Research opportunities for undergraduate students
Start Research Early—Even in Your First Year
Our undergraduate research opportunities, including the EschLEAD undergraduate research program open to all WSU undergraduates, empowers students to begin working in research labs as early as their first year. Through hands-on training and personalized mentorship, students learn to apply scientific methodologies, conduct research in labs, and collaborate with faculty, graduate students, and peers on research.
EschLEAD Undergraduate Research Program
The EschLEAD undergraduate research program at Washington State University empowers students to begin working in research labs as early as their first year. Whether you’re pursuing STEM, social sciences, or humanities, EschLEAD helps you turn curiosity into career potential.
I am thankful I had the opportunity to get involved in research during my first year. That experience helped me to more easily grasp my classwork and opened the door to new research opportunities.
Natasha Puzon, microbiology undergraduate in the STARS program
Build Skills for a Competitive Career in Science
Undergraduate students gain practical experience in original research, commercialization, and industry collaboration. These immersive opportunities help students develop in-demand skills in lab technology, data analysis, and scientific communication—bridging the gap between academic learning and professional application.
After graduation
1 out of 3 undergraduate students pursue a graduate degree
1 out of 3 undergraduate students pursue careers in the biotech industry
1 out of 3 undergraduate students pursue careers in healthcare
Our majors prepare you for:
- Pharmaceutical, agricultural, food, and biotechnology industries
- Private or governmental laboratories
- Basic and applied research
- Graduate School
- Higher education
- Nonprofit institutions
- Researching neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis
- Patent law
- Scientific or pharmaceutical sales
- Technical writing
Research abroad for undergraduate students
WSU’s Research Immersion in Nairobi
An immersive six-week summer study-abroad program to Nairobi, Kenya, providing research opportunities to WSU undergraduate students.
College Research Symposium
The annual event showcases research by our undergraduate, graduate, and professional veterinary medical students, postdoctoral researchers, and veterinary residents and interns. During the symposium the college also recognizes excellence in research with a keynote address by the Zoetis Award for Veterinary Research Excellence faculty recipient.
