Discover the Benefits of Research and Creative Activities

Who participates in research and creative activities?

CSU, Chico undergraduate and graduate students participate in research or independent creative projects with the support and mentorship of Chico State faculty members.

Why engage in research and creative activities?

• Explore career directions
• Build transferable skills such as critical thinking, analytical skills, teamwork, and leadership
• Apply classroom teachings to real-life situations
• Develop a professional research network and community connections within your field
• Gain confidence as a researcher and a scholar
• Learn to publicly advocate for and defend work
• Enhance your resumé
• Contribute knowledge and have an impact on the world
• Have fun!

What do research and creative activities look like?

Research takes many forms and varies by major:

• Library searches and archive work
• Surveys and interviews
• Laboratory benchwork
• Modeling and computations
• Fieldwork
• Creative arts composition
• Design

When should I get involved, and do I need to be an expert to get involved?

Think about your involvement in research as a progression through your college career at Chico State, with opportunities to engage in as little or as much as you like. For example, First Year Experiences provide small classes designed to develop the critical and creative thinking skills you need for research. 

You do not need to be an expert or have had prior experience to get involved. You do NOT need to be at least a junior or a senior. This is the time for you to learn, discover, and grow. Students at all levels in their academic careers can benefit from doing research and creative activities. 

Is engaging in research and creative activities the right choice for me? 

There are several ways to determine if doing research, or creative activities is a good choice for you, including talking with a professor, lab instructor, or graduate student that you have a connection with about your career goals; attend an on and/or off-campus student research symposium; interview recent Chico State graduates who are doing jobs you are interested in doing, and talk to your major advisor. 

Do I need to find a mentor to do research or creative activities?

There are many ways you can participate in research and creative activities. One way is to work with a professor who is doing their own research and recruits students to help with their research. Another way is to participate in a student research program that matches you with a professor. Student research programs are available at Chico State as well as at other universities. Mentoring by a faculty member and/or a graduate student is a big part of doing research. Students are encouraged to connect with their professors to see if there are student research opportunities. To learn more about student research and creative activities opportunities, check out Student Research Opportunities.

How do I get started?

Check out our web page for students interested in getting involved in research for more information and resources.