CBU’s Office of Research and Graduate Studies (ORGS) is eager to support and celebrate the undergraduate student research experience. It’s about empowering CBU students to make links between classroom learning, the research experience and how to approach complex questions. It’s also about doing amazing research with world-class CBU researchers as mentors, contributing to community-engaged research and building a portfolio of your experiences.
Students often ask how to get involved in research at CBU. First, bring your curiosity to the classroom. Ask questions, share things you’ve read or learned – show that you are inquisitive and like to learn new things. Next, approach your instructors and let them know you are interested in research opportunities. It may help to get familiar with your professor’s research and scholarly publications.
As part of CBU’s Strategic Research Plan, we’ve committed resources to increase research opportunities for undergraduates, as well as mentoring and training for graduate students.
CBU offers two programs to support the student research experience. Some offer research opportunities with CBU faculty, connections to community and industry partners or a combination of these experiences.
Quick Facts: Community-Student Research Connections
Community-Student Research Connections invites community organizations and small businesses to consider how academic research might help direct their development efforts by responding to needs or gaps in information. Consider a youth sports league that wants to examine best practices for equity, diversity and inclusion, or a business that wants to evaluate its recycling efforts. Maybe it’s the local historical society seeking archival research or a seniors’ association looking to evaluate its programming. The possibilities for Community-Student Research Connections are as varied as the people and communities across Cape Breton!
The work may be a continuation of an ongoing research initiative or maybe is a new research question. Students will be matched with eligible community-based projects, providing up to 100 hours of research service. Students must be enrolled in fulltime studies at CBU at the time of application, as well as returning fulltime following their participation in the program.
Research methods students may use include:
Projects will be reviewed and each successful community applicant will be matched with a student researcher, one who brings experience in research methods, along with interest and enthusiasm in the topic at hand. The student will provide 100 hours of research assistance, at no cost to the community partner. The student will gain valuable research experience while receiving fair compensation for their work.
Student Benefits:
Community Benefits:
Up to 20 USSAS will be awarded to students working with CBU researchers, through a competitive process, on projects affiliated with one or more of CBU’s Collaborative Research Networks:
Quick Facts: USSA
In 2022, CBU launched a program to engage students in faculty research projects. The Undergraduate Student Scholar Awards (USSA) are presented to CBU students working on a research project under the supervision of a CBU faculty researcher, supporting the study with 100 hours of service to the projects. Students receive a $2000 award for their service, along with invaluable experience in research.
Here’s what some former USSA recipients say about the program:
“The USSA experience was one for the books. This whole experience allowed me to grow and explore another side of being a university student. I was able to prove to myself that I can accomplish great things and contribute to the research community.”
“This project has provided me with a unique opportunity to meaningfully develop my research, communication, and project management skills through experiential learning, as well as the opportunity to work with others and build community relationships.”
“This process has taught me many valuable lessons not only in the aspect of working in a lab/research environment but also in working with people, problem solving and critical thinking.”
Visit CBU’s Career Services to explore job postings that may include research assistant positions, work-study placements and even volunteer opportunities with a focus on research. Check back regularly for updates.
Career Services – Cape Breton University: Cape Breton University (cbu.ca)
The National Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) provides student awards for research in the areas of natural sciences in engineering. Details can be found on their website
NSERC – Undergraduate Student Research Awards (nserc-crsng.gc.ca)
Research Nova Scotia (RNS) recognizes student research in health studies, with funding dedicated to students from Cape Breton University. Visit the RNS website for more information.
Scotia Scholars Award – Research Nova Scotia (researchns.ca)
