The purpose of the A-State Office of Student Research is encouraging participation of students in research activities across all academic disciples. The key functions include:
- Connecting students to research opportunities.
- Facilitating research though award and travel opportunities.
- Connecting faculty with students interested in research.
- University research symposium and related events.
- Professional development initiatives.
- Faculty/student mentoring workshops.
- Activities to broaden participation in research within the university and at regional primary and secondary schools.
Research ambassadors, are formally advised by the university's research development office, and work closely with the staff to develop, strengthen, expand, and institutionalize student research on campus. They represent the student research body and are the organizing body for events and activities that broaden participation in research within the university, such as Create @ State, professional development initiatives and faculty/student mentoring workshops.
The A-State Office of Student Research aims to create a diverse, scholarly community on the Arkansas State University campus by making research accessible to all students at Arkansas State University, regardless of major, background, or level of experience. As experienced researchers within their discipline, research ambassadors strive to provide other students with advice on how to 1) get started with the research process, 2) find and work with a mentor, 3) seek out and apply for funding, and 4) make the most out of research experience. In achieving these goals, research ambassadors foster the next generation of innovative thinkers, and help prepare their peers for graduate school and professional careers.