student nelson perez in lab coat using a pipette under a hood

Hands-on Research

Get connected with some of the amazing research being done on campus!

While some thesis projects begin in the classroom, many other theses grow out of research opportunities that students undertake with professors in a lab setting, or in professional development opportunities like internships. The earlier you can get involved with research, the better.

CHC Students have access to many more opportunities than those mentioned below. Make sure to check with your advisors and faculty mentors in both your major and the CHC to learn about additional opportunities specific to your interests. 

Featured Opportunity

Biomedical & Bioinformatics Research Internship and Training Experience (B-BRITE) at the Knight Cancer Institute at OHSU 

At least two Clark Honors College students will be selected for this prestigious internship at OHSU in Portland as part of the programming at the Knight Cancer Institute. 

Interns will immerse themselves in an 8-week research experience over the summer from late June-August, working directly with established mentors in various fields of biomedical research. Interns will attend weekly education sessions covering topics from cutting-edge technologies and choice of model system to career development. 

Benefits include: 

  • An introduction to experimental design and data analysis.
  • Participation in a guided research project facilitated by an experienced researcher.
  • Hands-on experience in cutting-edge biological and quantitative cancer research methods.
  • Weekly educational seminars and trainings, delivered by faculty and research professionals.
  • Development of written and oral communication skills.
  • Networking within a broad community of scientists.
  • Stipend of $4,500 for the full 8-week program.
  • Limited need-based housing and airfare support is available.

As a culminating experience, each intern will prepare and present their research at the final poster session to their peers, members of the Knight Cancer Institute and the wider OHSU Community. 

Clark Honors College students are encouraged to apply and are required to email the CHC assistant dean of advising and distinguished scholarships (raisanen@uoregon.edu) with a copy of your application and confirmation of your submission. 

Applications for Summer 2025 close on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 5 p.m. PST. 

Learn More and Apply:

OHSU Summer Internship Program

portrait of Andrés Olavarrieta Colasurdo with old cityscape in background

“Working at OHSU provided me with invaluable mentorship, opportunities to network with experienced researchers, and exposure to innovative techniques that have greatly expanded my knowledge and skills. After graduation, my plan is to advance my research career by pursuing a Ph.D. in biochemistry or a closely related subject, with the ambition of making significant contributions to the field of pharmaceutical development.”

—Andrés Olavarrieta Colasurdo, Biochemistry, Class of 2024

Other UO Research Opportunities and Resources

Knight Campus Undergraduate Scholars Program This program immerses a cohort of students with majors in the natural sciences in a full year of research in a Knight Campus-affiliated lab from January to December. 
Center for Undergraduate Research and Engagement (CURE): Offers resources for getting connected with undergraduate research opportunities, as well as summer research funding, conference funding, and emergency funds. 
Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP): Encourages and supports undergraduate research and creative scholarship in all academic disciplines included in the UO's eight undergraduate schools and colleges. 
McNair Scholars Program: Provides comprehensive support to earn undergraduate degrees, complete research projects, and apply to graduate schools. McNair participants are either first-generation college students with financial need, or members of underrepresented groups who have demonstrated strong academic potential.
University of Oregon Undergraduate Research Funding: A diverse set of internal awards and fellowships for research across a range of disciplines. 
​​​​​UO Undergraduate Research Symposium: Takes place each May. Hundreds of students present papers, posters, and performances as part of this event.