What are the key differences between an undergraduate researcher and a research assistant in an academic setting?

The key difference between an undergraduate researcher and a research assistant in an academic setting is that an undergraduate researcher is typically a student conducting research as part of their academic program, while a research assistant is usually a paid position supporting a research project or a faculty member's research. Undergraduate researchers may be working on their own projects or assisting faculty members, while research assistants are more focused on providing support for ongoing research activities.