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Why Do Research as an Undergrad?

It gives you an entirely new perspective on science,  it nearly always boosts your learning ability,
it might be what you want to do when you grow up, and it's FUN!

In some instances, you can be paid to do research as an undergrad (see below).
In other instances, you can arrange to receive college credit
(e.g. BIO 446, Independent Study) that counts toward your major.
Ask your professor!

It looks great on your resumé.  
In fact, the National Science Foundation runs a FREE registry of undergraduate researchers,
which "matches undergraduates with research experience and a desire to pursue advanced degrees,
and graduate schools seeking high-quality students who are well prepared for research".  
To register, log on to www.cur.org/ugreg/ and fill out the form provided.

How to Get $$ to do Research as an Undergrad

Ask your professor. Some have grants that will pay you either work-study or regular hourly wages.

2005-2007, NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates summer program: with a March deadline each year, Undergrads from anywhere in the United States can spend a summer in Oshkosh working supervised by one of our faculty in the use of state-of-the-art equipment within the Robert Moore/NSF Proteomics & Functional Genomics Facility. Travel, housing, research supplies, and a generous stipend are all provided.  Lots of one-on-one attention is assured.
Admission is competitive;  women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Get the details at http://reu.uwosh.edu.
Note: while this program runs out in 2007, UW Oshkosh is applying for a continuation!

UW Oshkosh Undergraduate Collaborative Grants: with a February deadline each year, Undergrads can work up a short research proposal for the following summer, under the guidance of a faculty member. If awarded, the Collaborative Grant pays $2,000 in "salary" plus $500 in supply money for the project, to be carried out during the summer. The spring following the work, the student must present his/her research at UW Oshkosh Scholarship Day, usually held in April. Great paid experience AND looks terrific on the resumé! Get the details at http://www.uwosh.edu/grants (scroll down and click on Undergraduate Student/Faculty grants).

Council on Undergraduate Research: These competitive grants pay $3,000-$3,500 for 10 weeks of summer work in a lab, plus $500 in supply money. Get the details at http://www.cur.org/UGSF.html.

Sigma Xi:These competitive grants pay $100-$2,500 for equipment or travel relating to the research project (NO salary). Get the details at http://www.sigmaxi.org/programs/giar/guide.shtml 

Some Life Science Research Opportunities at UW Oshkosh

Most in Bio, some in Chem or Kin/Health or Psych Departments