About SRA

RESEARCH - MORE than just lab coats and beakers!

You've just taken your first step toward finding your way through the dense forest that many students experience when trying to find their career paths in college. If you have made it to this site, you either already have an interest in research or you are curious about how an event with "research" in the title might help you figure out where you want to go with your life. Often, when people think of research it carries a capital "R," and the most obvious images that come to mind are scientists wearing safety glasses and dressed in lab coats. Stereotypically, these "researchers" are either bent over a computer or busy mixing chemical solutions in beakers. While there are many students who are attracted to this idea of research, there are just as many who are not excited by it. The purpose of the undergraduate Summer Research Academy is to serve both groups of students - those interested in traditional notions of "research," as well as those who think research isn't for them.

Yes, research is about chemistry, engineering, and physics; however, it is also about film, journalism, literature, education, social work and gaming (yes - I said "gaming," as in computer gaming) among other things; and despite what popular culture tells us, research is not something only for those with the title "Dr." placed in front of their names. 

Benefits of SRA for the "I'm Grad School bound" Student:

For some undergraduate students, getting involved in creative and research-oriented programs early is a vehicle to get a head start on graduate school and eventually the pursuit of a Ph.D.  You may or may not be one of these students. If you are intent on attending graduate school or pursuing a degree in "R" research, SRA will assist you with:

  • Connecting with UCF research faculty
  • Learning the protocols and expectations for developing a relationship with a faculty mentor
  • Locating paid internship and scholarship opportunities available on campus
  • Making a plan for graduate school
  • Networking with other undergraduate students currently involved in research in a variety of fields

Benefits of SRA for the "Ph.D. is not for me" OR "My future career doesn't involve research" Student

For other undergraduate students who don't see themselves pursuing a Ph.D. or who don't believe their future career path requires doing "R" research, the Summer Research Academy may sound boring. However, if you fall into either of these two categories or you are currently undecided about what major to pick, don't leave our website yet.  Here's how SRA can help you.

In the 21st century, regardless of what major or career path you ultimately settle on, your future value in the job market will depend not only on the information you "know" but also on the "transferable skills" that you can carry with you from one job to the next. What you may not know is that involvement in programs and projects that include research and creative-oriented projects will provide you with opportunities to develop those "transferable skills" that have been hyped in the press.

SRA Scholars will have the unique opportunity to explore:

  • The variety of career opportunities available at UCF involving creative and research-oriented projects
  • Talk with faculty about what transferable skills you can develop by engaging in creative and research-oriented programs
  • How developing "transferable skills" based in research will help you in the job market
  • What research is currently going on around campus
  • Paid internship and scholarship opportunities available on campus
  • How to prepare for graduate school
  • Meet other undergraduate students who do research

When and Where - SRA Logistics

The 2010 SRA will be held on Thursday, June 24, Friday, June 25, and Saturday, June 26 at UCF's Orlando campus.  If needed, on-campus housing during the event is free to SRA participants.

To learn about eligibility requirements, application procedures and deadlines, please refer to the Student Application.

Question or comments? Please contact Dr. Kim Schneider at our@mail.ucf.edu.