Each Summer Quarter, students and faculty from the College of Science and Engineering undertake research with scientific and social merit. These projects allow students to apply their coursework to practical problems and help advance the Seattle University commitment to professional formation and mission to build a more just and humane world. Research projects may be funded by Seattle University or by grants from external organizations like the National Science Foundation.
In Summer 2022, more than two dozen students are working on 14 projects across the College. The projects range from an investigation of extratidal stars in the Milky Way galaxy to probing the molecular evolution of DNA repeats in the human body. Some students go into the field to study beaver habitats in floodplains, while others research in labs to synthesize new antiviral agents or build robots to assist with physical rehabilitation.
The College will show off the work of our students at the 2022 STEM Research Showcase in the Fall. Students interested in participating in future research should explore the research resources page.
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My wet lab research at Seattle U gave me the science 'bug.' I knew after working with my hands in the lab and doing real research that I wanted to continue down that path. I credit my research experience as an undergraduate with my decision to get my PhD and ultimately pursue a career in chemistry. Currently, I use this knowledge working as a researcher at IBM formulating new chemistries for plastics, plastics recycling, and advanced computing.
Jeannette M. Garcia, PhD, '06 Research Staff Member, IBM Almaden Research Center
“While we are dedicated to helping students learn the essential concepts of science, we involve students in research so they also learn to do science—the whole messy, challenging, uncertain, embracing, thrilling experience.”
“I want to create an inclusive, supportive and academically challenging learning environment where personal attention from faculty, peer mentoring, collaboration and hands-on projects help our students reach their potential. I believe the best learning happens when students feel that they belong to a community; they are inspired not only to excel in their courses but also to innovate.”
“The most important thing I hope my students take away from my classes is that mathematics is a beautiful, complex, structured, abstract, growing realm and that, by exploring this realm, students will develop important skills that not only allow them to better navigate and appreciate mathematics itself, but any area of human thought.”
“I want to maximize each student’s potential by understanding their interests and aspirations and by creating a program that will help them be successful in life and career.”