Undergraduate Research
What Will You Discover?
USC Dornsife’s renowned faculty produce research that changes our understanding of the world. As an undergraduate student, you have opportunities to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with these experts through the process of discovery and make an impact that is all your own.
What’s New in Undergraduate Research
Find out how USC Dornsife undergraduates are shaping the future through student research — in the lab, the archives, or around the world.
Student Research News
Summertime for these Trojan undergrads means diving into research
USC offers unique opportunities for students like biochemistry major Nico Matias and quantitative biology major Juliette Deiss to do hands-on, lifesaving research alongside faculty mentors.
How early health challenges fueled two graduating seniors’ passion for medicine
Driven by their own experiences with childhood illness — along with breakthrough research experience and service to the community — two stand-out USC Dornsife students look forward to medical school.
USC again named a top producer of U.S. Fulbright students
USC was named a top producer of U.S. Fulbright students for 2025–26, with 19 in total. Among those, 15 earned degrees or completed a minor at USC Dornsife.
Trojan undergrads spend summer immersed in life-changing research
USC students from various disciplines thrive during months of “uncompromised time” in labs under guidance of mentors.
Two USC Dornsife students earn prestigious Goldwater scholarships
Aimed at identifying and nurturing scientific talent, the scholarships support students focused on developmental biology and pediatric neurology.
From student to science communicator
Summer Breakthroughs
Through SURF (Summer Undergraduate Research Fund) and SHURE (Summer Humanities Undergraduate Research Experience), you can participate in research projects, learn valuable hands-on skills, and build meaningful connections with experts in the field.
A Summer You’ll Never Forget
Looking for a way to deepen your academic experience while classes are in session? Through the SOAR program at USC Dornsife, you can become a faculty member’s research assistant during the the academic year.
A Sustainable Future Starts Now
Research at the Wrigley Marine Science Center (WMSC) leverages the unique and awe-inspiring Catalina Island campus to create a more sustainable world. Undergraduate fellowships and research opportunities allow you to take a deep dive into everything from new breakthroughs in aquaculture to the latest insights in communicating sustainability to the public.
Bridge Undergraduate Science Program (BUGS)
Imagine the world in a cell. The Bridge Institute brings these worlds to life, while blurring the line between art and science to better understand the human body. Working alongside faculty members conducting barrier-defying research, BUGS students are in the center of the action.
Problems Without Passports (PWP)
Signature PWP courses challenge undergraduates to grapple with pressing global issues in the very places where they happen — from exploring ecological security in the Arctic to human trafficking prevention in the Middle East.
Undergraduate Research Symposium
At the Undergraduate Symposium for Scholarly and Creative Work, you’ll have the opportunity to present your original research and creative work to fellow students and experts alike.
WiSE Undergraduate Research
Women in Science and Engineering programs aim to increase the number of women in STEM fields. Through WiSE, the next generation of scientific leaders connect with faculty mentors and gain experience in academic and laboratory research.
Undergraduate Research Fellowships
The USC Office of the Provost provides research fellowships to a limited number of undergraduates across the university. Through this program, you’ll work with a faculty mentor on a project that you design.