Undergraduate Research Programs

Training and inspiring the next generation of interdisciplinary scientists is central to the mission of the Chemistry of Life Processes Institute at Northwestern.   

CLP offers three different undergraduate research programs.  Our most prestigious program, the Lambert Fellowship for Northwestern undergraduate chemistry majors, provides multi-year funding for hands-on laboratory research for rising sophomores and juniors majoring in Chemistry under the mentorship of CLP faculty members.  The Summer Scholars Program provides students who are interested in pursuing interdisciplinary research in the sciences the opportunity to pursue an interdisciplinary research project in collaboration with Northwestern University CLP-affiliated faculty with appointments in over 23 departments.  Lastly, the CLP Chicago Area Undergraduate Research Symposium Award provides a student or team of students with support for interdisciplinary research with a CLP faculty member, purchase of scientific supplies and registration, and travel costs to the annual Chicago Area Undergraduate Research Symposium (CAURS).

More than 60 undergraduates have participated in CLP undergraduate programs through the years.  Eighty-three percent have pursued PhDs at top graduate schools, enrolled in Medical Scientist Training programs, or attended medical school. One former student is attending law school and another is in veterinary school. In addition, CLP undergrads have co-authored more than 45 papers based on their work. They also are invited to pesent the outcomes of their research at CLP’s annual Summer Research Symposium.