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Undergraduate Research

The ´óÏóÊÓƵ is big enough to make an impact through research and creative inquiry. And we’re also small enough to invite you into the process of discovery—whether that’s in the lab, the studio, the field, or the archive. Get ready to jump into the action.

A student conducts hands-on research in a ´óÏóÊÓƵ laboratory.

More than 300 programs across nine schools and colleges. Find your path — from undergraduate degrees to advanced research.

Fall Classes Begin: September 28, 2026

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Your journey to the ´óÏóÊÓƵ starts here. Submit an application, explore financial aid and scholarships, or schedule a campus visit.

Early Action Deadline: November 1, 2026

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A top-tier R1 research university where breakthroughs happen every day.

´óÏóÊÓƵ research expenditures: $267M annually

Life at the ´óÏóÊÓƵ is more than classes. It's community, culture, and the kind of experiences that shape who you become.

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Research with Real Reach

Undergraduate research puts you shoulder-to-shoulder with faculty mentors, who are working to answer questions without easy answers. You’ll help make discoveries that impact communities in Oregon and beyond.

Students conduct collaborative research in ´óÏóÊÓƵ facilities.

When Research Drives Self-Discovery

Neuroscience major Valerie Owusu-Hienno has researched maternal health since her first year at the ´óÏóÊÓƵ. Her hands-on lab experience—and winning the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship—shaped her plans to work as a physician-scientist and launch a global health residency in her native Ghana. Becoming a 2026 Rhodes Scholar National Finalist helped to cement her future.

  • 42 Oregon Ducks have won the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship, which supports undergraduates nationwide who aspire to be the next generation of research leaders.
  • 13 ´óÏóÊÓƵ Grant and fellowship programs are dedicated to funding and supporting undergraduate research.
  • 55 First-year students will join the first-ever, invitation-only cohort for the Provost Undergraduate Research Assistantship.

In the Lab and Beyond

Research is a great way to sharpen your skills—including your ability to problem-solve. It helps set you up for a future career or graduate school. That’s why as an undergraduate researcher at the ´óÏóÊÓƵ, you’ll get enthusiastic support for your work, including faculty mentorship, publication submission, and access to fellowships and grants.

  • Student working in the ´óÏóÊÓƵ’s research greenhouse facilities.

    Research Starts with Questions

    What can a bonobo ape teach us about our humanity? How do Ponderosa pines develop resilience to wildfires? Can we design for greater accessibility in athletic sportswear? Undergraduate researchers at the ´óÏóÊÓƵ are asking original questions—and their work is making a difference.

  • Marcus Chaknova examines a sample through a microscope.

    Tiny Particles, Huge Fallout

    Marine biology and geology major Marcus Chaknova had a remarkable opportunity while on an Oregon research cruise in the South Pacific: He found an underwater ecosystem covered in ash from an underwater volcano that had erupted four months earlier. His published research holds big implications for deep-sea mining and has sparked international interest.

  • Photo illustration of female android

    The Dangers of Technology

    What can a female android tell us about the dangers of technology and authority? Plenty, according to cinema studies major Elsa Rogers, who researched the 1927 movie Metropolis. Her takeaway: Through its evil female robot, the dystopian film reflects a deep distrust of new technology and our ability to control it. In an era of burgeoning AI, the android’s lesson is more relevant than ever.

  • Tucker Orman stands beside scuba research equipment in a laboratory.

    The Biology of Scuba

    Human physiology major Tucker Orman didn’t know anything about scuba diving when he arrived at the ´óÏóÊÓƵ. But he jumped at the chance to manage a study of how cold-water divers maintain core body temperatures. From coordinating participants to publishing a peer-reviewed paper, Orman embraced the role of researcher. His most important discovery? How to balance the technical and human sides of science.

I did a seven-month internship in Bocas del Tora, Panama, researching at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. I worked mainly with urchins; collecting, spawning, and raising their larvae and applying both chronic and acute stress situations.

Jessalynn SpearsMajor: Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography; Former Intern, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Showcase Your Research

Oregon celebrates student research every year during the Undergraduate Research Symposium. It’s a chance to join hundreds of peers from every college and school across the ´óÏóÊÓƵ and present your work to the university and the broader community. Poster presentations, performing arts pieces, exhibits—this high-energy showcase draws crowds.

Get Research Support

Fellowships, funding, and mentorship are just some of the ways that Oregon supports undergraduate research. Dive into the exciting opportunities here.

  • Resources and Support

    Summer research, conference funding, faculty connections, and distinguished scholarships—explore opportunities to get involved in undergraduate research and creative practice.

  • Funding for Undergraduate Research

    From mini-grants to fellowship programs, there’s funding available to support student research and scholarship across every academic discipline.

  • Advising and Mentorship

    All students, regardless of major or year, can reach out to the Undergraduate Research and Distinguished Scholarships team for individual advising about research opportunities.

Still Curious? Keep Going.

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