Student Research
You can add a whole new dimension to your educational experience by becoming involved in undergraduate research. Cornell is one of the top research universities in the world, which means that almost the entire faculty is engaged in research in addition to their classroom teaching. This provides many exciting opportunities for you as a student. You could work with a faculty member in his/her own research area, or do something on your own that is of special interest to you. It could be related to your future occupational aspirations, and in some cases it could have a profound effect on your career path.
You can be involved in cutting-edge research in the social sciences and you can work with top professors in their field. You can integrate your classroom experience with real life problems or issues. You can develop close ties with ILR faculty members — which may develop into long term mentoring relationships — become an author or co-author of published journal articles, or a presenter at conferences and meetings, as some ILR students have done.
The Director of Research at ILR is a faculty member who is in charge of facilitating research and will work with you in discussing subject areas, linking you with faculty, and generally supporting the process. Since there are several programs for student research, the director can help in deciding which best match your interests. Professors are available as well to aid you in selecting a research topic, identifying a faculty member who works in an area that interests you, and making research contacts. Likewise, the Office of Student Services has counselors and advisors available to assist you in finding research opportunities.
The variety of research opportunities available is outlined below. Note that you receive credits for independent and directed study and honors research, while research fellowships are paid positions.
Alan Benson '07
Researching game theory and labor reform, Oxford University, England
Matt Kawadler '06
Assessing the quality of Cornell campus justice
Michèle Malejki '06
Building a women's work cooperative in Arusha, Tanzania
Independent Study
In your senior year, and perhaps in your junior year, you may be able to pursue an interest or a question that intrigues you in an Independent Study. Registering for an ILR 499 – Independent Research Project begins with a proposal for credit-bearing independent study developed jointly with a professor for approval by the Academic Standards Committee. The proposal describes the issue or question that you want to study, how you will approach it, and how your work will be evaluated.
Directed Study
In your senior year, and perhaps in your junior year, you and a group of your classmates may be able to pursue an interest or a question that intrigues you in a Directed Study. Registering for an ILR 499 – Directed Research Project begins with a proposal that describes the issue or question that you want to study, how you will approach it, and how your work will be evaluated.
Academic Year Research Fellowship
Academic Research Fellows will have the opportunity to serve as research assistants for faculty members during the academic year.
Summer Research Fellowship
Summer Research Fellows will have the opportunity to engage in independent research under faculty members' guidance or serve as research assistants for faculty members during the summer.
Senior Honors Research
Outstanding students have the opportunity to graduate with honors if they complete a two-semester Honors Thesis Project. If you are in the top 20% of your class in the latter part of your junior year, you may develop a proposal for an extensive research project in consultation with an ILR faculty member who will serve as your supervisor.
