Undergraduate Research
In the College of Arts and Science, every student has access to world-class research opportunities. Our faculty enthusiastically include undergraduates in their work, whether in the lab, the field, or the library, and enjoy collaborating across disciplines and schools to create unique experiences for students. Many majors include a significant research requirement, while others make research an optional, but encouraged, part of the curriculum. As undergraduate students engage in research, they are surrounded by the extensive resources only a top-tier R1 university can provide.
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH IN ACTION
Liyu "Leo" Huang
Class of 2024
When Leo attended the Fall Research Match event during his freshmen year at Vanderbilt, he never imagined it would lead him to three years of immersive, hands-on research combining his two passions: medicine and the creative arts. Shaping an Immersion experience that uses his artistic eye, Leo helps bridge communication between pathologists and surgeons in the operating room.
Immersion: Exhibiting Historical Art
In HART3810W, an advanced writing seminar course, students have an immersive opportunity to explore the past, present, and future of art through hands-on experiences. Students conducted round-table class discussions, participated in research and writing workshops, listened to guest speakers, and presented at the Stieglitz Collection at Fisk University's Carl Van Vecthen Art Gallery.
Maya Maciel-Seidman
Vanderbilt Climate, Health, and Energy Equity Lab (CHEEL)
Through her work with CHEEL, Maya, a senior majoring in Earth and environmental sciences, was the first author on an innovative research paper. Along with three other undergraduate students and three faculty members, the researchers identified a new approach to reduce the health inequalities of energy cost burdens and greenhouse gas emissions.
Coffee Equity Lab
Pairing with coffee industry professionals for mentorship and support, students identified and presented a solution to a specific justice or sustainability problem within the global coffee supply chain. “The Coffee Equity Lab provides an enriching experience for students seeking real-world perspectives on the business of coffee," says program leader and A&S alumnus Conley Ku.
Research Opportunities
A&S undergraduates can access research opportunities through a number of channels. In addition to approaching faculty on their own, students can choose from a variety of college- and university-sponsored programs, many of which come with financial support. Below are some of the most common paths undergraduates take to complete their research experiences.
Departmental Honors
Every A&S department has an honors program that centers on independent learning and research. Requirements for honors study vary by department. Students who are interested in departmental honors should visit the relevant department’s website or contact the department’s Director of Undergraduate Studies.
Immersion
Immersion at A&S happens as part of Immersion Vanderbilt, a university-wide program that provides students with the opportunity to pursue their passions and cultivate their intellectual interests through experiential learning. The program takes place both in and beyond the classroom and culminates in the creation of a final project. The project must focus on one of four pathways, with Research being one of the options.
Maximizing Access to Research Centers (MARC)
The Vanderbilt MARC Scholars Program promotes broad participation in biomedical research by preparing undergraduate students for highly selective Ph.D. and M.D./Ph.D. biomedical training programs. To learn more, visit the Biological Sciences MARC page.
Vanderbilt Undergraduate Summer Research Program
VUSRP provides students with the opportunity to complete ten weeks of full-time summer research under the mentorship of a Vanderbilt faculty member. This is a competitive program, with accepted students receiving a $5,000 stipend and the opportunity to present their research at the Vanderbilt Undergraduate Research Fair.
The Wond’ry
The Wond’ry is Vanderbilt’s center for innovation and design. Students may use The Wond’ry as a resource to support individual research activities, or they may participate in one of the center’s unique and engaging co-curricular programs, such as the Coffee Equity Lab. With specializations in design thinking and social innovation, The Wond’ry is a particularly good choice for students interested in putting their research to work in the real world or for social good.