Student Research at F&M
Creative Collisions
Most undergraduate institutions reserve research opportunities for students in their graduate programs, but at F&M, we want you to engage 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. 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
Read More »F&M Among Leading National Institutions That Prioritize Research
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Curious How Research at F&M Works?
These experiences are typically led by faculty or are completed through an independent study with faculty mentorship.
Faculty-Led Research
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.
Research in Your Courses
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.
Research Outside of the Classroom
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.
Summer Research Scholars
A centerpiece of faculty and student joint research at F&M is the Summer Research Scholars program, funded in part by an endowment created by an alumnus, William Hackman of the Class of 1939, and his wife, Lucille. 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. Some students have had as many as six co-authored publications from their F&M research; others have seen their research incorporated into public history walking tours or constructed as historic costumes.
Independent Studies
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.
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.”
Read More »Alumni Spotlight
“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 »Student Spotlight
“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.”
November 21, 2025 Learning by doing is in our DNA as Diplomats. For Sujal Shah ’27 and Kha Nguyen ’28, this meant collaborating with their computer science professor to research how extended reality can be used for safer, more effective employee training. November 13, 2025 Three F&M students helped conduct a groundbreaking pilot study in Lancaster this summer, assisting Professor Hollie Tripp with tobacco regulatory research. It's the first F&M instance of biospecimen collection from non-campus participants. October 1, 2025 A Diplomat's influence reaches everywhere — even the skies of Japan. This summer, a handful of astrophysics majors and their professor enjoyed a two-week trip to Japan that was “part pulsar science expedition, part cultural exchange related to the NANOStars program at F&M," says Fronefield Crawford, Charles A. Dana Professor of Physics and Astronomy. F&M Student Research in Action
What is Extended Reality–and Why are F&M Students Researching It?
Trailblazing Research Examines Cigarette Label Alternatives
Starstruck in the Land of the Rising Sun
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.Grants & Funding