Undergraduate Student Research
Students at Bryn Mawr begin building research skills from their first day in the classroom. They work closely with faculty and classmates, think critically, and explore the questions that matter most to them.
Research Experience
Bryn Mawr offers many ways for undergraduate students to get involved in research. After declaring a major, students refine their research skills through coursework, research methods classes, and senior thesis projects.
Students can also work with faculty on research, receive funding to present at conferences, use library resources, or earn a summer fellowship for an independent project. Along the way, they receive close faculty mentorship and develop the skills needed for future research and graduate study.
Emily Geoghegan '17"Field work during my time at Bryn Mawr fundamentally changed how I think as a scientist."
Faculty Mentorship
Students and faculty work together to explore big questions. With support from faculty mentors, students build research skills and discover new ideas.
Faculty mentors help students:
- Find research opportunities that match their interests.
- Develop research skills and confidence.
- Prepare presentations and publications.
- Explore graduate school and career paths.
Research Across the Disciplines
STEM Research
Bryn Mawr students often double major in STEM fields, or select a STEM major and a minor that complement their areas of academic interest. They work closely with faculty and gain experience that prepares them for graduate study and STEM careers.
Research opportunities include:
- Laboratory and field research.
- Independent research projects.
- Data collection and analysis.
- Conference presentations.
- Senior thesis research.
Humanities & Social Science Research
Bryn Mawr students explore the people, cultures, and ideas that shape our world through original research in the humanities and social sciences. They work closely with faculty and pursue research that makes an impact.
Research opportunities include:
- Archival and library research.
- Fieldwork and community-based research.
- Data analysis and original scholarship.
- Independent research projects.
- Senior thesis research.
Summer Science Research
Undergraduate research initiatives are central to Bryn Mawr College's approach to science education.
All science majors are encouraged to conduct mentored research projects during the summer and/or academic year.
Meet Our Student Researchers
Undergraduate Research News
Explore stories of Bryn Mawr students engaged in research, creativity, and discovery.
More Research Opportunities
Undergraduate Research FAQs
Students begin building research skills in their classes from their first semester. Many students join research projects early in their college careers, and opportunities continue to grow after they declare a major
Yes. Undergraduate research is available across the arts, humanities, social sciences, and STEM fields. Students work with faculty on projects that match their interests and academic goals.
Faculty mentor students through research projects, independent studies, senior thesis work, and summer research. Students work closely with professors to ask questions, develop ideas, and share their findings.
Yes. Bryn Mawr offers funded research opportunities, including summer fellowships and programs that allow students to focus on research while receiving financial support.
Yes. Many students present their research at campus events and academic conferences. Some also receive support to travel and share their work with a wider audience.
Research looks different in every discipline. Students may conduct laboratory research, analyze data, complete fieldwork, study archival materials, create original scholarship, or work with community partners.