The article explains how to create and implement undergraduate research experiences using an example for analyzing the size, structure, and performance of U.S. food manufacturing industries. The research projects discussed in the article utilize publicly available data reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. The food manufacturing industries can be analyzed at the U.S., regional, and state level. In addition to gaining valuable data collection and analytical research skills, students acquire knowledge on economic and business aspects of food manufacturing industries that can be useful in their future careers. The research example presented in the article can be easily modified to fit the course, the level of undergraduate students, and the audiences.

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