Undergraduate Research

Experience

The best research often leads to new and unexpected questions. It puts into practice all that you’ve learned in your classes while adding important skills and experiences. Original research means learning from trial and error, moving past early mistakes, and developing a strong intuition for your chosen subject. Whether you embark on an independent project or a collaboration, an undergraduate research experience cultivates a range of qualities, from self-reliance and resilience to teamwork and effective communication. 

A student carefully writes data in a log book while reviewing data at a computer.

Oberlin students were instrumental to an ongoing research project using optical magnetometers to search for dark matter as a part of the Global Network of Optical Magnetometers for Exotic Physics (GNOME) collaboration.

Photo credit: Dustin Franz

 

Grow Your Mentor Network

In your second year, take your research involvement further by joining a faculty lab or becoming a Research Assistant. These opportunities let you work side-by-side with faculty who are tackling real-world problems. You will develop new skills and build lifelong connections with faculty dedicated to supporting your growth. 

My mentor’s constructive criticism has sharpened my critical thinking skills and problem solving skills. It was nice to work in an environment where I was trusted enough to handle things by myself while being encouraged to ask questions and also being assured that it was okay to make mistakes.

Tsitsi Zana ‘24

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  • Present Your Work and Engage in the Field

  • Strengthen your research profile by applying to the Oberlin Summer Research Institute or participating in off-campus research during Winter Term. These experiences culminate in presentations at the Oberlin College Research Symposium or even national conferences, where you’ll share your work with broader audiences and hone your presentation skills. Many students also work with faculty to submit their research for publication, contributing to their field while building a robust academic portfolio.
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[Presentation] opportunities have strengthened my experience as a researcher because it allows me to share our experimental question, process, and findings to a large community of curious students and faculty.

Katie Tang ‘26

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  • Focus and Specialize in Your Third Year

  • Continue expanding your knowledge with a faculty-mentored project, an off-campus experience, or a private reading to dig deeply into your research interests. Presenting at conferences or working toward publication with faculty provides professional exposure and invaluable feedback, while your accumulated experiences prepare you to bring your research to new heights.

Research always appealed to me as an opportunity to learn more about topics I didn’t have time to deep-dive into during class, and a chance to make my own work I was passionate about.

Cecil Pulley ‘24

At Oberlin, research is more than an academic requirement—it’s a journey that opens doors to new knowledge, collaborative opportunities, and a path to making a difference in the world. 

Meet Oberlin's research community and discover their stories: