Student Research

W&L invests heavily in student research, whether independent or in partnership with faculty. Opportunities abound for work in the natural sciences and the humanities, and students are encouraged to take part in the University's semi-annual Science, Society and the Arts research conference.

Opportunities for Students

Students interested in exploring undergraduate and postgraduate opportunities beyond Lexington have access to our University-wide database of grants, fellowships, research, internship and study abroad opportunities.

Leyburn Scholars Program in Anthropology

The Leyburn Scholars program is designed to further study of and research in anthropology by enabling the University to provide stipends supporting student research during both the academic year and summer. Projects are structured to afford students the opportunity to develop skills in research design, data collection, field work, analysis and report preparation. All Washington and Lee undergraduates and alumni working in anthropology are eligible to compete for the stipends.

Summer Research Scholars

The Summer Research Scholars Program encourages well-qualified and strongly motivated students to become familiar with research tools, techniques, and methodology through collaborative research with faculty members during the summer. Participation is an enriching and broadening experience. It is particularly valuable to students who intend to pursue graduate work, for they are introduced to the kind of research activities they will encounter at the graduate level.

Student Summer Independent Research (SSIR)

As a complement to the Summer Research Scholars program, the Student Summer Independent Research program was established to support independent scholarly and creative work in the social sciences, humanities and the arts. These grants are intended for rising seniors to have the opportunity to pursue their own research or creative interest during the summer, with the mentorship of a faculty member.

Science, Society and the Arts (SSA)

Science, Society, and the Arts is a multi-disciplinary conference involving Washington and Lee undergraduates in the presentation of their academic achievements before an audience of their peers and the undergraduate faculty. Conference participants may make oral presentations of research papers on traditional academic-conference-style panels, deliver research results in poster sessions, or present creative work. Students may also choose to participate in colloquia organized around common readings proposed by interested students and faculty.