In the summer of 2023, I started work with Professor Erin Graham as part of the Kellogg International Scholars Program. Our co-authored research project investigates how international organizations have shifted their climate efforts toward mobilizing private capital from institutional investors like hedge funds, pensions and investment firms to fund decarbonization.

It may seem out of reach for an undergraduate student to actively participate in and contribute to research projects. However, Notre Dame offers diverse opportunities to engage in research, making it far more accessible than it might initially appear. Here are some insights and tips based on my own experiences on how you can navigate the process of getting involved in research and making meaningful contributions.

Be curious

First, one of the most important qualities of a researcher is maintaining curiosity and passion for a particular field. This includes a commitment to continuously exploring areas where you already have experience and interest, as well as staying open to new and unfamiliar fields. For example, after working with education nongovernmental organizations for years, I came to Notre Dame with a strong passion for education and economic development. I participated in various academic events and policy research initiatives such as the Student Policy Network and the Kellogg Institute’s Human Development Conference, exploring topics such as grant and workforce policies for the early learning industry and human development on a global scale.

At the same time, I remained open to fields where I saw potential for growth and expertise, even if I hadn’t explored them in depth yet, such as global governance. My passion for exploring this new field guided me to an opportunity to work with Professor Graham through the International Scholars Program, which truly expanded my understanding of multilateral institutions and their role in international development. After working on the project for almost two years, it has sparked a new excitement for me and inspired me to dive deeper into the field of international rules and climate governance, thus promoting multilateral collaboration and better partnership between private and public sectors.

Reach out

In addition, I highly recommend that undergraduate students who want to engage in research reach out to professors, research initiatives and programs on campus, even if there are no explicit opportunities listed. Universities are not just about taking classes. Notre Dame, in particular, is a research institution where the light of academic knowledge shines brightly through teaching and research of faculty and the development of various research initiatives.

Having conversations with professors through office hours, meetings and different events enabled me to learn about their work, know more about an academic field, and at the same time, help me to discern which field matters to me and how I envision myself contributing as a researcher. The Keough School offers numerous research initiatives. For example, I first became involved in research through the Kellogg Institute’s Developing Researchers Program and now through its International Scholars Program. I also have had the privilege of serving as a research intern for the Keough School’s Pulte Institute for Global Development. Taking advantage of these resources is an invaluable experience that helped me to develop as a researcher.

Professor Graham and I recently submitted a journal paper to the journal Global Environmental Politics for review and publication. This experience has strengthened my commitment to international development through research, driving my passion for creating meaningful changes. I am dedicated to producing insightful policy analysis and providing actionable recommendations to various sectors, ensuring that research translates into impactful solutions.

Notre Dame junior Sonia Zhang is majoring in economics and global affairs and earning a minor in data science.

Originally published by Sonia Zhang at keough.nd.edu on March 13, 2025.