Undergraduate Research Show the world how EXPLORE YOUR INTERESTS AND BE A CHANGEMAKER THROUGH UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH Undergraduate research at PSU For a growing number of Portland State University students, undergraduate research is a defining experience in their college careers. Hands-on research opportunities improve learning outcomes and sharpen critical thinking skills. It allows students to apply new knowledge to their studies and helps them map paths to graduation and beyond. At Portland State the possibilities are limitless. Are you a faculty or staff member with an undergraduate research opportunity? If you have a paid or volunteer undergraduate research position open in your lab or research group, submit your opportunity here. Benefits of undergraduate research Explore and discover interests beyond the classroom and textbook Get hands-on experience with innovative research and creative production Develop student-faculty mentor relationships and connect with peers Acquire in-demand academic and professional skills Refine your academic and career goals Build self-confidence and a supportive professional network Are you an undergraduate student interested in exploring research opportunities? View open positions. Undergraduate Research Promoting Safe Fieldwork for At-Risk Individuals Resources for promoting safe and inclusive fieldwork Our Research, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion webpage includes tools and resources to promoting safe fieldwork for at-risk individuals. Access the Resources Explore Summer Opportunities A list of summer undergraduate research opportunities Research & Graduate Studies supports integrating undergraduate research, education and the creation of knowledge. Be a part of this rich tradition. Explore the opportunities Undergraduate Research: Getting Started Think you want to try your hand at research? Here's how to start. Discover first-hand how undergraduate research contributes to the advancement of human knowledge and addresses the challenges faced by our local and global communities. Learn more Undergraduate Researchers Work With Experts Faculty Profiles PDXScholar makes the research, scholarship, and creative works of PSU faculty, staff, and students easily discoverable anywhere in the world. Discover Researchers at PSU Are you a faculty member with a research opportunity? Submit your opportunity here. If you have a paid or volunteer undergraduate research position open in your lab or research group, post it using this form. Submit your opportunity Previous Hero Slide Next Hero Slide Programs that offer undergraduate research opportunities Build Exito Build EXITO provides students with the scientific skills and understanding they need to pursue careers in a variety of biomedical fields including psychology, chemistry, biology, social work, and many more. University Honors College In the Portland State University Honors College, you can dig deep into the urban issues that matter most, join a tight-knit community of highly motivated students, and experience an exceptional education unlike any other. Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation The Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Program is committed to supporting the success of students from historically underrepresented groups pursuing and earning a bachelor's degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). McNair Scholars Program The PSU McNair Scholars Program works with selected first-generation, low-income and underrepresented undergraduates who want to pursue PhDs. McNair scholars conduct research under the supervision of faculty mentors and create effective strategies for getting into and graduating from doctoral programs. Undergraduate Research & Mentoring Program The Undergraduate Research & Mentoring Program (URMP) funds undergraduate research for students majoring in all Maseeh College undergraduate disciplines. Students will learn how to conduct research and work with a faculty mentor on an exciting research project. NSF REU: Computational Modeling Serving the City The focus area of our Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site is computational modeling to serve and enhance the Portland metropolitan region as it grows and evolves. Students will be involved in cutting-edge, multi-disciplinary research projects and trained in computational thinking across different disciplines. NSF REU: Microscopy and Microanalysis This summer program allows students to engage in research work in a multidisciplinary environment while training them in microscopy and microanalysis techniques for materials characterization. NSF REU: Center for Climate & Aerosol Research The Center for Climate and Aerosol Research (CCAR) at Portland State University serves as an internationally recognized, multidisciplinary engine for transformative research and teaching in areas of climate science, atmospheric science, air quality and environmental health. IGNITE Scholarship & Mentorship Program This program provides financial, social, career, and academic-oriented support to increase the success of selected students in their pursuit of healthcare careers. TRiO STEM Program This program provides financial, social and academic support for low-income, first-generation and disabled students. PSU Centers that Offer Undergraduate Research Opportunities The Digital City Testbed Center establishes a network of campuses in the Pacific Northwest where smart city technologies are tested before being deployed in communities at large. Learn more The Homelessness Research & Action Collaborative (HRAC) addresses the challenges of homelessness through research that uncovers conditions that lead to and perpetuate homelessness. Learn more The Institute for Sustainable Solutions (ISS) matches the passion and expertise of PSU faculty and students with the experience and needs of community groups, government agencies, and businesses to develop practical solutions for more equitable, livable, sustainable cities and regions. Learn more The Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) pulls together the voices and expertise of a wide range of backgrounds that collectively shape the ways we move through the world. Learn more The Center for Climate and Aerosol Research conducts research that is relevant both nationally and regionally on the reciprocal effects between atmospheric aerosol particles and global/regional climate. Learn more The Center for Japanese Studies facilitates understanding of Japan as well as the Japanese-American experience among students, faculty and the greater Portland community through a variety of curricular and outreach programs. Learn more The Student Watershed Research Project involves high school students in the collection of stream monitoring data such as water quality samples, biological data, and physical observations. Learn more The Center for Life in Extreme Environments advances our understanding of the boundaries of life and provides insight into future climate conditions and human survival in planetary extremes. Learn more Previous Next The Center for Spatial Analysis Research serves researchers and organizations in the greater Portland area for projects involving four broad areas of expertise: cartography, geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and education. Learn more The Portland Institute for Computational Research was founded on the belief that mathematical computing has and will continue to expand scientific horizons, we're dedicated to fostering research in computational sciences in and around the Portland metro region. Learn more The Autism Training and Research Center improves the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorders by conducting research in areas that are important to educators, families, and community service providers of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Learn more The Center for Public Interest Design is a research and action center at Portland State University that aims to investigate, promote and engage in inclusive design practices that address the needs of underserved communities worldwide. Learn more The Center for Public Service provides individuals and public sector and non-profit organizations access to the intellectual resources and practical experience of the Hatfield School of Government in order to improve governance. Learn more The Population Research Center is an interdisciplinary public service, research, and training unit for population-related data and research for the State of Oregon Learn more The Institute on Aging is a multidisciplinary research and educational organization with strong ties to various community partners. We are located within the College of Urban and Public Affairs. Learn more The Institute of Portland Metropolitan Studies (IMS) convenes regional partners, curates credible information, and conducts objective policy research to stimulate dialogue and action that address critical regional issues. Learn more The Northwest Economic Research Center is part of Portland State University's College of Urban and Public Affairs. The Center fills a need for applied economic research in an academic setting in Oregon. Learn more The Institute for Economics and the Environment (IEE) serves as a center for investigation, discussion and training where the economy and the environment meet. Learn more Previous Next Civil and environmental engineers are actively engaged in local, national, and international research issues that affect the infrastructure of society and the environment. Learn more Computer Science at Portland State offers student researchers opportunities to participate in a variety of areas such as computer graphics and vision, computer security, databases, intelligent systems, programming languages, software engineering, and more Learn more At the Maseeh College, we offer academic programs in electrical and computer engineering that provide transformative opportunities within the classroom and beyond. Learn more From zero-gravity experiments in space to developing nano-materials for biomedical applications, faculty within the Mechanical & Materials Engineering Department engage in a variety of innovative research areas. Learn more The Center for Improvement of Child and Family Services' research, training, and consultation is designed to improve equity and effectiveness in services for children, youth, and families. Learn more The Regional Research Institute works at the intersection of research, program evaluation, and training in direct partnerships with local, state, regional, national, and international agencies to address numerous critical and social issues. Learn more Previous Next