Hands-on undergraduate research provides Hollins students the opportunity to delve deeply into an area of interest or focus while guided and advised by their professors. This experience helps sharpen investigative skills, is exceptional preparation for graduate-level studies and work in the professional world, and helps build transferrable skills as a student explores possible career paths.
Hollins’ students have four ways in which they can access research opportunities – Hollins Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows program (SURF), independent research with faculty during the regular school year, directed research with The School for Field Studies, or external research opportunities which faculty and Hollins’ Career and Life Design can assist students in locating and applying. Collectively, students gain access to substantive research experiences within a supportive environment that are customized to students’ interests.
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows (SURF)
The Summer Research Fellows program offers a concentrated opportunity for a select number of students to work collaboratively with faculty over the summer. The program provides a stipend and summer housing to accepted students who participate in a cohort model during the summer. Students in the program emerge with an “action plan” that often includes a report and presentation covering their learning experience.
Research fellows come from across all academic divisions of the university with concentrations ranging from digital art archiving and documentary film projects to biological research and studies on memory.
Other Opportunities
Hollins University is a member of the Council on Undergraduate Research