Research & Scholarship Breadth and Depth of ExpertiseThe College of Liberal Arts and Sciences brings together the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences in pursuit of a better understanding of the world. Our faculty and scholars examine issues central to the human experience through historical, philosophical and creative lenses. They help improve how individuals and societies live through a more nuanced understanding of how we behave and interact. And they question the physical universe and test laws, principles and practices to create new knowledge. Centers & Institutes about this content Collaborative Research AreasOur college also embraces interdisciplinary research, integrating perspectives and expertise from several disciplines to address complex problems and innovate creative solutions. Climate Change & Environmental JusticeInvestigating the drivers and impacts of climate change, from wildfire dynamics to water security, while prioritizing community-driven environmental justice. Our partners span government agencies and Tribal nations to build a more resilient region. Community Health & WellbeingExamining the social, psychological, and behavioral factors that help individuals and communities thrive. Our research focuses on areas like workplace well-being, mental health, and local support networks to build healthier communities. Identity & Social JusticeExploring how history, culture, and social structures shape diverse communities. Our research focuses on understanding systemic inequalities, elevating marginalized voices, and expanding equity across society. Culture, Media & Digital FuturesExploring how language, creative narratives, and ethics intersect with emerging technologies like AI. We analyze how media shapes our culture to ensure human values guide technological innovation. Pedagogy & Scholarship of TeachingAdvancing educational equity through innovative teaching practices, linguistic diversity research, and curriculum design. We study how people learn and work to create more equitable classrooms and communities. Advanced Science & ComputationAdvancing foundational knowledge across the physical, mathematical, and life sciences to solve complex natural and technological problems. Our discoveries drive innovation in fields ranging from quantum science and nanomaterials to biology. Research Stats Fiscal Year 2025 80 Grad Students Sponsored by Research 94 Active Principal Investigators $19.2M Research Expenditures 235 Active External Grants $82K Average Award Size Research Advisory Council The CLAS Research Advisory Council (CRAC), with representation from the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, advises the Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs and other leaders in CLAS on matters related to CLAS research and scholarship. Research Advisory Council PDXSCHOLAR PDXScholar makes the research, scholarship, and creative works of our faculty, staff, and students easily discoverable and available to anyone, anywhere in the world. Explore Research on PDXScholar Undergrad Research Dig deep into your major, grow your research skills and address real-world issues as an undergraduate at PSU. Whether in the lab, field or archives, you can work with world-class faculty mentors on projects. You'll find undergraduate research and learning opportunities in every field, for every student. Explore Undergrad Research Research Series TAG, WE'RE IT BRINGING TOGETHER DIVERSE VOICES In this series, five faculty researchers share their unique perspectives on an important issue of our time. Topics range from climate change to immigration. Watch Tag, We're It @ THIS MOMENT Timely, Relevant Research This series, born out of COVID-19, provides space for our researchers to share the relevance of their work "at this moment." Watch @ This Moment Previous Hero Slide Next Hero Slide