Summer Collaborative Research
If you’re looking for a unique research experience and your semester schedules are already full, Summer Collaborative Research (SCR) might be for you.
What is SCR?
As part of Earlham’s student-faculty research emphasis, SCR is a paid opportunity to immerse yourself in cutting-edge scholarship opportunities with like-minded students—all while under the mentorship of a faculty expert.
While many SCR projects take place on campus, some are offered at sites throughout the country and even overseas. Students often present their research at Earlham’s annual Epic Expo and have accompanied faculty mentors to regional and national professional conferences.
Earlham has a rich history of providing SCR experiences for students. Through the generosity of donors, we fund roughly 50 students in 20 projects per year.
What can you expect?
Working and learning side-by-side with peers and faculty mentors enhances the experience for all—and not only in terms of stronger project results. SCR student participants also increase their comfort with collaboration and teamwork.
In addition, more than 90 percent of student participants have stated they gained the following:
- Increased career discernment
- Preparation for graduate school or a future career
- Knowledge of new technological tools or techniques
- Better problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Tolerance for facing obstacles
Our faculty
Belén Villarreal and Gabriela Falconi-Piedra
Faculty in the Department of Spanish and Hispanic Studies
Belén and Gabriela led a collaborative research project in 2024 to gather and analyze information on the Spanish speaking and Hispanic population of Richmond. Information on where Spanish-speakers live, worship, mingle, and learn was gathered through in-person structured interviews with community members. The research team will use this “map” of Richmond to find partners in the community, conduct cultural immersion activities, and compare Richmond to other Indiana cities in future research.
“As Spanish Teachers, we seek to ensure that students who take our courses can practice their learning outside of the classroom and in cultural immersion spaces or activities.”
Lindsey McGee
Associate professor of biology
Lindsey ran summer collaborative research programs in 2022 and 2023. She enjoys teaching students what it is like to be scientists in the classroom and the laboratory. Her research looks at how bacteria evolve and form antibiotic resistance, a critical issue for medicine today.
“I want to give students the opportunity to learn valuable skills and techniques, experience possible future career options, and make themselves more attractive to graduate school, medical school, or any other profession after Earlham.”
Past projects
While many SCR projects are developed by faculty in the natural and social sciences, projects in recent years have been undertaken in the areas of computer science, environmental sustainability, politics, economics, the fine arts, history, and math.
Restoring the tall grass prairie
Wendy Tori and Jaime Coon, professors in the biology department, traveled with a team of Earlham students to the Grand River Grasslands in southern Iowa. The team collected data, recorded nesting behaviors in grassland birds and assessed native plant communities.
Removing Weir Dam
Shannon Hayes and Andy Moore, geologists in the earth and environmental science department led a team of student researchers to collaborate with the City of Richmond in assessing risks associated with the removal of Weir Dam.
Future of Bee Populations
Climate change is having adverse effects on many bee populations in the southwestern United States, but some bee species could increase in abundance, according to a groundbreaking scientific study led by Earlham professor Melanie Kazenel.
Want to learn more?
Meredith Edwards
Associate director of grants and sponsored research
For questions about the Summer Collaborative Research program, contact Meredith Edwards.