Research & Fellowships
Explore your passions through active learning.
Your Cal Lutheran education extends beyond the classroom, and no matter what degree you pursue, you’ll receive valuable hands-on experience before graduation.
Working independently or with faculty, you can make original contributions to your field of study through fellowship programs and scholarly showcases geared to your topics of interest. With these invaluable experiences, you can present your work to boost your resume or CV through further recognition.
Do you have a passion for curiosity? You may discover a world of opportunity by getting involved in research.
Office of Research
We foster student research experiences and internships through research programs, workshops, discussion groups, and initiatives.
Academic Centers
Our faculty-led research centers provide opportunities for all students to further the knowledge in their field.
I’ve been wanting to do protein research since I took AP Biology. When I found out Dr. Hoffman had this wonderful lab where we’re looking at proteins in bacterial cells, I knew I had get into this lab because it was something I was so passionate about.
Samantha Ivañez
Scholarly Showcases
By presenting your findings, you display multiple soft skills that are conducive to professional success.
Festival of Scholars
Every spring, we showcase our students' scholarly work in traditional research studies, creative work, and application of theory to real-life situations.
Student Research Symposium
Each fall, we offer a forum of presentations from students who spend the summer working full-time on research and creative projects, in collaboration with faculty mentors.
There are numerous opportunities to receive financial support while pursuing research, creative scholarship or an activity with impact beyond the classroom. Many fellowship and scholarship programs are highly competitive, but cover a wide range of academic disciplines and include funding in the form of either financial aid or student employment.
Hands-on research in science, economics and humanities
Cal Lutheran offers summer research opportunities for undergraduate students interested in working side by side with a faculty mentor on a research project. Each fellowship program follow a standardized structure, including a stipend and eight weeks of research during the summer months.
Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program
Preparing students for doctoral studies
McNair Scholars are provided with resources, guidance and support to help them on their path towards earning a doctoral degree throughout their undergraduate career. They also have the opportunity to participate in a paid summer research fellowship.
Growing advocacy and awareness of social justice issues impacting Hispanic communities in Ventura County
Working alongside representatives from Ventura County agencies, ASCENSO fellows research how the region’s Hispanic community is being affected by county services and policies.
Community Scholars for Black Lives
Empowering students to develop projects designed to strengthen the Black community
The Community Scholars for Black Lives are empowered to work together with community leaders and faculty on projects to create better conditions for Black lives.
My summer research was a great asset in addition to applying to grad school. This was perfect timing to do research, and it was a great opportunity to boost my grad school application for sure; especially with the mentorship that I got from Dr. Hanrahan. He was able to direct me into what I needed to do for grad school.
Yassine Kefi '25