Faculty-Led Richter research and creative practice projects make a big impact on students and faculty at Occidental College.
The next chapter of Richter research continues its innovative format. This exciting opportunity expands our ability to engage students in faculty mentored impactful research and creative practice.
- Faculty guide groups of two to three students through an international project for two to three weeks over the summer.
- Students work on independent projects that support an overall research question or creative practice related to the faculty member’s area of expertise.
- Students are supported through the process of selecting their objective by the faculty member and given basic tools that will allow them to run their short-term project independently. Faculty mentors are available for guidance as needed and aid in tying components together at the end of the experience.
- Faculty members from any discipline interested in leading a group of students submit an application to the IPO detailing the proposed coursework and methods and the anticipated impact of their research or creative practice.
The International Programs Committee reviews applications for strength of the proposed program and its ability to place students in dynamic independent project situations. Following the decision of the committee, selected projects are announced on the IPO website. Interested students submit an application that demonstrates a clear project idea, as it relates to the topic, and willingness to work both independently and as part of a larger group. Faculty select their student team, and student participants are subject to the College's mandatory clearance and pre-departure process.
This new short-term faculty-led Richter format will expand the number of students who are able to take advantage of these high-impact experiences and develop into lifelong leaders and researchers in the international community. Learn more about the Faculty-Led Richter Research & Creative Practice Project Academic Policies and Procedures. Interested applicants should meet early in January with Julie Santos to explore potential project ideas and discuss any questions or concerns.
Deadlines
- Winter/Summer 2027 Project Implementation (new proposals): February 1, 2026
