This page provides resources and opportunities for students pursuing research at UIS.

The following faculty have expressed an interest in mentoring an undergraduate student in a research, scholarly or creative activity. Students are encouraged to contact a faculty member directly, using the department link.

Topics & Mentors

Stamatis, YonaMusic research projects, anthropology/sociology of music, social justice issuesAMT
Martin, Johnanalyzing stellar explosions with Hubble
YouTube: John Martin Studies the Large Star Eta Carinae
CBM
Bonacum, Jamesgenetics of the chambered nautilusBIO
Chen, HuaC and N dynamics in restored wetlandsBIO
Lemke, Michaelmicrobial communities, aquatic ecology
YouTube: UIS Biology Professor Michael Lemke Studies Biodiversity in Brazil
BIO
McEuen, Amytallgrass prairie restoration and managementBIO
Vazquez, LuciaDNA barcodes for oak species, Plant Molecular Biology, Molecular Evolution, Antimicrobial Properties of Plant ExtractsBIO
Brown, MatthewEconomic History, Economic ReformsCBM
Gupta, ShipraBusiness AdministrationCBM
Johnson, Stephenbiochemistry of toxins, mass spectroscopy of proteinsCHE
Klingshirn, Marcgreen chemistry, ionic liquidsCHE
Morsch, LayneGreen organic chemistry, antimicrobial plant extracts ganizational climateCHE
Dong, LanAsian American literature and culture, children’s literature, comics and graphic narratives
YouTube: What The Graphic Novel Teaches About Social Issues
YouTube: Lan Dong Studies Asian American Literature and Culture
ENG
Kent, HollyWomen’s Studies, Antebellum US HistoryHIS
Shapinsky, PeterMaritime History, Pirates, Japan, Eastern Asian Popular Culture, Military HistoryHIS
Neginsky, RosinaLiterature, Theology and Art History (mainly painting and sculpture)
UIS People-Neginsky, Rosina
LIS
Hadley-Ives, EricSocial Work in cross-cultural contexts, Survey Research, Action ResearchLNT and LIS
Chan, Hei-ChiNumber Theory, q-series, work inspired by RamanujanMAT
Rigsbee, CaroleeStrategic management in a supply chain contextMGT
Kurtz, RoxanneContemporary analytic metaphysics, liberal multiculturalismPHI
Gilman-Opalsky, RichardPolitical philosophy, social theory, history of ideology
YouTube: Richard Gilman-Opalsky Researches Political Philosophy and Social Change
PSC
Miller, MicheleSocial-Emotional Development, Temperament, Early School ReadinessPSY
Reinke/Pressley, KarenAttention, Emotion, and electroencephalography (EEG)PSY
Shen, FrancesCounseling Psychology, Multicultural and Diversity Issues, Asian American Psychology
YouTube: Frances Shen Researches the Impact of Stereotypes on Asian Americans
PSY
Switzer, CarrieNon-traditional students, motivation, barriers to educationPSY
Yoder, MarcelSocial psychology, self-enhancement, person perception, sport psychologyPSY
Fisher, Lynnarchaeology, landscape history, European prehistory
YouTube: Students Study Ancient Farming in Germany
SOA

Curriculum

Each department at UIS has different opportunities for students to engage in the research process. Speak to your academic advisor for specific details in your program.

For example, some departments have separate independent research courses (CHE 400, BIO 400). Others have a research methods course followed by an independent study course (PSY 302…). In some programs, a research project is required for departmental honors (eg. PSC). And the CAP Honors program requires each student to complete an interdisciplinary project for their senior thesis.

Whether or not your program offers a course in research, you can still earn college credit through Internship Services. The Internships and Prior Learning Services office has information on local internships that involve original research projects. Some of these internships pay students, and all of them qualify for ECCE Engagement Experience credit. You can even design your own internship project  with a UIS faculty member to participate in research on campus.

Local Opportunities

Faculty collaborate with several local off-campus researchers. Opportunities are listed in the UIS Internships office.

  • Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield

Contact Kristi Katcher (kkatcher@siumed.edu) in the Office of the Associate Dean for Research

COPLAC

UIS is a proud member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts and Colleges, which publishes a fall and spring edition of Metamorphosis: A Journal of Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity. As a COPLAC member campus, UIS may submit outstanding student work for publication in Metamorphosis.  Student work must be reviewed and approved by the URSP Committee, and will be submitted through the office of Undergraduate Research, not directly from the student.

Additional resources available through COPLAC are the Regional URSCA Conferences and Multi-campus Digital Liberal Arts Research Seminars. The research seminars cap at 12 students and applicants must be approved by their home campus.

Off-Campus Opportunities

International Opportunities

The UIS Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships lists international and study away opportunities, which can include research programs.

Conferences and Publications

  • Undergraduate Research Commons A showcase of outstanding undergraduate research.
  • International Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities This journal represents a grass-roots effort to support and advance undergraduate scholarship in all academic disciplines at institutions across the country and around the world.
  • ISAS The Illinois Academy of Science, which hosts an annual meeting where undergraduate students can present their research.
  • Journal of Student Research The Journal of Student Research is an electronic, peer-reviewed, multi-disciplinary journal devoted to the rapid dissemination of current research.
  • NCUR  National Conferences on Undergraduate Research. Publishes proceedings.
  • Check with your advisor about disciplinary conferences.
  • Metamorphosis Metamorphosis is an online journal of undergraduate research published by COPLAC. Up to two students per semester from a member institution may be published. Contact Dr. Lucia Vazquez for instructions on how to submit a manuscript.
  • Fine Focus The first microbiology research journal for undergraduate students.
  • Sigma Xi the Student Research Conference for the national scientific research honor society.