What Is Undergraduate Research?

Undergraduate research invites students to go beyond classroom learning and immerse themselves in practical inquiry. It centers on applied, integrative and discovery-oriented projects that bridge disciplines and encourage reflective scholarship.

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Read time 3 minutes

Dr. Scott Greenberger

Published on Sep 17, 2025

At Grand Canyon University, undergraduate research isn’t just encouraged, it’s woven into the fabric of student life. So, why do undergraduate research? Through the Canyon Emerging Scholars (CES) program, students are empowered to take part in meaningful, faculty-mentored research that spans disciplines and sparks discovery. Through CES, students collaborate closely with faculty mentors, cultivating problem-solving skills and academic growth.

Why Is Undergraduate Research Important?

Undergraduate research helps students sharpen critical thinking, confidence and communication, while allowing them to discover their passions and professional trajectories. At the same time, GCU's Christian mission and commitment to character development infuse a deeper purpose into every research endeavor.

Benefits of Undergraduate Research

There are several benefits to students engaging in research at the undergraduate level. Even if you are not considering graduate school, you can still reap the benefits of undergraduate research in the following ways:

Mentorship that matters: CES pairs students with experienced faculty who help guide projects from concept to completion.
Opportunities to publish and present: Juniors and seniors can enroll in HON-355 Academic Journal Writing to prepare manuscripts for submission to the Canyon Journal of Undergraduate Research (CJUR).
Professional development: Students can build skills that support career readiness and graduate school preparation.
Hands-on experience in specialized labs: CES offers diverse, interdisciplinary research labs where students can apply their learning in practical settings.

Examples of Canyon Emerging Scholars Research Labs

The CES program at GCU offers a variety of labs designed to explore innovation, creativity and practical problem-solving across disciplines. These are just a few examples of the labs CES offers:

Examining Positive Psychology in Communities (E.P.I.C.) Lab

This lab focuses on resilience, mindfulness, coping and well-being. Projects include studying trauma-informed care, exploring the effects of volunteerism on undergraduates and using virtual reality (VR) to research the psychology of awe.

Labellelabs Engineering

Labellelabs works to design and prototype both medical and non-medical products in collaboration with GCU’s Canyon Ventures, Cybersecurity, Colangelo College of Business and the College of Engineering and Technology. Projects include electrochemical sensors for disease management, wearable health technology, prosthetics and advanced manufacturing solutions. The lab’s apprenticeship model blends research, product development and business principles to help prepare students for graduate school, industry roles or entrepreneurship.

Performance Optimization, Wellness and Exercise Research (P.O.W.E.R.) Lab

The P.O.W.E.R. Lab gives students hands-on opportunities to advance knowledge in exercise science, sports performance, wellness and related research fields. Students can develop professional communication skills, gain conference presentation experience and apply evidence-based practices to enhance their understanding of human performance.

Canyon AI Research (CAIR)

CAIR explores artificial intelligence applications in VR simulations, robotics, AI-based counseling tools, brain-computer interfaces and IoT devices such as delivery robots.

Canyon Creative Lab

This lab provides creative services in graphic design, web design, motion graphics and other media for campus departments and local organizations, giving students real project experience.

Leadership in Action (LIA) Scholars Lab

LIA focuses on developing ethical leaders through research in problem-solving, collaboration and professional readiness, helping prepare students for roles in diverse fields.

How To Get Involved in Undergraduate Research

Getting involved in undergraduate research is a great way to explore your interests, gain hands-on experience and work closely with faculty mentors on practical projects.

Here are some simple steps to help you get started in undergraduate research:

Explore Canyon Emerging Scholars (CES): Begin by exploring the CES program to connect with faculty mentors focused on interdisciplinary and applied scholarship.
Enroll in HON-355: For juniors and seniors, HON-355 can help you prepare for scholarly communication and publication in CJUR — ideal if you're serious about capturing and sharing your research.
Join a lab or research group: Choose from dynamic lab offerings to help align your passions with purpose-driven research.
Present your work: Aim to participate in the Canyon Undergraduate Research Conference, where you can practice high-impact presentation and engage with peers, including faculty and university leaders.
Earn recognition through conferences: Investigate opportunities like submitting to academic conferences, where past CES participants have showcased their research.

Complete Undergraduate Research and Earn Your Degree at GCU

At GCU, undergraduate research through Canyon Emerging Scholars offers more than an academic cornerstone — it provides practical experience and mentorship that can shape the next steps of your journey. With faculty guidance, writing support and opportunities to collaborate on meaningful projects, students have the opportunity to graduate better prepared to explore their interests and pursue their goals.

Immerse Yourself in Undergraduate Research

Actively contribute to creating knowledge in your field of study. Earn your degree and start your research at GCU!

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Written By

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Dr. Scott Greenberger

Assistant VP,

Research and Grants

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Approved and verified accurate by the Assistant Vice President of the Office of Research and Grants on Aug. 11, 2025.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.