Research
The ripple effect of undergraduate research is far-reaching. Undergraduates work alongside some of the university’s most accomplished faculty to help solve society’s most intractable problems. Together, their work spans all majors and is conducted in labs, libraries, communities, art studios and nature. This immersive education prepares students for careers in research, teaches invaluable skills like persistence, teamwork, critical thinking and creative problem-solving, and advances our basic understanding of how things work. Students love it, too. More than 80% of them participate in research over the course of their undergraduate education.
What you’ll find here: Undergraduate research opportunities // Research led by UAA programs // Stories about undergraduate and UAA research
Navy to Neuroscience
Undergraduate and Navy veteran Kristin Bennett brings her firsthand experience with traumatic brain injuries into the lab, determined to uncover mysteries about the brain to advance knowledge and treatment.
A boundless connection
Kavin “Ken” Srinakarin, is a first-generation international student dedicated to reshaping dialogues on mental health and promoting research equity. His physiological research stokes his curiosity about the unknown.
Undergraduate research opportunities
Mary Gates Endowment for Students
Scholarships for students to carry out a research project in any field under the guidance of a faculty mentor, with additional support from co-mentors such as graduate students or postdoctoral associates. Projects can include laboratory or other quantitative or qualitative research, community-based research, creative arts or other scholarly work. (Leadership and innovation scholarships are also available.)
Office of Undergraduate Research
The Office of Undergraduate Research helps students engage in research with UW faculty mentors in all disciplines. The Office of Undergraduate Research offers research scholarships, hosts summer research programs, provides courses and workshops, convenes the Undergraduate Research Symposium and summer symposia, and supports the Undergraduate Research Leaders program.
Research led by UAA programs
Research is a vital part of Undergraduate Academic Affairs’ commitment to undergraduate success. Our researchers investigate the most effective learning and support strategies for a wide range of students, whether they are transfer, first-generation, traditional or non-traditional students. They guide colleagues across campus and the country in designing studies, developing assessment strategies and helping educators turn data into actionable steps.
Community College Research Initiatives
Community College Research Initiatives (CCRI) conducts research on equitable college access, progression and transfer, degree completion and employment in living-wage careers for underserved and diverse students. CCRI researchers provide strategies and guidance to institutions across the country about using data to increase student success and access to higher education.
Office of Educational Assessment
Provides a variety of evaluation and assessment services to the UW and outside organizations. Office of Educational Assessment researchers conduct assessment of student and program outcomes and evaluate grant-funded programs. The office also facilitates student course evaluations, classroom test scoring and proctored test administration.
Resilience Lab
The Resilience Lab is running a longitudinal study on student resilience and well-being. The study will follow four cohorts of first-year students through graduation to gain insights into what resources help them through stressful events and contribute to their mental health and academic success.
Stories about undergraduate and UAA research
Outstanding opportunity for an EEP/Academy Academic advisor
February 20, 2025
The Robinson Center has an outstanding opportunity for an EEP/Academy Academic Advisor/Coach to join their team. The Robinson Center Early Entrance Program (EEP) and UW Academy (Academy) Academic advisor/coach will guide and support students in exploring, questioning and navigating the events and significance of their undergraduate education. They will provide academic planning services and support…
More than money: Scholarships, jobs, internships map to students' interests
February 18, 2025
Funding opportunities abound across UAA with a broad range of funded opportunities — scholarships, internships and jobs — that connect to and support students’ interests.
Celebrating the 2023–24 Undergraduate Medalists
February 5, 2025
Each year, the University of Washington awards the President’s Medalist Award to its top undergraduates. For 2023–2024, Samuel Perkowski, Mia Grayson and Cher Zhang were chosen for their academic excellence, including high GPAs, rigorous coursework and Honors classes. All three biochemistry majors have pursued impactful research and embraced the Husky Experience through activities like lab…