Engage in breakthrough research that enhances lives and shapes your career.
Short answer: Yes! When you picture research in action, a scientific or medical setting may come to mind first. And while these fields are indeed research powerhouses, it’s important to note that every profession conducts and utilizes research in its own way. The study of how people think and how things work is critical to the growth of nearly every industry.
Likewise, students in any academic program can engage in—and benefit from—research at Widener.
Get in touch with your advisor to discuss your goals and interests and find out which research opportunities are available.
Widener’s Summer Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (SURCA) program gives students across disciplines, from science to psychology to business, an opportunity to conduct in-depth research outside the typical academic year, and often without the time constraints of classes and extracurricular activities.
The program culminates in an event where students showcase their work to the university community—a fantastic way to sharpen your presentation skills.
With a focus on transformative teaching and learning practices, the event spotlights student research with faculty, as well as service learning, senior projects, and internships.
Students in the honors program present their research—and creative and civic engagement projects—daily throughout this event held each spring.
Comprised of students from Widener’s College of Health & Human Services and School of Nursing, the event showcases the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, highlights diverse research topics and methodologies, and raises awareness about research promoting social justice, diversity, and inclusion. (Don't know if this counts or should be in a different section because it's a way to present research, not conduct it.)
Many graduate degree programs infuse research into the curriculum, allowing you to gain practical skills, add valuable experience to your resume, and delve into a facet of your future field that sparks your interest.
I loved having the opportunity to do research, but also having the opportunity to research with a large medical device company—that’s something you don’t see quite often.
My time at Widener was my very first interaction with chemical engineering and the medical side of things. I really like this and want to look into whether I can get a job in the future in this area.
Before my summer research experience exploring hypersonic vehicles for space missions, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. My research project opened me up to aerospace engineering.
Speaking at TEDx has given me confidence to speak on large-scale social issues. I am thrilled I was able to bring awareness to human trafficking, and will devote my nursing practice to creating positive change that empowers survivors.
“It has been a wonderful experience so far because of the support I received.”
Widener is definitely like a home away from home. I spend a lot of time here, so I’ve gotten used to the environment. It’s very comfortable and everyone here is really nice.
Nearly half of a million dollars in grants will fund undergraduate and graduate research to advance innovations from self-driving sensing technologies to sustainable low-carbon construction materials.
Faculty in the School of Business Administration found an opportunity with the Philadelphia Union to have students interacting directly with fans for hands-on research experience that has international potential.
Partnering with faculty advisors, more than 60 students participated in the annual Summer Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities (SURCA) program, applying what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-life, hands-on projects.
