Summer Undergraduate Research

Discover the intersection of innovation and healthcare by engaging in impactful research that addresses today’s most pressing health challenges.

Going Beyond the Classroom

In the dynamic field of health professions, hands-on research experience allows students to apply their knowledge to solve real-world health challenges. From improving patient outcomes to advancing public health, research within the College of Health Professions equips students with the tools to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare landscape.

Through this immersive approach, students enhance critical thinking, build resilience and refine communication skills — crucial abilities for navigating the complexities of modern healthcare environments.

Sample Student Projects

  • Amanda Bass on the impact of noise explosure on the inner ear. 
  • Kelly Canales Diaz on college students’ access to mental health services. 
  • Madeleine Klansek on varying communication styles among diverse populations. 
  • Sarah Girot on scoliosis and the impacts on the mechanics of walking. 
  • Morgan Fique on the effects of high-intensity strength training on people over the age of 60.

The Summer Research Experience

As a College of Health Professions undergraduate, you’ll collaborate with esteemed faculty mentors on research that contributes directly to the future of healthcare. These projects not only prepare you for the rigorous demands of the health professions but also immerse you in cutting-edge studies that aim to improve health outcomes for individuals and communities.

Together with your faculty mentor, you'll dive into research within your area of interest while developing essential skills in:

  • planning research projects
  • conducting fieldwork studies
  • analyzing results
  • honing your presentation skills
  • sharing significant findings and insights

summer 2025

Program Summary

  • Program Duration: 10 weeks starting in June
  • Student Engagement: Students will contribute 10 hours per week
  • Compensation: Students will be compensated at $15 per hour

The Value of Undergraduate Research

Research participation is more than academic enrichment; it's a pathway to professional development. Evidence shows that students engaged in research activities demonstrate:

  • higher academic performance
  • increased self-confidence
  • a stronger competitive edge when entering the workforce

We are committed to fostering an environment where faculty and students collaborate in the pursuit of innovative solutions to today’s health challenges. Our faculty, leaders in their respective fields, are dedicated to mentoring students and sharing their expertise and passion for health care research.

We tackle a broad spectrum of health issues, reflecting the diverse interests and needs of our community. Whether it's developing new therapeutic interventions, exploring preventive health measures or examining the social determinants of health, we aim our research efforts to improve the well-being of individuals and communities alike.

Past Research Examples

The College of Health Professions (CHP) has a wide variety of research projects available to suit your interests. Several examples of previous projects include:

  • Project: The relationship between whole-body and tissue-specific oxygen consumption
  • Faculty member: Nick Knuth
  • Student: Greg Chartier
  • Project: The viability and water-saving impact of Boss Defrost vs. RWM
  • Faculty member: Jillian Fry
  • Student: Erin McNeil
  • Project: Shared Decision-Making for Elective Induction of Labor
  • Faculty member: Stacey Iobst
  • Student: Ann Russell
  • Projects: Anti-Racist Educator Course and Grant writing for BLinG-Health (Black Leadership in Girls’ Health)
  • Faculty member: Tara Blackshear
  • Student: Dominique Green
  • Project: Measure SRM for smaller, yet realistic, spatial separations between the target and the maskers using simulated CI speech
  • Faculty member: Nirmal Srinivasan
  • Student: Sara-Grace McCannon

Ready to take the next step?

Contact the Research Chair

If you're ready to take this next pivotal step in your academic and professional journey, reach out to Dr. Nicholas Knuth to find your faculty mentor and start your summer of discovery.

The Application Process

Once a faculty member has recommended you for the program, the research committee will then review and approve your recommendation. 

CHP Undergraduate Research Committee

Grant Funding

Undergraduate research experiences at the College of Health Professions are enhanced through our Undergraduate research grant program.

The program is managed by the college's dedicated undergraduate research committee, who facilitate a competitive selection process. Grants are awarded based on the merit of research proposals developed by students in collaboration with their faculty research mentors.