This paper reports on a project that grew out of observations and conversations undertaken by two faculty members at LaGuardia Community College/CUNY interested in exploring the connection between research skills and transfer knowledge. Stern and Macheski posited that if students were able to connect research acquisition skills to the transfer application process, each skill would enhance the other. The outcomes from this small cohort, while not conclusive, lead the authors to be optimistic that their approach improves both understanding of authentic research and its connection to personal goals. National conversations in recent years about the changing role of community colleges inform this inquiry.