Exploring Research Opportunities: A Vital Part of the Academic Journey

A student in a blue lab coat works with chemistry equipment in a lab while the professor points to a piece of equipment. — Professor of Chemistry Frank Dunnivant and summer research student McKenna McShane ’26 in the environmental chemistry lab

For many students at Whitman, the academic experience extends beyond the classroom and into the lab or field, particularly for students in STEM fields. The senior thesis requirement for many majors, often involving data collection and analysis, highlights how research is central to the educational process. Research experiences are vital because they offer students the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge they’ve acquired in the classroom in a lab or field situation. These experiences provide powerful opportunities to make connections between theory and practice while developing critical thinking skills that will serve students throughout their career.

At the Career and Community Engagement Center (CCEC), our role is to support students in navigating the process of finding a research opportunity that aligns with their interests and goals. We can't tell you exactly what to research—but we can guide you in exploring and securing an experience that will be meaningful to you.

So, how do we work with a student who comes to us seeking a summer research experience? It all starts with a conversation.

Understanding Research vs. Internships

Often, students come in seeking "internships," but what they’re really looking for is a research experience. The terms are frequently used interchangeably, so let's clarify the difference:

Internship: An internship is an experience where you learn about an organization, its structure, and its goals. You explore how you might fit into the culture and contribute to its mission as you gain exposure and build skills valued in that area.
Research Experience: A research experience, on the other hand, is a project where you conduct original research, gather data, and answer scientific questions. It's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the work of a scientist, learn new techniques, and gain insight into the field and the scientific process.

Research Options for Whitman Students

Once we’ve established that a student is seeking a research opportunity, the next step is to identify what kind of research to pursue and where to pursue it. Below are three paths we often discuss with students:

Option 1: Research with a Whitman Faculty Member

There are several good reasons for a student to stay in Walla Walla over the summer. Student-Faculty research with a Whitman professor is an excellent option. Each department has its own approach to summer research, so the first step is to reach out to professors. Ask whether they’re conducting research over the summer and if there is space in their lab for another student. Keep in mind that Whitman offers funding for faculty-student research partnerships, with faculty applications typically due early in the spring semester. Now is a great time to begin asking!

Option 2: Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)

REUs are another great option for summer research. The National Science Foundation (NSF) is the largest clearinghouse for REUs, but other opportunities exist under different terminology. For example, if you’re interested in research at a National Lab, you’ll need to look for "internships" rather than REUs. REUs are typically competitive and provide significant funding, along with a cohort of students, giving you exposure to a larger institution and the opportunity to experience what grad school life might be like. The CCEC can assist with your application materials and ensure you’re prepared to submit competitive applications. Timelines for REU's vary but usually open in November with application deadlines in February or March.

Option 3: Create Your Own Research Experience

If you're interested in pursuing a specific topic or working with a scientist beyond Whitman whose work fascinates you, you can take the initiative to contact researchers directly to inquire about summer opportunities. While this approach might feel daunting at first, our team is here to help guide you through the process. Whether you have a location in mind or a specific research topic, start by speaking with your professors or conducting a literature search to find scholars working in your area of interest. Your career coach can help you to craft an introductory email to researchers you’re interested in working with. If you decide to pursue this route, consider applying for the Whitman Internship Grant to fund your research experience.

It’s Not Too Late to Start

If you’re a current Whitman student interested in pursuing summer research, it’s not too late to begin the process. Reach out to seniors in your major to learn about their experiences, talk to your professors for their insight and suggestions, and make an appointment via Handshake with any of our Career Development Specialists (CDS) for support in navigating the application process:

STEM fields: Lindsay Szramek, szramela@whitman.edu
Arts, Humanities & Languages: Cat Diebel-Wilson, diebelwc@whitman.edu
Social Sciences: Caitlin Kiesz, kieszco@whitman.edu

Embarking on a research experience will be a pivotal step in your academic and professional development. We’re here to help you every step of the way.