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 Prison Journalism Project offers undergraduate students fellowship opportunities to edit and assemble writing from incarcerated writers across the country. 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
Humanities program provides rewarding research experience—and also crucial career prep
Undergraduate researchers are gaining invaluable hands-on experience through the Employing Humanities initiative at UC Santa Cruz. From analyzing Paraguayan Spanish and Guaraní with Madeleine Powell to tracing the history of antiquities markets or exploring AI and human imagination, students are connecting coursework to real-world applications. Supported by major grants, the program helps students develop skills in leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving—preparing them for impactful careers.
Science Division debuts ‘degree-defining experiences’ drawing on UC Santa Cruz’s unique strengths
UC Santa Cruz is launching a transformative new program to expand undergraduate research and field experiences, supported by a $1 million donation from the Helen and Will Webster Foundation. From Lick Observatory visits to cancer-bioinformatics internships, these “degree-defining experiences” aim to inspire students, build community, and enhance career readiness.
Students search for hidden black hole activity
Undergraduate researchers at UC Santa Cruz are helping unravel the mystery of missing tidal disruption events (TDEs)—rare phenomena caused by black holes tearing stars apart. Through the Lamat Institute, students contributed to groundbreaking research showing dust likely isn’t obscuring these events, pushing scientists to rethink their models.
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.