Unveiling Wesleyan Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Wesleyan University provides a rich ecosystem of undergraduate research opportunities, fostering intellectual curiosity, problem-solving skills, and preparation for future academic and professional endeavors. Students are encouraged to embark on research journeys as early as their first year, delving into diverse fields and collaborating closely with faculty mentors. These experiences culminate in opportunities to present and publish findings, solidifying their contributions to their respective fields.
A Thriving Research Community
Wesleyan's commitment to undergraduate research is evident in the robust participation in summer research programs. In 2025, 194 Wesleyan undergraduates and 229 total students engaged in summer research, primarily on campus. The 2025 symposium showcased their work through 12 oral presentations by 16 students and 137 posters, with 20 individual students receiving prizes. Similar engagement was seen in 2024, with 200 Wesleyan undergraduates and 226 total students participating, resulting in 6 oral presentations, 150 posters, and 18 individual student prizes. The 2023 program saw 192 Wesleyan undergraduates and 207 total students involved, featuring 14 oral presentations, 126 posters, and 27 individual student prizes. These figures highlight the consistent and significant involvement of undergraduates in research activities at Wesleyan.
Diverse Avenues for Research
Wesleyan offers various avenues for undergraduates to engage in research. While the Honors Project stands as a prominent form of independent research, all students have the opportunity to undertake their own research projects. Many academic units offer course credit options for students pursuing research, allowing them to dedicate time to their projects within the structure of their academic curriculum.
Financial Support for Research
Wesleyan recognizes the importance of financial support for students engaged in research. While presenting or publishing research may incur costs, the university offers scholarships, grants, and stipends to incentivize students to share their findings. The Research in Science Summer Fellows program, for instance, provides a total of $5000 to aid students in their study and research. Participants in this program are expected to dedicate their time to their projects and studies and refrain from accepting paid or volunteer positions during the summer program.
The Research in Science Summer Program
The Research in Science Summer Program is an in-person, on-campus research experience. In select cases, research may be conducted remotely if required and strongly advocated by the faculty mentor. Wesleyan science faculty members serve as mentors for independent student research in their laboratories. Faculty mentors affected by the move to New Science (those housed in Hall-Atwater and Shanklin laboratories, typically in the Biology, Chemistry, and MB&B departments) will be asked additional questions regarding plans for times when their lab space is unavailable.
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Connecting Students with Opportunities
Wesleyan provides resources to help students navigate the research landscape. Students are encouraged to explore research areas, connect with faculty, students, and the OUR Director to identify a research opportunity that aligns with their interests. Exploring faculty research activities and interests can reveal ongoing faculty research programs and activities that students may be able to join. Attending the annual NCWU Undergraduate Research Symposium/Conference offers insights into how other students are conducting their research.
Finding a research mentor, typically a faculty member, is a crucial step in obtaining guidance and exposure to more research opportunities. Wesleyan offers a faculty research database to facilitate connections between students and potential mentors.
Undergraduate Research Program (URP)
The Undergraduate Research Program (URP) fosters high-impact student learning through faculty-mentored scholarship and creative production. Undergraduate Research (UR) consists of academic projects undertaken by a student or team of students and a faculty mentor. UR projects explore a research question and require a scholarly or creative product intended for public presentation and/or publication. The Undergraduate Research Program awards grants to faculty-mentored students to support student projects. The Academic Symposium is a conference-style event held each semester where students share their research work.
Troy and de Wit Grant Fund for the Study of Guns & Society
The Troy and de Wit Grant Fund for the Study of Guns & Society offers Wesleyan University undergraduates an opportunity to engage in meaningful, hands-on research related to the social and historical implications of gun use, violence, and prevention. This grant supports connecting students with nonprofit organizations where they can apply their academic skills to real-world research. This opportunity is designed for students interested in firearms-related public policy research who want to make a tangible impact.
As The Troy de Wit Research Scholar, students receive funding to support their work with a qualified nonprofit. Depending on the position, opportunities may be structured as hourly student employment or as internship stipends. This is a chance to deepen understanding of complex firearms-related issues, build a network, and develop research skills. Nonprofits can partner with Wesleyan by hosting a dedicated undergraduate student researcher, providing them with a funded student researcher to assist with projects that advance their mission at no cost. Wesleyan seeks nonprofits who can offer mentorship, clear project goals, and a structured work environment (remote, hybrid, or on-site). CSGS facilitates the connection between students and nonprofits. Organizations submit proposals detailing their research needs, and CSGS reviews these opportunities and promotes them to qualified Wesleyan students. The Center’s director reviews applications and forwards qualified students to nonprofits for consideration. Students can share a link to their Handshake profile and indicate their interest in research during the academic year, summer, or both.
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Benefits of Undergraduate Research
Engaging in undergraduate research at Wesleyan offers numerous benefits. Students develop new ways to solve problems and thoroughly explore different subject areas. They gain valuable experience in conducting research in their chosen area, preparing themselves for graduate school or employment. Furthermore, undergraduate research provides opportunities to present their work during one of Wesleyan's annual undergraduate conferences. Faculty and student publications and presentations are often highlighted on departmental webpages and/or social media.
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