Professor Aaron Strong works with students at reservoir

Student Research

Through independent projects, research with faculty members, summer internships, and the Senior Fellowship Program, Hamilton provides an increasing number of opportunities for students to engage in significant — often publishable — research at the undergraduate level.

Hands-On Collaborative Research

Summer Research

Hamilton offers its students outstanding opportunities to conduct research in all disciplines. Approximately 120 students receive grants each summer.

Programs & Funding

Publish & Present

Whether it’s during the academic year or the summer, Hamilton students collaborate with professors on original research. Often their work results in articles published in peer-reviewed journals or in presentations at national conferences.

Recent Publications & Presentations

Launch Experience

Student Research in Action

Biology research students using instruments in Rogers Glen — Researching Rodents’ Role in Reforestation: The creatures great and small of the campus glens find themselves with company this summer through the presence of Professor Pete Guiden’s motley crew of researchers. The research days consist of a varied array of activities, from constructing rodent traps in the woodshop to hiking seven miles through thicket to survey woodland plots, all with the goal of better understanding our smallest animals.

From left: Samuel Low ’28, Delaney Patterson ’26, Ton Somnug ’27, and Luke Hanson ’26 — Students Research Economic Development with the Griffiss Institute: This past summer, Levitt Center student researchers Luke Hanson ’26, Delaney Patterson ’26, Samuel Low ’28, and Ton Somnug ’27 joined forces with Griffiss Institute CEO and Hamilton alumna Heather Hage ’02 to investigate the holistic impact of federal spending on the local economy. Through their research, the students have become more connected with the Mohawk Valley beyond the Hill. Part of their project included speaking with community members and local businesses about their sentiments regarding federal funds.

Student Stories

Research & Discovery

During the academic year and over the summer, Hamilton students put into practice the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom, lab, and studio. Every student graduates having completed a capstone experience, which typically involves significant research or an original artistic creation. Here are some recent examples.

Latest News

Grace Papetti ’27 maintains the Saunders Peonies in the Grant Garden

A Passion for Plants: Grace Papetti ’27

A biology major with minors in geoscience and environmental studies, Papetti traces her interest in plant science to Assistant Professor of Biology Pete Guiden’s introductory biology course Secret Life of Plants.

Aksel Reid ’27, Lucas Constantine ’27, and Lydia DeTraglia ’28 interning at the Masonic Medical Research Institute.

Hamilton Students Advance Biomedical Research Through MMRI Partnership

A growing partnership between Hamilton College and the Masonic Medical Research Institute (MMRI) is giving students the opportunity to pursue biomedical research. This summer, Lydia DeTraglia ’28 and Aksel Reid ’27 are spending 10 weeks at the institute in Utica conducting independent research projects while gaining firsthand experience in a professional laboratory.

Austin Tubia ’27 and Alden Duserick ’27 collect samples from green frogs.

When the Frogs Start Calling, the Research Begins

For most people, the sound of croaking frogs signals a summer evening. For a small group of Hamilton researchers, it’s a sign that the workday is just beginning.