One collaborative summer of student research projects

Twenty-six undergraduate Hamline students recently completed the 10-week Summer Collaborative Undergraduate Research (SCUR) program, working alongside faculty mentors on original research and creative projects.

From early June through early August, students devoted at least 20 hours each week to their projects. They also met regularly with their peers to share works in progress, exchange ideas across disciplines and build an interdisciplinary community of researchers.

This summer's projects reflect the breadth of scholarship and creative inquiry taking place at Hamline. Students and faculty mentors explored topics ranging from water treatment technologies, cancer research, and PFAS exposure to food rescue initiatives, Indigenous defense systems, youth mental health, theatrical performance and the future of accessible manufacturing.

The projects spanned disciplines including neuroscience, biology, engineering, psychology, and public health to sociology, economics, environmental studies, criminology, creative writing, performance, and the humanities.

SCUR is one of Hamline’s signature high-impact learning experiences, giving students the opportunity to work closely with faculty mentors, contribute to original scholarship and creative work, and develop their research, analytical and communication skills. The experience can help prepare students for graduate study, professional careers and engaged citizenship.

“Faculty-mentored research gives students the opportunity to work closely with faculty, explore important questions, and build research and analytical thinking skills and confidence to succeed after graduation,” Binnur Ozkececi-Tane, the interim dean of faculty said.