MENTORED RESEARCH

CLAS students gain research experience as early as their first year—working alongside a faculty mentor.

Faculty-mentored research is critical to the student experience at Villanova. Working on research projects during both the academic year and the summer, faculty encourage their students to take their findings a step farther and to answer important questions. Our students attend major academic conferences, present their work at Villanova or industry-specific research events, and publish in academic journals. These opportunities are made possible through a variety of programs and funding opportunities.

External Grant Support

Our CLAS faculty are currently working on critical research projects funded by both private and national entities, including the National Science Foundation, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Archives and Records Administration, among others. These substantial grants enable professors to involve more students in their work.

Department and Disciplinary Opportunities

Villanova Social Sciences Apprenticeship

The Villanova Social Sciences Apprenticeship (VSSA) program provides summer research opportunities for students interested in the social sciences. Students assist in faculty research projects and participate in a weekly research colloquium designed to help them contextualize their research experiences. Apprenticeships are paid and come with opportunities for support for room and board. Open to rising sophomores, juniors and seniors. Current students can learn more and submit an application.

Department-specific opportunities

Our faculty are committed to helping students learn through research and hands-on experience. Academic departments offer additional research opportunities and support. Interested students are encouraged to contact research advisors, or the departments, to inquire about such opportunities.

University Research Programs

STORIES OF DISCOVERY

HEAVY METALS AND HONEYBEES

Tenley Ransom ‘25 CLAS, an Environmental and Geography major and Sustainability Studies minor, embarked on a unique research journey inspired by her curiosity about flowers and pollinators. Her collaboration with advisor, Geography and the Environment Associate Professor Dr. Nathaniel Weston, PhD, led to a fascinating project: investigating heavy metal concentrations in honeybees along an urban-to-rural gradient. Tenley's primary focus was understanding how heavy metal levels in honeybees could serve as indicators of flower and soil health.

PASSION FOR PUBLIC HEALTH

Zach Boyer ’23 CLAS has been passionate about public health and making a positive impact on the well-being of society from a young age. “I became the first person in my family to attend a four-year university, studying Chemistry and pursuing research at Villanova,” says Zach. During his undergraduate career, Zach conducted research in medicinal chemistry, aiming to contribute to the development of novel therapeutics for diseases under the mentorship of Assistant Professor Matthew O’Reilly, PhD.

STUDYING BACTERIAL RESISTANCE

Zach Toles CLAS ’24, a Comprehensive Science major with a passion for innovation, is driven to make a positive impact. Zach does research in the lab with Kevin Minbiole, PhD, Chemistry, studying benzalkonium chloride (BAC) and its bacterial resistance. “We’ve been using BAC as a disinfectant in household cleaning products, hospitals and industrial settings for decades,” he explains. After testing with partner organization Emery Pharma, Zach helped identify a possible solution, and their research has been published by "ChemMedChem" and accepted by "ACS Infectious Disease."

UNDERSTANDING GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY

Rachel Westcott ’23 CLAS, Comprehensive Science and French and Francophone Studies, did research with Biology Professor Samantha Chapman, PhD, for all four years. She investigated the ecological benefits of mangroves and coastal wetlands in northern Florida, providing her with hands-on research experience and shaping her career goals. As a recipient of the Fulbright-CY Initiative Award, Rachel is in France pursuing a two-year master's program in Environmental Science. “I will be able to foster international collaboration in a global field while learning about approaches to sustainability culture in France!”

SHOULD WE "ENJOY THINGS?"

Alexander (A.J.) Fezza ’23 CLAS, a Communication and Humanities double major, did is culminating research thesis on "Should We Just 'Let People Enjoy Things'? An Examination of Pleasure and Popular Appeal as Bases for Value Judgments." “I am asking if there is an objective truth related to goodness and beauty that transcends public opinion or self-esteem.” During his research, A.J. discovered the intricate connections between different disciplines and chose to take a holistic approach—diving into not only philosophy, but also economics, history and artistic criticism.