School of Science

Each summer, through the support of generous donors like you, 20 STEM undergraduate students receive a Science Research Award to participate in the School of Science Summer Research Program.

Over this 10-week program, students work alongside a faculty mentor to gain valuable laboratory, field, quantitative, or qualitative research skills in their discipline. Past projects have included studies of Eclipsing Binaries and Exoplanets, the Environmental Impacts of Air Pollution, How Different Positive Emotions Impact Creativity, the performance of Artificial Neural Networks, and the Bending of Light Responsive Materials!

Additionally, students meet as a cohort to participate in professional development activities including resume writing, science communication, presentation skills, and community building.

The program culminates in the SRP poster symposium where students present their research to an audience of Saint Mary’s faculty, friends, family, and community members with the top presentation awarded the McKenna Medal for excellence in research.

Many SRP participants present their research at national disciplinary conferences and have the opportunity to author journal articles.

This experience prepares our students for graduate programs and science and technical careers and is not possible without generous donations from people like you who believe in the importance of science in this always changing world.

Your gift, no matter the amount, creates a positive and meaningful impact. Join our generous supporters and make a gift today!