For a better experience, click the Compatibility Mode icon above to turn off Compatibility Mode, which is only for viewing older websites.

Undergraduate Research

Begin as early as your freshman year

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 College ASURS Program Drexel STAR Scholars

Quicklinks

Drexel Undergraduate Research & Enrichment (UREP)

Research – College of Arts and Sciences


Allison Choong, BA sociology '28, received the 'quick pitch' grand prize during Drexel's 2024 Week of Undergraduate Excellence.

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, BA 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.

Nathan Nazario, BA history '26, shows us that, with a bit of digging, the long lost natural history and biodiversity of Latin America can be resurfaced.

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, BA 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.

Recent alum Paige DeAngelo, BA communication ’23, has launched Aer Cosmetics, a green ‘causemetics’ brand she developed from the ground up at Drexel.

Get Funding

Drexel Mini Grants and Travel Grants

The Pennoni Honors College offers Undergraduate Research Mini Grants that encourage students to gain hands-on experience while they build vital skills. The Honors College also provides Travel Grants for students who have been accepted to present their scholarly work at local, national and international conferences.

Paige DeAngelo, BA communication, entrepreneurship and innovation ’23, launched Aer Cosmetics as an undergrad and was one of three startups to receive a $150,000 award from the Drexel Innovation Fund in 2024.

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.

Questions? Please email Nikolas G. Kozel, MS '12, Assistant Vice President of Development, at kozel@drexel.edu.

Drexel University student Khristina Cabrera, BA English, participated in the 2024 STAR Scholar program.

Drexel 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      View the Showcase

Khristina Cabrera, BA english ’28, presented “Filipina Identities at Malayabg Kababaihan (Strong and Independent Women),” as a 2024 STAR Scholar.

ASURS – Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Support Program

The College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Support (ASURS) program 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.