR Resources page.
  • Discuss research interests with your academic advisors, your peer undergraduate researchers, and professors of your classes.
  • Speak to faculty with active research projects listed on the Recent Grants & Contracts page.
  • Introduce yourself by contacting faculty in your major or in the area of your interest. Seek an appointment to visit and express your interest in undergraduate research.

Preparation is Key!

Before getting started in undergraduate research, students need to ask themselves the following questions:

  • What do I hope to gain through my research experience?
  • What are my interests?
  • What knowledge or skills do I know about research in my field?
  • How much time can I realistically commit to working on a research project?
  • Are there courses I should take before doing a particular research project?

Steps to Prepare

  • Attend undergraduate research workshops, seminars, and symposiums listed on the OUR Events page.
  • Identify your research interest areas and connect with the appropriate researchers
  • Prior to the visit, use online and library resources to learn about the particular research area
  • Take a portfolio of unofficial transcripts, any prior experience, resume, a letter explaining your interest and how you will be able to support their research, and your calendar of availability for the semester.
  • Contact the interested faculty mentor for possible research opportunities.

Faculty Mentors

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Serve as mentors, trainers, and guidance to students throughout the research process and the minimum criteria include:

  • Full-time PVAMU faculty/staff status
  • Expertise in research areas with a terminal degree of Ph.D., M.D., MFA
  • Tenured or tenure-seeking faculty and/or full-time research staff
  • Instructors, lecturers, adjunct faculty based on departmental chair consent

The roles of PVAMU undergraduate mentors are several-fold, some include:

  • Collaborate with the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR)
  • Mentor, monitor, and supervise students’ research/project activities.
  • Present with students, proposals/research outcomes at various on and off-campus symposiums and conferences
  • Publish research outcomes with students in different publication media
  • Organize seminars/workshops/trainings on fund sourcing, proposal writing, and research processes.
  • Write letters of support for students’ research and internships