Semester Research at Muhlenberg

Keep questioning.

A student works in the garden, kneeling down beside a tomato plant.

Research at Muhlenberg College happens year-round. While the summer months provide time for intensive focus, research that occurs throughout the fall and spring semesters provides an ongoing challenge.

Students can register for independent research credit as part of their normal course load; many students carry out research with a faculty mentor for several semesters. This long-term work allows for a deeper mentorship experience and a greater impact for research outcomes, like presentations at national or international conferences and publications in peer-reviewed journals.

How To Get Involved in Student Research

Make connections.

Talk to the faculty whose classes you’ve really enjoyed. Ask them what kinds of research or scholarly projects they are working on and see if they have time to work with you on a project. Students usually start by working on faculty members’ projects before they come up with their own projects.

Do your own research.

Search faculty pages on department websites to see what kinds of work faculty are doing. When you find something that interests you, send an email to that professor asking to meet and talk about their work.

Be persistent!

Sometimes faculty are already busy working on projects with other students. Check in to see if spots eventually open up or ask a different faculty member about research opportunities.

Resources for Research

Find important resources for conducting independent research and receiving funds for travel associated with research presentations and conferences.

A students laughs and talks with an instructor as they review a document together.

Independent Research Form

Prepared to embark on an independent study or research project? Utilize this form to get started.

A student in a dress shirt and tie and shares research findings displayed on a poster during a Lehigh Valley Hospital Network research gathering.

Travel Funds for Research

Funds are available for students who are traveling to present scholarly work at conferences, exhibits or during performances.

Outdoor view of Muhlenberg College clocktower behind white flowering tree on campus.

Harring-Whittenbraker Fund for Student Research

Funds are available to aid students in their independent studies here on campus. The Harring-Wittenbraker Fund for Student Research can be requested during the academic year for use at any time during the year, even for summer academic work.