Student Research

At Occidental College, students have no shortage of opportunities to make original intellectual and creative contributions to their disciplines through undergraduate research and faculty-mentored projects.

Why undergraduate research?

Whether it’s testing a scientific hypothesis, composing a new piece of music or observing human subjects, a hallmark of the Oxy experience is opportunities for students to engage in research—often at a level typically reserved for graduate students. Undergraduate research lets you do a deep dive into a topic that fascinates you, collaborate directly with a faculty mentor, and develop skills that will prepare you for graduate or professional work. Students from all disciplines are encouraged to do research, whether on campus, in the diverse settings of Los Angeles, or around the world.

Absolutely! Oxy students have many opportunities to engage in research in various disciplines. The College places a strong emphasis on research and encourages students to participate in faculty-mentored projects. Some undergraduates have even published papers in renowned journals. Here's a good place to start.

With research options spanning many of our areas of study, Occidental College can satisfy almost any interest. Explore some specific student research opportunities and if something catches your eye, reach out to professors to learn more about their work (you can do this even if a particular professor is not on the list).

A Deep Dive Into Student Research

Head into open waters with Bianca Dal Bó ’24 Ruby Siehl ’24, two Oxy undergrads who conduct research onboard the Atlantis research vessel with Professor of Biology Shana Goffredi.

Our research centers and hubs

Oxy’s Undergraduate Research Center (URC) provides resources for creative endeavors and original projects on- and off-campus, in all disciplines. You may apply to conduct research of your own design or join a faculty research team through URC’s annual Summer Research Program. The Anderson Center for Environmental Sciences is an interdisciplinary group of research-driven faculty, staff and students whose goals are studying Earth’s environment, solving environmental problems and developing the next generation of environmental scientists. The Genomics Center is a collaborative hub for studying DNA, facilitating professional research and training Oxy students in cutting-edge genomic techniques, equipment and analysis.

Daria Undeland headshot

“My first year, I had the opportunity to be a research assistant under Profs. Lopez and Harris, where I explored the role of education in reducing recidivism. That summer, I became an independent researcher through the Summer Research Program, working with Prof. Mora on trade interdependence. I continued my research at the International Fund for Agricultural Development, conducting impact assessments on developing projects and creating an asset index.”

Daria Undeland
Economics major
Alana Pizarro headshot

“The fact that Oxy is not a ‘research institution’ is actually a huge benefit for you. The opportunities saved for graduate students and postdocs at larger universities are available to you here. Learn about your professors’ research and reach out to them if you are at all interested in their work!”

Alana Pizarro
Biology major

Mentorship and support

Many Oxy students conduct directed research as part of their senior comps project. At Occidental, you’ll have access to faculty who are committed to mentoring students in addition to a range of academic support services.

  • Occidental students on a faculty-led research trip to the La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica. The group studies plants and animals of the tropical rain forest in an intensive and immersive program.

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  • Geology professor Ann Blythe and her students in GEO105 take a field trip to Vasquez Rocks, San Andreas Fault Road Cut in Palmdale, and the Devils Punchbowl in Pearblossom.

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  • Students in Professor Jesse Mora’s economics class, "Firm-Level International Trade and Investment," take a tour of the Port of Long Beach.

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  • Clarasophia Gust ’19 collects water samples and data in Eaton Canyon as a summer intern for the Council for Watershed Health, part of Oxy’s InternLA program.

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  • Josh Medina '19 undertook a multi-year project to 3-D digitize bird specimens at the Moore Lab of Zoology that culminated in a submitted journal article, an appearance on NPR’s Science Friday, and an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship.

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  • Alice Feng ’20 and Alexandra Pfleegor ’20 give presentations on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects to students at Buchanan Street Elementary School in the Highland Park neighborhood of Los Angeles.

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  • A student presents the results of her summer research to peers and faculty at the Undergraduate Research Center's annual Summer Research Conference.

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Learning in Depth

Oxy’s emphasis on undergraduate research allows you to dig in to the subjects you’re most passionate about and gain valuable hands-on experience. Students and their faculty mentors collaborate directly on work that is both rigorous and rewarding.

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