Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity

Undergraduate Research

Students engaging in undergraduate research and creative activities develop critical thinking and problem solving skills while contributing new knowledge and creative works to their disciplines. These transformative experiences not only deepen academic understanding and build community, but also serve as catalysts for vocational discernment and guide students towards meaningful career paths.

Much of the work of the URCA program is funded through the generosity of donors. If you are in a position to help support Xavier student researchers, please contact Eric Thompson (Thompsone10@xavier.edu and 513-745-4306) to make your gift now.

For information on how to get involved in URCA please contact Kathryn Morris, Director of Undergraduate Research (morrisk10@xavier.edu).

student sitting at table writing on notebook

Who Does Undergraduate Research

Students from all majors can participate in undergraduate research and creative activity.

View stories from past participants
View past projects
Submit your own story

Important Dates and Forms

Stay up-to-date with the links below. Find opportunities to participate in undergraduate research and creative activities, and view the forms for quick links.

View Important Dates
View URCA Forms

students wearing goggles performing experiment

Research Opportunities

There are opportunities for students in any major to participate in undergraduate research and creative activities. Some positions are academic year, while others occur in the summer. There are both paid and volunteer positions.

View Opportunities

students doing research in puddle in desert

Student Travel Support

Throughout the year, URCA makes grants to help support travel for students to complete and present novel scholarship. Each student, through a faculty mentor, may apply for $350 annually.

Apply for Student Travel Support

students standing around a poster with research

Symposia

URCA organizes opportunities throughout the year, on and off campus, for students to present their work.

Summer Research Symposium
BIG EAST Undergraduate Research Poster Symposium
Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity

Awards

Each year URCA acknowledges the excellent work and mentoring taking place by naming a Student Researcher of the Year and a Faculty Mentor of the Year. Participants from any college may be nominated.

Nominate a Student Researcher of the Year
Nominate a Faculty Mentor of the Year