Undergraduate Research

Dan Cavanagh
Associate professor of biomedical and chemical engineering; Director of the biomedical engineering program; Emmitt Memorial Chair in Biomedical Engineering

"Bucknell's strong support of undergraduate research is an important reason that many students and faculty choose to come here. The valuable contributions the students make to faculty research projects play a big role in the success of the University."

 

Getting students ahead and setting Bucknell apart

Undergraduate research at Bucknell allows students to pursue meaningful scholarly work with faculty mentors - on a level usually reserved for graduate students. This opportunity to carry out sophisticated research — in any academic discipline — deepens students' understanding of their field and hones critical-thinking skills. Our undergraduate research program distinguishes Bucknell from many liberal arts institutions and appeals to the nation's best students and faculty.

Undergraduate research:

  • Exposes students to the practical applications of their academic disciplines, allowing them to learn in ways not possible in the classroom alone.
  • Puts the University in the spotlight when research coincides with current events.
  • Often contributes to University initiatives, such as the reclamation of Miller Run and the documentation of Bucknell's architectural history.

Real support for real research

Support for undergraduate research allows Bucknell's students to shine. One junior gave such an impressive presentation at a Rutgers Statistical Mechanics Conference that she was mistaken for a graduate student. Others have studied spider silk, presented term papers in Ireland, interviewed Holocaust survivors -- there are many excellent examples, and many more to come with increased support.

Why support undergraduate research?

  • It provides an excellent foundation for graduate work.
  • A gift of $2,500 can support a research student for a full-time summer opportunity or during one academic year.
  • Donors are invited to attend the Kalman Research Symposium, an exciting campus event where students present the results of their research projects.