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Intro

Do what feels impossible. Conduct experiments, make discoveries, and find solutions that make a difference. 

Blugolds can take part in the kinds of research opportunities often reserved for graduate students at most universities. Our faculty work alongside teams of students, guiding and mentoring in relationships that come to resemble those of true colleagues. It's pretty magical stuff.

With groundbreaking research projects possible in every major, what you discover is up to you!

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National Undergraduate Research Leaders

Research is on another level here, where UWEC consistently ranks as a top comprehensive university in the country for undergraduate research. 

Research is everywhere! Students across nearly all majors have explored topics like:

  • observing animal behavior.
  • figuring out how plants forecast climate change.
  • determining financial impact of Super Bowl ads.
  • studying compassion fatigue among caregivers. 

As early as your first semester if you are interested, you can reach out to a faculty member about a topic you want to dive into. Lead discovery, change the world, and prepare yourself for a career or graduate studies. 

Opportunities to Research
Materials science student working in a lab
Purposeful Learning, Experiential Curriculum
A course in biomedical 3-D printing paired Blugolds with Radiology physicians at Mayo Clinic Health System to study medical imaging technologies and their use in generating 3-D printed models. These models are unique to an individual patient’s anatomy and can be used by surgeons in planning for procedures and patient education. At UWEC, you could be doing this type of research in your first year as an undergraduate.
A woman holds a dog's leash while the brown and white spotted dog looks up at two students holding a clipboard.
Fetching New Findings
At UWEC, research isn't always done in a lab. Blugold biology students recently worked in collaboration with emBARK dog daycare to perform course-embedded research on the cognitive abilities of dogs.
A student researcher using a pipette to work with samples in a well plate, surrounded by various laboratory equipment on the bench.
Collaborate with Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN
The new UW-Eau Claire – Mayo Clinic Regenerative Neuroscience Scholars (ReNS) program will provide high-quality summer research opportunities in the fields of neuroscience and regenerative sciences.
students in GLogowski lab
Collaborate with Mayo Clinic Health System
Our collaboration with Mayo Clinic Health System is a unique opportunity to research alongside some of the more brilliant doctors in the country. Share innovative ideas and develop solutions for real-world problems.
Research in Action

Research Collaboration and Support 

Research here is fueled by innovation and collaboration. Faculty make it happen with their expertise and extensive network of partners. They care to see you succeed and earn experience that will jumpstart your career. 

Some research projects even help pay for your education! Blugold Commitment funding ensures all UW-Eau Claire undergraduate students can participate in high-impact practices, such as collaborative research. The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) also provides student funding opportunities through grants and scholarships.

A man in a laboratory uses a pipette to transfer a sample
Biomedical Innovator Program
Research on day one with Mayo Clinic Health System professionals. Life-changing experiences from this partnership help you advance your career in the health care or biomedical field.

Just
the
facts

Investing in the Health Sciences
UWEC was awarded $340.3 million to build a state-of-the-art Science and Health Sciences Building for students pursuing STEM careers.
Next Generation of Medical Pioneers
Each year, 10 students are selected for the Blugold Biomedical Innovator program, which connects students directly with Mayo Clinic Health System professionals.
Endless Research Opportunities
Nearly half of all Blugolds participate in a research experience before graduation.
Water testing ENPH students
Office of Research and Sponsored Programs
The ORSP supports research, scholarship, and creative activity. Find more information about the research support they provide like funding opportunities.

Through undergraduate research, my goal is to better understand the intricacies of territorial disputes, particularly in eastern Asia, and look into how these conflicts are represented in the media. I hope to learn more about global issues and the impact of media portrayal.

Learning in Action
Rafael DaCosta Headshot
Rafael DaCosta
Business Administration and Journalism
2025
Blugold Discoveries
World Class Health Science Collaboration

Our collaboration agreement with Mayo Clinic Health System is a true difference-maker for UW-Eau Claire. But don't take our word for it, listen to these students and mentors who have seen and felt the impact of this groundbreaking partnership changing lives of students and patients. 

Campus beauty
The Office of Corporate and Community Partnerships was created with the help of a $400,000, three-year National Science Foundation grant, and is the primary entry point for industry, agencies and organizations to connect with the university about consulting and partnering on their research and development needs.
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