Why get involved in research?
Explore questions and issues that are important to you and give back to your community
Obtain hands on experience in your field of study
Gain skills that will give you a leg up in your job search or future graduate studies
How can I get involved in research?
- Speak to your professors about ways to get involved in research in their discipline
- Ask your academic advisor about program options like honours, independent study, capstone courses, and work study/practicum opportunities
- Share your research at events like Research and Scholarship Days
- Check out research related job postings on the Career Services website, the Faculty of Health, Community, and Education website, the Faculty of Business, Communication Studies, and Aviation website, and the SOTL Research Assistant Job Board, or talk to faculty about potential research assistant positions
- Apply to participate in research programs hosted by MRU's institutes, such as the Catamount Fellowship, the Health Tech Challenge, or Map the System
- See even more tips from Advising on getting involved in research.
Join the Undergraduate Research Learning Community
The Undergraduate Research Learning Community is open to all MRU students, whether you are currently involved in research or want to find out more about being a student researcher. Sign up to receive information about research assistantships, funding, events, and more. You'll also receive invitations to optional gatherings to connect with other student researchers, receive training, and attend expert talks.
Simply fill out this form to join the Learning Community.
Meet with the Undergraduate Research Leader in Your Faculty
Undergraduate Research Leaders
Not sure where to begin your research journey? Wondering what kinds of research opportunities are available to you?
Consider contacting an Undergraduate Research Leader. MRU's Undergraduate Research Leaders were once in your shoes. They can help you consider why you might want to become involved in research, point you to research opportunities you might not know about, show you how to get started, and tell you who to contact for more information.
Select a faculty to find out more about your Undergraduate Research Leader and how to get in touch with them. Is your faculty not listed? That's okay. You can reach out to any of the leaders for support.
Christina Collin, History
Contact Christina
Leadership Ambassador, Faculty of Arts
Research Assistant to Dr. Emily Hutchison
Honours Program, History
Humanities Student Representative, Arts Faculty Council
Board Member/ Editor, Mount Royal Undergraduate Humanities Review (MRUHR)
Working Group Member, Arts Undergraduate Research Conference (Spring 2026)
I am passionate about creating connections and opening avenues for communication between students and faculty. If you are looking for guidance on getting started in research within an Arts program, please email or book an appointment. As a student, I understand some of the reservations and roadblocks to research. I am available to help.
Kari Kinnear, Psychology
Contact Kari
Leadership Ambassador Faculty of Arts
Research Assistant to Dr. Uthpala Senerathne Tennakoon
Honours Student under Dr. Cheryl Techentin
Honours Program, Psychology
Working Group Member Arts Undergraduate Research Conference (Spring 2026)
I have research experience in neurodevelopmental disorders, technology use, and adult work, life and community balance. I have also contributed to multiple projects preparing for international conferences and publications. My research interests center on human cognition, memory, psychometrics, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Having navigated my own start in research at MRU, I know how intimidating it can be to take that first step. So if you’re curious about getting involved in research within the Arts or Business faculties, send me an email or book a time. I’d love to chat!
Fatima Bhanji, Athletic Therapy and Physical Literacy
Contact Fatima
Leadership Ambassador, Faculty of Health, Community, and Education
Honours Student under Dr. Jared Fletcher
I’m completing an Honours thesis exploring how muscle and tendon properties change across the menstrual cycle. My research interests lie in exercise science and rehabilitation, intending to enhance performance and recovery outcomes through evidence-based practices.
I know how intimidating it can feel to break into the research world. If you’re interested in getting involved or just want to learn more about research in general, feel free to reach out or book an appointment.
Diana Vi, Data Science
Contact Diana
Leadership Ambassador Faculty of Science and Technology
Research Assistant to Dr. Ashok Krishnamurthy
Faculty Council Executive Committee Member, Faculty of Science and Technology
Data Science Student Representative, Faculty of Science and Technology
Having gained research experience under the Department of Chemistry at the University of Calgary, and the Faculty of Chemistry at the University of the Fraser Valley, I understand how challenging it is to break into research. I currently work with the programming language R, assisting to apply classroom knowledge in statistics to an application called CougarStats. Over the years, I’ve contributed to two poster projects and have participated in many leadership conferences across Canada. Having had many opportunities to engage and be in research, I know how daunting it can be to get started and find a supervisor. I’m passionate about helping others discover their interests and guiding them in the right direction. If you’re ever interested in chatting, I’d love to connect!
Need assistance?
If you need assistance with your research project, please reach out to your subject librarian. They would be happy to help.
If you are not sure who to chat with, please contact Brian Jackson.