Explore the Unknown

Research at Elms is more than conducting an experiment or helping a professor with a project. It’s an immersive, student-driven exploration of what’s possible. Participating in research helps you:

  • Gain a deeper understanding of your major.
  • Develop critical thinking and analysis skills.
  • Learn how to make decisions.
  • Manage deadlines.
  • Make original contributions to your field.
  • Prepare for graduate school.
  • Strengthen your resume.
  • Pursue your passion and explore questions that are meaningful to you.
Biology major Mariah Dudash ’20 was part of a team at the Pioneer Valley Life Sciences Institute investigating new treatments for cancer.

Find Rewarding Experiences On and Off-Campus

Elms students have access to challenging, rewarding research opportunities both on and off-campus. Several academic centers on campus prioritize undergraduate research, including:

Many majors and minors have additional opportunities for students to publish their work in academic journals, including nursing, biology, biotechnology, chemistry, bioethics and medical humanities, communication sciences and disorders, psychology, English, and others. With the guidance of your faculty advisor, you can pursue this type of experience to prepare for graduate school or a career focused on research.

Depending on your interests, off-campus research experiences are also available. These positions often take the form of a paid or unpaid internship with a local business, think tank, or area college or university. Off-campus research experiences are invaluable because they:

  • Introduce you to different workplace environments.
  • Spark your leadership abilities.
  • Encourage academic freedom and independent thinking.
  • Build your professional network by connecting you with students from other schools and universities who share your interests, as well as professionals already established in the field.

All Elms students have the option of pursuing research experiences, regardless of their major.

Research Highlight

  • Photo of CSD major Jill Coulter '20 conducting research on hearing aids

    Investigating Bias Towards Hearing Aids

    Jill Coulter ’20, a communication sciences and disorders major, collaborated with an Elms professor to investigate implicit bias towards people who use hearing aids.

    Learn more

Work with Incredible Faculty

Many professors at Elms regularly collaborate with students on research projects. In the Division of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Technology, students often work in teams to support faculty research. Independent research opportunities are also available, and can be arranged in consultation with your advisor. Previous research collaborations include:

Our award-winning faculty also maintain connections with fellow professionals and academics working in western Massachusetts and beyond. These connections can often lead to off-campus research opportunities for students interested in broadening their research experiences. Recent off-campus research projects include:

Secure Funding

Elms College has several funding resources available to students interested in research, as well as internships, study abroad trips, and mission trips. Visit our experiential learning funds page to learn more.