Undergraduate Research Opportunities at Westminster College

What is research and why should I participate?

There are many reasons to get involved in research. The main motivation should come from you—you should have a desire to understand something better and to contribute to the world’s understanding of it. Participating in an undergraduate research experience can indeed help you understand a subject better. But it also can help you explore connections between disciplines, prepare for graduate school, or gain experience that will help when it comes time to apply to graduate school or for prestigious fellowships. Westminster College believes that research improves students’ critical, analytical and integrative thinking, helps them be more creative and reflective, and it builds leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. Many graduate programs involve students in research. Learning lab skills and techniques will give you the edge when it comes to getting into the graduate program of your choice.

How do I get involved?

There are many opportunities to participate in research as an undergraduate at Westminster. Look through this site and explore both the on campus and off campus possibilities. Talk to your professors and find out if there are ways to assist them with their research.  The Gore family sponsors the Gore Math/Science research grants each summer which provides stipends for students to be involved with professors in research. The Environmental Studies Program sponsors two independent research grants. The Center for Civic Engagement and the Environmental Center both offer summer research opportunities. In addition, schools, agencies and organizations have programs that pay students to be involved in research. The following list has many of those opportunities. Be resourceful. Try internet searches. Look at the undergraduate research web pages at other universities. Read descriptions carefully—some have restrictions on who can apply. 
 

Research Opportunities

The following list has many opportunities for students to get involved in undergraduate research projects. Most of them occur off campus during the summer. Pay close attention to eligibility requirements. For more information please contact Tim Dolan, 832-2327, tdolan@westminstercollege.edu