Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate research at Mercer provides students with hands-on experience that complements the breadth of their education.

At Mercer, students are given the opportunity to take the lead in top-level research endeavors, which transforms them into scholars who answer tough and relevant questions. Our students work closely with faculty members, not graduate students, in state-of-the-art facilities to complete projects that contribute new knowledge to their fields of study.

Three individuals use a pXRF device to test for lead on a metal bar with peeling orange paint outdoors. The person to the left operates the device as another takes notes, and a third observes. All are wearing sun hats.

Featured Project

Mercer On Mission team tests for lead in paint, soil in Belize

A Mercer University team tested for lead in paint and soil this summer as part of a new Mercer On Mission program in Belize. Seventeen Mercer students participated in the program, which included screening paint on murals, outdoor exercise equipment and playground structures, as well as newly purchased paint.

Additional Projects

Sarah Boyer wearing a Mercer shirt looks at the camera. A lab is in the background.
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Goldwater Scholar immerses herself in biochemistry research at Mercer

As a high school student, Sarah Boyer knew she wanted to do research as soon as she got to college. And she knew Mercer University would be the best place for her to do that.

Dr. Sarah Bauer, wearing black business casual attire, and two Mercer students wearing lab coats working in a lab.
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Mercer researchers receive EPA grant to study how to turn food waste into fuel

Dr. Sarah Bauer, assistant professor of environmental engineering, and a team of mostly undergraduate students have been awarded nearly $75,000 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to further their research studying and identifying sustainable fuel alternatives.

The future is in AI. A Mercer professor is preparing the next generation

As artificial intelligence becomes more common in everyday life, a Mercer University School of Engineering professor is working to ensure the next generation is knowledgeable about the field.

Mercer On Mission team examines effects of tourism boom in northern India

Mercer University students and faculty studied the impacts of tourism in northern India this summer as part of a new Mercer On Mission program. The team worked in Uttarakhand, located at the foothills of the Himalayas, where tourism has grown rapidly over the last 10 years.

Stamps Scholar uses chemistry, math to address environmental issues

At Mercer University, Nuren Lara has been able to develop and apply his love of environmental science. The Stamps Scholar is dedicated to research that addresses environmental issues and hopes to one day become a college professor.