Abstract
There is a growing emphasis on the value of involving students at all
levels in research. Rutgers University has created a program of
Undergraduate Research Fellowships to fund year-long research
projects. I present sample results from two projects that I have
supervised recently, where the students programmed and carried out
computer simulations on statistical models. I analyse the course
background required for such projects, which plays a key role in
determining students' ability to participate.