Want to stand out after graduation? Gain real-world experience? Work one-on-one with faculty mentors? Research is one of the most powerful ways to build skills, make meaningful contributions to your field, and set yourself apart—whether you're headed to graduate school, professional programs, or the job market.
At Marian University, undergraduate students don’t just learn from textbooks—they make discoveries, solve real-world problems, and create new knowledge. Engaging in research helps you:
Marian University has been recognized as the nation’s first Franciscan research university, reinforcing our commitment to scholarly inquiry, ethical leadership, and student-centered research. The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) is here to support you—whether you’re curious about research, ready to launch your own project, or looking for ways to collaborate with faculty.
Our research opportunities are designed to fit a range of interests, time commitments, and experience levels. Whether you want to dive deep into a summer-long research experience, collaborate with faculty year-round, or engage in team-based interdisciplinary research, there’s a place for you in our programs.
The Undergraduate Summer Scholars Program is Marian University’s premier research experience, providing students with immersive, hands-on research opportunities alongside faculty mentors. Beyond that, we offer additional research pathways through our Scholarly Learning Communities, faculty-mentored research projects, and research symposiums.
Explore our programs below and find the opportunity that’s right for you!
Dr. Zane Elward is the Director of Undergraduate Research at Marian University and an Assistant Professor of History in the College of Arts & Sciences. He’s a historian of modern Europe with a passion for helping students ask bold questions, explore new ideas, and see themselves as contributors to the world of research and scholarship.
Dr. Elward earned his Ph.D. in History from Indiana University, where he studied the role of comics, Catholicism, and political messaging in 20th-century Italy. His upcoming book Comic Fascism (Ohio State University Press) dives into the surprising ways popular culture shapes ideology and how young people often find themselves at the center of that.
At Marian, Dr. Elward brings that same curiosity and insight to his work with students and faculty across disciplines. As Director, he leads the Undergraduate Summer Scholars Program, the annual Showcase of Scholarship, and year-round efforts to grow meaningful, hands-on research experiences that are open to all students, whether they’re studying business, nursing, theology, engineering, or the arts.
He’s also active in faculty leadership and brings a collaborative spirit to the Office of Undergraduate Research. Whether you’re just starting to wonder what research is all about — or you’re ready to dive in. Dr. Elward is here to help you take the next step. Reach out to our@marian.edu for more information.
The Undergraduate Summer Scholars Program is Marian University’s premier research experience for undergraduate students. This program provides students with the opportunity to conduct original research, engage in scholarly inquiry, and work closely with faculty mentors in a supportive and stimulating environment.
Students from all majors and disciplines are encouraged to apply! Research can take many forms—whether it’s scientific discovery, creative scholarship, fieldwork, or interdisciplinary collaboration.
Applications for Summer 2025 are due April 13, 2025. Learn more and apply here.
Looking for a way to connect with faculty, collaborate with other students, and tackle real-world challenges? The Scholarly Learning Communities Initiative is your chance to be part of a team-based research experience that goes beyond the classroom.
In these interdisciplinary research groups, students and faculty from different majors work together to explore big questions and develop creative solutions to complex problems. Whether you’re passionate about healthcare, sustainability, social justice, technology, or the arts, there’s a place for you in this dynamic research community.
This initiative is open to students from all majors and academic backgrounds. If you love asking big questions, working with a team, and making an impact, this is for you! Want to get involved? Learn more here or email us at slc@marian.edu for more details.
In addition to the Summer Scholars Program and Scholarly Learning Communities, students can engage in research throughout the academic year. The Office of Undergraduate Research supports:
Students can collaborate with faculty on independent research projects, gaining hands-on experience in their field of study. Faculty mentors provide guidance, training, and opportunities to co-author publications or present findings.
Marian University celebrates undergraduate scholarship through events such as:
The Office of Undergraduate Research helps students identify funding sources for research materials, travel, and conference presentations.
Faculty play a crucial role in undergraduate research by mentoring students, guiding projects, and fostering a culture of scholarship at Marian University. The Office of Undergraduate Research provides:
Whether you’re a student interested in research or a faculty member looking to mentor undergraduates, the Office of Undergraduate Research is here to support you.
Have questions? Want to get started? Reach out to the Office of Undergraduate Research at our@marian.edu for more information.
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