Undergraduate research (UR) is widely promoted by faculty, administrators, institutions of higher learning, government laboratories, private industry, professional associations, and funding agencies as an effective method of training college students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines at colleges and universities across the United States and abroad. Perceived benefits for students include greater enthusiasm for study in the discipline, enhanced research skills, and a higher likelihood of pursuing advanced study and ultimately a research career (Seymour et al. 2004; Lopatto 2004; Nagda et al. 1998; Bauer and Bennett 2003).

This paper introduces the Web-Based Guide to Research for Undergraduates (Web-GURU), an innovative student-centered resource for undergraduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics which provides information on all aspects of the undergraduate research experience.