Undergraduate Research: Northern Kentucky University, Greater Cincinnati Region

NKU Biological Sciences student conducting summer research in the lab

NKU Computing and Analytics student conducting summer research in the lab

NKU Mathematics and Statistics students posing wiith faculty and industry partner

NKU Engineering student conducting summer research in the lab

NKU Chemistry students conducting summer research in the lab

NKU Chemistry student conducting summer research in the lab

Undergraduate research is loaded with academic and professional benefits.

Whether your research is paid, credit-, or volunteer-based, you'll absolutely gain an enriching educational experience.

Start exploring research opportunities!

Contact us for questions about student research opportunities.

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH IN STEM (UR-STEM)

UR-STEM is a paid summer research opportunity for NKU students early in their college careers. At the culmination of the summer research, students gather at the Heather Bullen Summer Research Celebration to proudly display their research findings.

No GPA requirements
All majors are eligible (including non-STEM)
Students must enroll for the upcoming Fall Semester as a full-time NKU student by the start of the research opportunity.
Students that have participated in a paid or for-credit research experience are not eligible

Select students will be hired to work over the summer in the following project categories:

Part-time: $1,760 (20 hours/week for 8 weeks)
Mini-project: $440 (10 hours/week for 4 weeks)

Browse the menu below for more information on the UR-STEM process.

2025 APPLICATION & SELECTION SCHEDULE

January - February: Student application window

March - April: Faculty (a.k.a. research advisors) will interview select students and begin meetings to sign the UR-STEM Contract. Students must commit by completing a contract with the research advisor.

Late April: Deadline to complete the hiring meeting with CINSAM

Mid May: First possible start date for paid student research (with UR-STEM funding)

STUDENT SELECTION PROCESS

CINSAM's UR-STEM Selection Team will review all eligible student applicants and send approved applicants to the research faculty.
Each faculty member will manage their own interview process, (selecting and interviewing students from the list provided).
The faculty member, Department Chair, and UR-STEM Selection Team will work together to decide which students will be made an offer.
Research faculty will notify selected students of their offer, with instructions on indicating their commitment. They will also determine work hours for the project.
The selected students and faculty members will be required to complete a UR-STEM Research Contract. Said contract must be presented to CINSAM during the student's hiring meeting.

STUDENT HIRING PROCESS

Once students have been identified, CINSAM's Budget & Administration Coordinator will contact each student to schedule a hiring meeting. Paid student researchers must be hired as NKU student employees, which includes a background check by NKU Human Resources.
- Students that have worked for NKU (excluding Chartwells and the Bookstore) within one (1) year of their research start date will require minimal paperwork since their information is already on file.

Funds are administered in the form of a research stipend, allowing flexibility in scheduling of hours.

EXPLORE MORE OPPORTUNITIES

There are many other ways to find research opportunities on and off campus.

Talk to professors and fellow students. If a faculty member is involved in research that interests you, contact them directly for more information.
Apply for a Summer Research Fellowship through NKU's Institute for Student Research and Creativity.
Utilize the Student Opportunity Center to explore opportunities on and off campus.
Find a National Science Foundation-funded Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) for all STEM disciplines in labs across the country.

Showcase Your Research

Heather Bullen Summer Celebration of Research

This summer event allows undergraduate and graduate STEM students the opportunity to showcase their explorations and research findings in a formal and scientific setting.

Learn More about this event

Celebration of Student Research and Creativity

This spring event allows undergraduate and graduate students to present their research, artistic or creative projects through posters and oral presentations, or through interactive demonstrations, performances, or exhibits.

Learn More about this event