First-year biology majors explore genome annotation and bioinformatic analyses by participating in the national SEA-PHAGES initiative.
What is research?
It isn’t just for natural science students who want to experiment in a lab or do field work — it’s for anyone who wants to investigate a topic or academic discipline on a deeper level under the mentorship of a faculty expert. Undergraduate research and creative experiences are available for Drexel’s College of Arts and Sciences students across all majors and most minors in the humanities, natural sciences and social sciences beginning as early as your first year.
Questions? We are eager to hear from you!
Gain Experience
Find a Mentor
Get Funding
STAR Scholars Program
Quicklinks
Drexel Undergraduate Research & Enrichment (UREP)
Undergraduate Research – Drexel
Research – College of Arts and Sciences
Gain experience
Opportunities abound for College of Arts and Sciences students to pursue hands-on experience in research, entrepreneurial pursuits and creative work. Many of our students receive research awards for their work and are published in academic journals — some even in their freshman year. Apply for a research fellowship or scholarship, conduct an independent study on a topic of your choice, join a faculty or group project, apply for a research co-op, take a research-based course elective, or conduct lab work. The possibilities are limitless!
Allison Choong, sociology '28, won the 'quick pitch' grand prize at Drexel's 2024 Week of Undergraduate Excellence for her presentation “Safiya Speaks Up: Amplifying Voices, Empowering Change,” about a book she co-created for girls, by girl activists.
Find a mentor
One of the most important steps in a student’s career as an undergraduate researcher is finding a faculty mentor. Faculty mentors are a source of support and guidance, both in the research setting and in guiding future endeavors by providing advice on graduate school or potential career paths.
Undergraduate research, creative and entrepreneurial experiences enable students to gain skills while clarifying their academic and professional goals. When students work one-on-one with faculty, it allows them to build lasting relationships with renowned experts.
Nathan Nazario, history '26, works to uncover the long lost natural history and biodiversity of Latin America while researching the archives at the Academy of Natural Sciences.
Get Funding
Mini Grants and Travel Grants
Drexel University’s Pennoni Honors College offers Undergraduate Research Mini Grants that allow undergraduate students and faculty to collaborate on research projects, scholarly efforts and creative work that encourage students to gain hands-on experience while they build vital skills. The Pennoni Honors College also offers Travel Grants for students who have been accepted to present their scholarly work at local, national and international conferences.
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Paige DeAngelo, communication, entrepreneurship and innovation ’23, launched Aer Cosmetics, a green ‘causemetics’ brand, as an undergrad. In 2024, Aer Cosmetics was one of three startups selected by the Drexel Innovation Fund to receive a $150,000 award.
ASURS – Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Support Fund
The College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Support (ASURS) Fund promotes hands-on involvement in research and scholarly activities for undergraduates enrolled in a College of Arts and Sciences major or minor. Successful applicants receive $1,500 in funding over six months for three to five weekly work hours. They are matched with a faculty mentor or PhD candidate in the College. Students in good academic standing who do not receive course credit for other research endeavors are strongly encouraged to apply for funding. Students can expect to gain vital skills through field experiences, laboratory settings and special workshops on using qualitative data, statistical analysis, preparing a case study, conducting community outreach projects – and so much more.
Questions? Please email Ashley Dickinson, PhD, at ald393@drexel.edu.
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Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Experience Fund
In addition, the College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Experience Fund helps students access rewarding extracurricular activities without being deterred by the cost. Financial assistance of up to $1,000 is available to qualified students with majors in the College of Arts and Sciences who wish to pursue an academic or civic opportunity outside of the classroom including, but not limited to:
- Presentations at academic conferences.
- Chances for study abroad.
- Conducting research outside of Drexel.
- Civic engagement aligned with their major.
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STAR Scholars Program
Drexel University’s Students Tackling Advanced Research (STAR) Scholars Program is an opportunity for highly motivated first-year students to engage in an early faculty-mentored undergraduate research, scholarship or creative experience during the summer after their freshman year. This competitive program encourages students to take a hands-on approach to their education. STAR Scholars earn a stipend and live in free on-campus housing for the summer term as they complete 350 hours of faculty-mentored activity. Their summer immersion experience culminates with a poster presentation at the annual STAR Scholars Showcase.
Learn more
STAR Scholars – Arts and Sciences Summer Showcase 2023
Roughly ten percent of first-year College of Arts and Sciences majors participated in the STAR Scholars Program during summer 2023. Below are some examples of the hands-on research, scholarship and creative projects they developed.