Student Research at F&M
Most undergraduate institutions reserve research opportunities for students in their
graduate programs, but at F&M, we are distinctly positioned to offer you those experiences
now — not later. We provide unparalleled access to leading faculty experts, creating
a dynamic environment marked by creative collisions in every corner of campus. You’ll
discover how to convert theory into practice and gain hands-on experience in areas
of study that intrigue you. Like many Diplomats, you may even see your name in print,
with your work earning you a research publication (or two!). #11 Best Liberal Arts College for Research (Wall Street Journal-College Pulse) 44% Faculty-Student Collaboration Rate 9:1 Student-Faculty Ratio #24 Most Accessible Professors (Princeton Review)A Leader in Groundbreaking Research
F&M Is a Carnegie Research College
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A Campus Tailor-Made for Research
Discovery is woven into the fabric of our campus. We have cultivated a culture of hands-on inquiry where research is an immersive, collaborative, and accessible experience. This exploration unfolds across a landscape of facilities and resources designed to inspire creativity and innovation.
Our faculty are engaged, accomplished scholars who conduct groundbreaking work in
their fields of expertise—meaning you’ll have remarkable opportunities to join their
research projects and make your mark on what sometimes are years-long endeavors. Many
professors weave their ongoing research into their coursework. This means that you
and your classmates may engage in research as part of your class assignments. Your
part in the project would conclude at the end of the semester when your class is complete.
You may find professors offering research opportunities outside of your coursework.
This means you would engage in this research on your own time, though you may apply
to receive academic credit for the experience. These opportunities may take place
throughout the academic year or as part of our Summer Research Scholars program. A centerpiece of faculty and student joint research at F&M is the Summer Research
Scholars program. The program involves 80 to 100 students working side-by-side each
summer with more than 50 faculty members across campus in innovative projects that
span the natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, and the arts. The 5- to 10-week
period of intense research allows for focused attention on a problem or unanswered
question and sometimes results in co-authorship of a publication in a peer-reviewed
journal or other professional output. The program is funded in part by an endowment
created by an alumnus, William Hackman of the Class of 1939, and his wife, Lucille. Do you have a theory you can’t wait to test out? Or a burning question you need to
investigate? Maybe you want to write a novel, produce a play, or compose a piece of
music. You can do all of these for academic credit! You’ll create and lead these independent
studies in close collaboration with a faculty member. They’re usually completed in
your junior or senior year and, if your project is approved, you can apply for grants
to help fund your research or project. April 1, 2026 Pennsylvania may be landlocked, but geography is no barrier for this Franklin & Marshall marine biochemist. By leveraging a powerful supercomputer, Peter Fields and his student researchers are tackling ocean climate change from the heart of Lancaster. March 24, 2026 Led by two faculty mentors, Franklin & Marshall juniors and seniors with a keen interest in political polling, civics, and voter sentiment meet weekly to discuss best practices and trends in polling, how to analyze and contextualize results, and even take a hand in crafting the wording of poll questions. It’s a prime example of the type of real-world, hands-on experiences that build the kind of high-demand skills that prepare F&M students to excel in industry or graduate school. March 13, 2026 How do you find a needle in a galactic haystack? Fronefield Crawford is harnessing the computational strength of F&M’s High-Performance Computing (HPC) cluster to pinpoint the location of rotating stars in our neighboring galaxies. We’re committed to advancing the scholarly and creative pursuits of our faculty and
students. Internal funding for new projects is available through the Office of the
Provost, while Sponsored Research, College Advancement and the Fellowship Office assist
with funding from federal, state, and non-profit organizations.“Research is very accessible at F&M. It’s one of the strongest things about the College.
There are a lot of projects you can apply for that you otherwise couldn't do if you
were at a larger school.”
How Research at F&M Works
Faculty-Led Research
Summer Research Scholars
Independent Studies
Alumni Spotlight
“The opportunity to conduct research with professors at F&M was crucial in landing
an entry-level position at NYU Langone Health.”
“The opportunity to conduct research with professors at F&M was crucial in landing
an entry-level position at NYU Langone Health,” she said. “The public health and biology
curriculum at F&M improved my ability to read scientific literature, create research
posters, and present scientific results, which are all critical skills for clinical
research.”
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“It’s fun to be able to develop my own ideas and thoughts beyond the forefront of
this scholarship. Being able to self-actualize with this project has been so encouraging.”
“It’s fun to be able to develop my own ideas and thoughts beyond the forefront of
this scholarship,” she said. “Being able to self-actualize with this project has been
so encouraging.”
Read More »F&M Student Research in Action
Tackling the Impacts of Ocean Climate Change Through High-Performance Computing
Seat at the Table: Students Work Alongside National Experts on the F&M Poll
Mapping the Cosmos with F&M’s Supercomputer
Grants & Funding