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. 

On this Page:
Knight Campus Undergraduate Scholars Program
Summer Research Internship at the Knight Cancer Center at OHSU

 

Other UO Research Opportunities and Resources:
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.
group of 10 students posing outside the Knight Campus building on a gray day

Knight Campus Undergraduate Scholars Program 

Clark Honors College sophomores and juniors with at least a 3.3 GPA are eligible to apply to become a prestigious Knight Campus Undergraduate Scholar. The program enables students majoring in the natural sciences to participate in a comprehensive research experience geared toward developing the next generation of leading researchers. 

The program immerses a cohort of students in a full year of research in a Knight Campus affiliated lab from January to December. 

Support of the Knight Campus Undergraduate Scholars program comes from the Clark Honors College, Thermo Fisher Scientific Corporation, and generous donors. Honors College support guarantees at least one CHC student will be able to participate. 

Benefits: 

  • A $16,000 stipend that will be paid out to each student over the course of the calendar year
  • Matched to a mentor who will work with you on your project and supervise your research
  • Professional development and other activities to enhance your research skills
  • Work 10 weeks over the summer on your research

Learn More and Apply:

Knight Campus Undergraduate Scholars Program

student portrait of Dora Ho

“Throughout all middle school and high school, my goals were set on becoming a pediatric nurse. The way children think about the world and themselves has always intrigued me. With my general sciences degree that I aim to achieve here at the University of Oregon, I am also interested in possibly becoming a teacher, giving back to the community in the way that my teachers and professors did for me. The chance to be included in an esteemed research program such as at Knight Campus will not only allow me to expand my knowledge but also an opportunity to aid in the discovery of technologies and methods that will greatly impact the scientific community.”

—Dora Ho, Multidisciplinary Science, Class of 2025

student portrait of walker meyer

“Since joining the Cresko lab in March of 2022, I have been exposed to academic research dealing with questions of ecology and evolution rooted in genetics. Working with Shannon Snyder on her Ph.D. research has been one of the most eye opening and exciting opportunities in my education and has launched my own passion for scientific research.”

—Walker Meyer, Biology, Class of 2024

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