Individualized University Education Experience
Lehigh University: A Hub for Interdisciplinary Research and Global Impact
Lehigh University, located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is renowned for its commitment to undergraduate research and its unique approach to fostering a dynamic research environment.
In 2019, 23 students from the university embarked on a journey to Sierra Leone, Africa, as part of fieldwork aimed at combating hunger, disease, and increasing global health awareness. This initiative is a testament to Lehigh's values, which encourage students to question current understanding and seek new insights on their own.
At Lehigh, students work closely with faculty and peers, asking important questions and seeking answers in unique ways. The university values the ability of students to ask good questions and evaluate possible answers, and undergraduate research is designed to help students seek answers to challenging questions and empower others.
The process of asking questions, seeking answers, and learning through trial and error is highly valued at Lehigh. Research is not exclusive to high-achieving students; curiosity, energy, and a willingness to devote effort are more important than academic records.
Lehigh offers varied undergraduate research opportunities, including faculty-mentored projects, interdisciplinary team research, summer programs, and community-based initiatives. What sets Lehigh's research program apart is its interdisciplinary approach, strong faculty mentorship, emphasis on real-world impact, and a dynamic ecosystem supported by strategic investments, positioning it as an R1 research institution.
Key aspects of Lehigh's research program include Impact Fellowships, which enable students to work in small teams alongside faculty mentors on pressing global and local challenges. The university also hosts rigorous summer research programs, such as the Summer Science Program focused on hands-on, college-level research experiences, with an emphasis on inclusive participation across diverse backgrounds.
As an R1 research university, Lehigh commits significant resources to support high-impact interdisciplinary research in areas like community health, sustainable infrastructure, and conflict studies, combining scholarship with actionable solutions. Research at Lehigh extends beyond the campus, engaging with societal issues and tackling real-world challenges.
Alan Snyder, the vice president and associate provost for research and graduate studies at Lehigh University, emphasises the importance of independent discovery as part of the undergraduate experience. The university offers a unique combination of direct faculty interaction and a broad range of research projects, similar to a national research university but with the personal touch of a liberal arts college.
Faculty at Lehigh often find themselves feeling a bit over their heads with the work they are doing, making the research process an exciting adventure. Research at Lehigh is not just about producing a paper or checking a box; it is an opportunity to explore a new world. Research takes many forms, not just traditional lab or archive work, and there are myriad modes and outlets for publication.
Ownership of research projects is encouraged at Lehigh, with students being given the opportunity to work independently or as part of a team. Undergraduate students at Lehigh have access to a wide range of research opportunities, with the ability to work on projects that align with their interests.
In conclusion, Lehigh University offers a dynamic research environment, both on campus and around the world, that encourages students to question, explore, and seek answers to challenging questions, all while making a sustainable impact.
- At Lehigh University, students engage in research related to global health awareness, a testament to the university's commitment to interdisciplinary endeavors.
- The faculty at Lehigh University work closely with students on a wide variety of research projects, fostering personal growth and self-development through education and learning.
- Lehigh University's research program is distinguished by its emphasis on real-world impact, as demonstrated by its involvement in projects related to community health, sustainable infrastructure, and conflict studies.
- Lehigh students have the opportunity to work on research projects that align with their personal interests, with ownership of projects highly encouraged, encouraging independence and entrepreneurship.
