Undergraduate Research
Explore the world, discover new possibilities
Anya Sen, who graduated in May 2023 with dual degrees in international relations and economics, applied to the Plastino Scholars Program to study refugee and migration issues of local immigrants in France.
Extend your learning with undergraduate research
The Student Success Center connects University of Delaware undergraduate students with research opportunities, helping them to grow professionally and prepare for graduate school. Undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences are encouraged to explore funding and professional development opportunities on and off campus, such as the David A. Plastino Scholars Program with the College of Arts & Sciences and the University-wide Undergraduate Research Program.
- David A. Plastino Scholars Program, College of Arts & Sciences: Pursue passionate interests through self-designed, off-campus learning experiences.
- Undergraduate Research Program: Coordinates with departments, offices and academic units across UD. Visit the "Programs" tab to learn more.
- Graduate College: Summer research opportunities for undergraduate students.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
The College of Arts and Sciences funds about 12 Summer Scholars each year. Selected undergraduate students, usually sophomores and juniors, spend 10 weeks conducting full-time research or creative work with University faculty. Each scholar receives a $4,000 stipend. To apply, visit the Undergraduate Research Program’s Summer Programs page. The Summer Scholars program is supported by generous donor funding, including from Tom Hofmann, a UD alumnus who established the Ethel & Donald Hofmann Scholar Award. The award encourages applications from first-generation students and students from historically underrepresented backgrounds.
The CAS Student Success Center’s co-curricular coaching team partners with Fox Chase Cancer Center to offer UD undergraduate students an 11-week, paid summer research program. Empower Fellows work full time in Fox Chase labs and gain hands-on, mentored research experience. They also learn how basic and applied research affect cancer treatment and patient care. Fellows receive housing and a $4,500 stipend. Students interested in the program can learn more during a one-day visit to Fox Chase Cancer Center, which includes lunch with graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to discuss career paths. Visit the Fox Chase Cancer Center website for information about the next summer program, including application details and information sessions.
The Plastino Scholars Program was established in 2007 by a gift from UD alumnus David A. Plastino to help outstanding University of Delaware undergraduate students realize their dreams by supporting them in self-designed, off-campus learning experiences that create a difference in their lives and in the lives of others.
Research News
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Investing in the Future of Science
May 13, 2026 | Written by Atif BacchusSenior reflects on how UD course changed his path and led him become a published researcher -
Educator to executive
April 28, 2026 | Written by Karen B. RobertsMary Dozier launches nonprofit out of her UD academic research -
Laura Carlson inaugurated as UD’s 29th president
April 18, 2026 | Written by Amy WolfCampus-wide celebration highlighted University’s forward-focused chapter driven by shared purpose and community.
