Student Research

Why Do Research?

Question. Create. Connect. These are the three driving forces behind research at Gustavus. Throughout the academic year and summer, Gusties have the chance to collaborate with faculty on research and creative projects. Research and creative inquiry takes place in classrooms, laboratories, studios, theatres, and the community. Gustie researchers carry out field research, such as collecting data on fish populations on the open seas, excavating Roman villas, measuring glacial melt in the Andes, and interviewing local farmers. 

Opportunities

First-Year Research Experience (FYRE)
Presidential Faculty-Student Collaboration Grants
Fellowships

Share Research & Attend Events

Events
 

First-Year Research Experience (FYRE)

The First-Year Research Experience (FYRE) Program is dedicated to providing opportunities for students to engage in bona fide research experiences during the summer between their first and second years with a Gustavus faculty mentor in the Natural Sciences and Mathematics. This program was initially developed and supported with funds from a Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) grant that aimed to improve the learning experiences for students interested in biology and/or chemistry early in their undergraduate careers. Following the four-year period of the HHMI grant award, in which students and faculty alike observed large, positive impacts of these early research experiences on the development of the students' learning and research skills and careers, Gustavus has committed to the continuation of the FYRE program into the future.

The application process consists of students submitting a transcript, and answering three short essay questions. Students are also asked to meet with a minimum of three faculty members who are participating in the program, about their research projects. Selection of students to participate in the program is based on academic performance, input provided about applicants by three references, and the potential impact of the FYRE Program experience on the development of the applicant as a scientist, as judged by the FYRE Program faculty.

This year we are excited to offer this amazing opportunity to several more Gusties who are currently in their first year of study. As part of the experience students are supported with a stipend for the ten-week research experience, and on-campus housing. The collaborative efforts between each student and their faculty mentor are also supported by funds to pay for research supplies, and a modest stipend to the faculty mentor.

Interested students can learn more about project opportunities and the application process for the coming summer by following the links on the left sidebar. Questions can also be directed to the current FYRE Program Director - Professor of Chemistry, Dr. Amanda Nienow - by emailing to anienow@gustavus.edu.

Second-Year Experience at Research (SEAR)

The Second-Year Experience At Research (SEAR) Program is dedicated to providing opportunities for students to engage in bona fide research experiences during the summer between their second and third years with a Gustavus faculty mentor in the Natural Sciences and Mathematics. New in 2024, we hope to obtain grant funding to sustain this program in the future. 

The application process consists of students submitting a transcript, and answering four short essay questions. Students are also asked to meet with a minimum of three faculty members who are participating in the program, about their research projects, and then rank their project choices. Selection of students to participate in the program is based on academic performance, input provided about applicants by three references, and the potential impact of the SEAR Program experience on the development of the applicant as a scientist, as judged by the SEAR Program faculty.

This year we are excited to offer this amazing opportunity to several more Gusties who are currently in their second year of study. As part of the experience students are supported with a stipend for the ten-week research experience, and on-campus housing. The collaborative efforts between each student and their faculty mentor are also supported by funds to pay for research supplies, and a modest stipend to the faculty mentor.

Interested students can learn more about project opportunities and the application process for the coming summer by following the links on the left sidebar. Questions can also be directed to the current SEAR Program Director - Professor of Chemistry, Dr. Amanda Nienow - by emailing to anienow@gustavus.edu.

Summer Opportunities - Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, Creativity, and Dialogue

There are many opportunities for students to engage in Research, Scholarship, Creativity, and Dialogue opportunities in the summer. Student-faculty collaborations involve in-depth, faculty-sponsored inquiry projects in any discipline. Summer projects may take different forms:

  • research assistantship [e.g. working in a faculty member's lab or on a faculty-driven research project]
  • independently-conceived student project with a faculty member as a mentor
  • equal partnership between a faculty member and a student

Summer opportunities at Gustavus include:

After you have secured a summer research opportunity, visit the Summer Employment website for forms and deadlines for students and faculty collaborating on research.

Presidential Faculty-Student Collaboration Grant

Presidential Faculty-Student Collaboration Grants are available annually to support collaborative endeavors involving faculty and students. Collaboration is understood to include in-depth faculty-mentored undergraduate scholarly or creative projects in any discipline. For the purposes of this grant, collaboration means the active involvement of the faculty member in the student's project. This might be a full-fledged faculty-student project partnership, a student project that is closely mentored by the faculty member, or a student's active and meaningful participation in an ongoing faculty research project. Successful proposals will clearly articulate an impact for the student and demonstrate a mentoring relationship between faculty and student that encourages scholarly/creative work in a collaborative manner and environment. Contact the Research Office or your faculty advisory to learn about possible opportunities.

Engaged Learning Fund

The Engaged Learning Fund assists students from any major who are in need of funding to complete engaged learning opportunities. Funding can be applied to both academic credit and for non-academic credit opportunities throughout the year. Funding is to help students complete research experiences outside the classroom at Gustavus or away from campus.

National Fellowships

The Fellowships Office helps all Gustavus students and recent alumni find and apply for national fellowships and scholarships. These opportunities empower awardees to:

  • work or take courses abroad
  • fund research
  • attend graduate school
  • assume a leadership role in public service 
  • study critical languages
  • secure a tuition scholarship

Learn more about National Fellowship opportunities and the rigorous application processes.