Igniting Curiosity and Discovery

Undergraduate Research at Gardner-Webb

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    • Turning Ideas Into Discovery

    At Gardner-Webb University, research is a transformative opportunity for every undergraduate. Through hands-on projects, faculty mentorship, and opportunities to present at conferences, you’ll turn your ideas into real-world discoveries and creative projects!

    Programs & Opportunities

    At Gardner-Webb University, research is a transformative opportunity for every undergraduate. Through hands-on projects, faculty mentorship, and opportunities to present at conferences, you’ll turn your ideas into real-world discoveries and creative projects! You’ll collaborate closely with experienced professors who are dedicated to supporting your academic pursuits. As you engage in original research, you’ll build critical thinking skills and create an academic portfolio that sets you apart after graduation.

    Summer Scholars Fellowship
    Spend your summer immersed in discovery. The Summer Scholars Fellowship provides funding, faculty mentorship, and a supportive cohort experience to help you design and complete an original research or creative project. Fellows present their work at the Life of the Scholar (LOTS) Conference and often go on to regional or national venues. Learn More ›
    Academic Year & Course-Embedded Research

    Research doesn’t stop in the summer. Faculty across disciplines embed research projects into courses, service-learning, and community-engaged projects. You’ll develop critical skills in inquiry, collaboration, and communication while contributing to real-world solutions.

    Apply Now
    LOTS Conference
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    The LOTS (Life of the Scholar) Conference is GWU’s annual showcase of student research and creative work. It brings together scholars from across disciplines to share discoveries, exchange ideas, and celebrate the pursuit of knowledge.

    Learn More
    Student Conference Travel
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    Take your work beyond campus. GWU supports students presenting at conferences like North Carolina Independent Colleges and University (NCICU) Undergraduate Research Conference. Funding is available to help cover travel costs.

    Learn More
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    Recognition & Credentials

    Your hard work deserves recognition.

    GWU offers several ways to celebrate and showcase your research accomplishments:

    • Graduation Cords & Medallions – Special regalia for students who complete significant undergraduate research.
    • Digital Badges & Micro-Credentials – Share your achievements on résumés, LinkedIn, and graduate school applications.

    Why It Matters: Employers and graduate schools value undergraduate research as evidence of initiative, problem-solving, and communication skills.

    Learn More

    Student Spotlights

    Thinking beyond your project?
    GWU offers guidance for students seeking high-impact opportunities:

    Discover the stories behind the research.

    Our students are asking big questions, tackling real-world challenges, and sharing their discoveries with the world. Through hands-on research projects, they investigate complex issues that impact our communities, pursuing knowledge with curiosity and purpose. With guidance and mentorship from dedicated faculty, these students contribute meaningful insights that inspire change and foster innovation. Their work not only deepens their understanding of pressing societal needs but also prepares them for leadership roles beyond graduation. By engaging in collaborative research experiences, Gardner-Webb undergraduates exemplify how academic inquiry leads to personal growth and broader community impact.

    Advising & Fellowships

    Thinking beyond your project? GWU offers guidance for students seeking high-impact opportunities:

    National Fellowships

    Advising for Fulbright, Truman, Boren, Goldwater, and other prestigious programs.

    Graduate & Leadership Programs

    Support for publishing research, preparing for graduate study, or applying to programs like AIM

    One-on-One Mentorship

    Personalized coaching to strengthen your applications and future plans.

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    Our Mission

    At Gardner-Webb, undergraduate research is more than a program—it’s a culture of curiosity.

    Our goal is to foster a culture of scholarly inquiry and to engage students in high-impact learning practices that prepares them for meaningful post-graduate opportunities.

    Ready to take the next step?

    Contact the Director of Undergraduate Research to learn how you can get involved.
    Social Sciences

    Dr. Elizabeth Amato

    Associate Professor Political Science and International Affairs
    [email protected]
    (704) 406-4466

    See More