One of the unique characteristics of the College of Science at the University of Notre Dame is that it allows students to conduct research as undergraduates. Participating in undergraduate research is an excellent opportunity for students to truly explore what interests them, and apply what they have learned in the classroom and teaching laboratory.
There are many different research programs offered by the college. This past summer, forty-five College of Science students received Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) for their work, including eight students who were placed at research centers across the nation including the Indiana University School of Medicine and Cold Spring Harbor.
While working with a faculty mentor, undergraduate students have conducted research on topics such as improving drugs for cystic fibrosis patients, increasing the immune system response to cancer cells, and applying financial mathematics to developing sustainable energy. Although problems like these currently being studied by Notre Dame undergraduates have no clear solution, students enjoy working on these challenging projects as they expand their critical thinking skills, become more independent, and make a real difference in the world.
