Put Your Wonder to Work
Each summer, Ƶ’s School of Natural Science & Mathematics offers nearly 80 students an immersive, hands-on research experience alongside expert faculty mentors.
From human health and environmental stewardship to sustainable materials, science education, public health, and astrophysics, Ƶ students pursue questions that matter. Current projects include research on pregnancy-related toxicant-pathogen interactions, rare disease variants, cancer treatment strategies, ecological restoration, wildlife monitoring, sustainable cobalt recycling, AI in chemistry education, public health in Guatemala, coastal dune change, and binary stars.
These experiences cultivate curiosity by inviting students to ask meaningful questions, test ideas, and contribute to real discovery. Along the way, students build employable skills in teamwork, communication, data analysis, problem-solving, scientific writing, and professional presentation.
Summer research also strengthens students’ credentials through mentored experience, technical training, and opportunities to present their work. Whether students pursue immediate post-B.S. employment, graduate study, or professional programs in medicine, health, education, or other fields, Ƶ research helps them prepare with confidence, purpose, and practical experiences.
student researchers participate in roughly 40 different projects.
of full-time research, with a paid stipend.
of projects are fully funded.
Carnegie Research Classification
Ƶ’s designation as a Research College and University (RCU) by the Carnegie Classification recognizes what students experience here every day: excellent teaching and active research working together. Ƶ is one of only five Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) institutions with a Carnegie research classification and leads CCCU institutions in the number of , one of the nation’s top honors for undergraduate researchers in science, mathematics, and engineering.
For students, that means exceptional mentoring, meaningful discovery, and strong preparation for graduate school, professional programs, research careers, and employment after graduation.
You’re not just showing up, doing the work, and leaving. We’re very involved in the scientific process—it’s a perk of being at a small school.
Student Experience
- Community: Share lab spaces, take part in a collaborative culture, and build connections through fun activities.
- Mentorship: Partner with faculty mentors and work together daily.
- Presentation Experience: Share your findings with fellow scientists and the Ƶ community at the Natural Science and Mathematics Summer Research Poster Fair.
- Career Impact: Build your resume, prepare for grad school, and maybe even have your research published!
Summer Research Project Highlights
Take a look at some recent or ongoing summer research projects. Picture yourself collecting data, running experiments, and making a real-world impact, all while building skills to launch your future in Natural Sciences and Mathematics!
The professors are so intentional about connecting with you as an individual, as a person, and that grows during the research. You are working alongside your professor, not under them.
