Discover research
At UC Santa Cruz, undergraduates are at the heart of groundbreaking research. From creative projects to scientific discoveries, students have the unique opportunity to collaborate with world-class faculty, gain hands-on experience, and explore future career paths—all while contributing to the pursuit of knowledge.
Why undergraduates should do research
More than 50% of UC Santa Cruz undergraduates engage in hands-on research, making it a cornerstone of the student experience. At UC Santa Cruz, students have the unique opportunity to join ongoing faculty projects or design their own research initiatives with faculty mentorship.
Discover research opportunities
Discover exciting research opportunities with the UC Santa Cruz Undergraduate Research Database—the ultimate resource for finding the perfect project! Easily search for positions by location, major, and research area to find the perfect fit for your academic and career goals.
3 out of 4
students have done or are doing a research activity, creative project, internship, or service learning
75%
of students are satisfied with the research opportunities available at UC Santa Cruz
100+
research opportunities for undergraduate students on campus
Engaging through research
Social Justice in action at UC Santa Cruz
The Humanities Institute (THI) offers undergraduate students fellowship opportunities, including positions to edit and assemble writing from incarcerated writers with organizations like Prison Journalism Project. Students help give these writers a voice and platform to share their experiences, and in exchange receive a stipend, on-the-job-training, and opportunities to broaden their perspective.
Primate Ecology & Molecular Anthropology (PEMA) Lab at UC Santa Cruz
Kayla Ott is double majoring in Anthropology and Environmental Studies at UCSC. They are also working as an undergraduate research assistant in the PEMA lab. Learn more about their role and impact on this real-world project!
Undergraduate Research News
Science Division debuts ‘degree-defining experiences’ drawing on UC Santa Cruz’s unique strengths
The Science Division has received a $1 million donation to launch a major new program on “degree-defining experiences.” The program will pilot 17 projects across campus designed to inspire undergraduate students and spark the kind of optimism that can shape their time at UC Santa Cruz and their future careers. The initiative offers layered opportunities—from first-year introductions like observatory visits, to intermediate, degree-specific options like the SCUBA program, to intensive experiences such as cancer-bioinformatics internships.
Undergraduate researcher uncovers link between supernova and virus evolution
As an undergraduate at UC Santa Cruz, Caitlyn Nojiri led a study exploring how cosmic radiation from a distant supernova may have influenced virus evolution in Africa’s Lake Tanganyika millions of years ago. Her research, published in Astrophysical Journal Letters, built on work with mentors and programs that support students from nontraditional backgrounds in astrophysics. Nojiri’s findings earned her an invitation to present at a national seminar—an unusual honor for an undergraduate. She is now applying to graduate programs in astrophysics.
Undergraduate research drives neuroscience breakthrough
As an undergraduate at UC Santa Cruz, Alec Soronow developed Bell Jar, an AI-powered tool that streamlines brain mapping, reducing weeks of manual work to just days. Working in Professor Euiseok Kim’s lab, Soronow combined computational skills with neuroscience research, ultimately publishing his work in eNeuro and making the software freely available to researchers. His project, shaped by personal experiences and hands-on lab training, highlights the impact of student-led innovation in scientific discovery.
Student in the Spotlight
Jennifer Valadez: Revitalizing unique ecosystems
Jennifer Valadez (Crown ’24, Environmental Science) dedicated her UC Santa Cruz undergraduate research to finding sustainable climate solutions through carbon sequestration in California’s coastal prairies. Focusing on restoration at Younger Lagoon Reserve, she examined how revitalizing these unique ecosystems can enhance their ability to store carbon and reduce atmospheric carbon emissions. By studying this often-overlooked grassland environment, Valadez’s work highlights the vital role ecosystem restoration can play in combating climate change.