Pacific Undergraduate Research Program
At Pacific University, undergraduate students have the opportunity to get directly involved with scientific and creative research.
Our faculty members are caring teachers who also are experts in their fields. Outside of their teaching responsibilities, they conduct meaningful research that advances their disciplines. Many faculty members welcome student participation in their work, serving as mentors to burgeoning researchers and benefiting from the enthusiasm and fresh perspectives of new minds.
Students who successfully apply for summer research through the program receive a stipend as they spend 10 weeks in collaborative research with a faculty member. Often, faculty are engaged in long-term projects, and students conduct shorter segments of the research, and sometimes their own studies, which can result in senior projects.
These research opportunities get students into the field and the lab, where they build new skills and gain invaluable experience — all while pursuing new discoveries in their disciplines.
Opportunities for Student Exploration
The central idea behind the program's purpose is that a special synergy occurs when undergraduate students and faculty bring their combined curiosity together in a creative endeavor. The faculty members bring well-honed skills and experience while the students bring a fresh perspective and enthusiasm. Faculty are able to engage on long-term projects, while students participate in shorter segments of the research, sometimes doing their own studies which result in senior capstone projects.
Why We Focus on Research
- We recognize that research and creative activity invigorates, animates and enhances teaching
- We know that some of the of most effective teaching takes place in the laboratory and in the field
- We see a benefit in bringing students and faculty together to examine historical works
- We know that together we produce original work that animates and advances our disciplines
How Research Takes Shape
- We provide opportunities for undergraduate students and faculty to collaboratively engage in research and creative activities
- Students who successfully apply for summer research receive a $3,500 stipend to work
- Students and faculty collaborate on research primarily during the summer months
- Most of the research is done in faculty research spaces
- Students team up with a faculty member for 10 weeks on collaborative research projects
- Some students and faculty members do field work or go to other sites in order to do their research
