Tips for maximizing productivity at a primarily undergraduate institution

Faculty members at primarily undergraduate institutions conduct a variety of tasks which don’t contribute directly to research productivity (e.g., teaching, administration).  The dynamic of conducting research with undergraduates is also different than a system built upon graduate student and post-doc research, and poses its own challenges.  I will highlight techniques I’ve employed to maintain a strong research program with a team of undergraduate students.  In addition to promoting a faculty member’s own professional growth, conducting research with undergraduates can be an important component of student learning and community outreach.