Student Research
Pushing boundaries, exploring the possibilities, creating the future. The way we define research at Western Carolina University isn’t traditional. Grants, papers, books, websites, composition, art. These are just a few examples of how our nationally recognized research is redefining what we think is possible.
Empowering Minds, Inspiring Discoveries: Student Research in Action!
Students engaged in research and creative inquiry are making contributions in every department and college on Western’s campus. Research solves real-world problems, increases knowledge, and inspires others. It is ever-evolving and can take many forms. Explore some of the ways we are pushing the boundaries of research at Western Carolina University.
College of Engineering and Technology hosts German exchange student for research collaboration Here
Western Carolina University is hosting Christopher Reinsch, a graduate student from the Environmental Campus Birkenfeld of the Trier University of Applied Sciences in Germany, for a month-long exchange program with the WCU College of Engineering and Technology. Read More…
Students set up bug tents to learn more about the critters in Cullowhee
Western Carolina University has been garnering a lot of buzz recently with bee and mosquito projects, but faculty and students are also interested in learning more about other critters that call Cullowhee home. As part of a field entomology course at WCU, Luiz Lima Da Silveira, biology professor, and Sarah Parsons, professor of geosciences and natural resources, have teamed up to monitor insect populations on campus. Read More…
Research at WCU
Western Carolina engages students and faculty from across all disciplines and all levels of study to solve real-world problems, generate new knowledge, add to the quality of life, and be a regionally and nationally engaged partner.
What is Research, Scholarship, and Creative Inquiry?
A uniquely immersive experience for students and faculty to pursue and make lasting scholarly and artistic contributions to knowledge in their discipline. It is a high-impact, hands-on experience that can have transformational outcomes for WCU, the region, and beyond.
Undergraduate Research
Western Carolina University has established itself as a national leader in undergraduate research working annually to support students in kickstarting, sustaining, and disseminating research, scholarship, and creative activities from across all disciplines.
Undergraduate research and creative inquiry are defined as inquiry or investigation that makes an original intellectual or creative contribution to the discipline. Undergraduate students engaged in research and creative inquiry are making contributions in every department and college on Western’s campus.
As undergraduates, students work closely with research and creative teams that are led by our faculty. These faculty are experts in their field and guide students through the research and creative inquiry process.
RESEARCH FUNDING
- ACADEMIC PROJECT GRANTS (APG)
- NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH (NCUR)
- SOCON UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH FORUM (SURF)
- External Funding Opportunities
Academic Project Grants (APGs) support undergraduate research and creative work efforts at Western Carolina University. Any student or group of students working with a faculty sponsor is eligible to apply for a grant. Undergraduate students who submit a proposal can be granted funding support that can be used in many ways, through equipment, materials/supplies purchases, or travel to disseminate their research at local, regional, and even national conferences.
Proposals are accepted on a 4-month cycle between September and March. Find out the cycle dates and learn more by clicking the link below.
WCU has a long tradition of supporting undergraduate students’ creative and research-based projects. Students accepted to NCUR have the opportunity to present their undergraduate research along with peers from across disciplines. Since 1987, NCUR has been a flagship conference for undergraduate researchers to share, celebrate, and promote their research achievements. Western Carolina University has established itself as a national leader in undergraduate research, having ranked in the Top 10 for the number of projects accepted to the National Conference on Undergraduate Research annually since 2006.
The Southern Conference (SoCon) Academic Exchange hosts the annual SoCon Undergraduate Research Forum (SURF) in the fall on the campus of Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC. This multidisciplinary conference brings together approximately 150 student presenters from all ten colleges/universities of the SoCon for a two-day event that features projects in the arts and humanities, as well as the STEM disciplines.
At WCU, we believe in empowering students to pursue bold, innovative research, and we know that external funding can be a vital part of that journey. Whether your students are working on your dissertation, conducting fieldwork, developing a creative project, or searching for research fellowship opportunities, securing outside support can open doors to new possibilities.
RESEARCH CONFERENCES
- RESEARCH & SCHOLARSHIP CONFERENCE (RASC)
- NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH (NCUR)
- UNC'S RESEARCH & CREATIVITY SYMPOSIUM (SNCURCS)
- SOCON UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH FORUM (SURF)
Western’s showcase academic event is hosted by The Office of the Provost, The Graduate School and Research, and the Brinson Honors College. It is a combined 2-day event bringing together the Annual Undergraduate Exposition, the Graduate Research Symposium, and the Faculty Scholarship Celebration. The 2026 Research & Scholarship Conference will be held March 25-26, 2026.
The Undergraduate Research Exposition and Graduate Research Symposium, part of WCU’s campus-wide Research and Scholarship Conference, provides students with the opportunity to work with faculty to present their research to an engaged audience on campus. The annual expo features over 200 student presenters working with more than 60 faculty sponsors.
Students accepted to NCUR have the opportunity to present their undergraduate research along with peers from across disciplines. Since 1987, NCUR has been a flagship conference for undergraduate researchers to share, celebrate, and promote their research achievements.
Western Carolina University has established itself as a national leader in undergraduate research having ranked in the Top 10 for the number of projects accepted to the National Conference on Undergraduate Research annually since 2006.
The State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium (SNCURCS)
SNCURCS – State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium is held each November at a host institution within the UNC and NC Independent Colleges and Universities systems. This statewide symposium started at NC State University and now rotates among public and private institutions of higher learning in North Carolina.
The Southern Conference (SoCon) Academic Exchange hosts the annual SoCon Undergraduate Research Forum (SURF) each fall on the campus of Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC.
This multidisciplinary conference brings together approximately 150 student presenters from all ten colleges/universities of the SoCon for a two-day event that features projects in the arts and humanities, as well as the STEM disciplines.
SURF is an awesome opportunity for all students involved in research and creative activities, particularly for those involved in these activities over the summer, to display their accomplishments in a variety of small, welcoming venues.
Why Participate in Research & Creative Inquiry?
Participating in undergraduate research can prepare you for post-graduation plans by expanding your academic experience and giving you the opportunity to explore an academic discipline more fully. Undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activity are defined as a High Impact Practice (HIP), which can bolster a students academic experience by engaging in the learning process deeply. Students who participate in HIPs like undergraduate research tend to have better academic outcomes and get hands-on experiential opportunities.
Suzanne Melton
Research Programs Coordinator
828.227.2575
scmelton@wcu.edu
research.wcu.edu
