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Loyola University Chicago’s College of Arts and Sciences launched the Undergraduate Summer Research Experience (USRE) in May 2022 with the goal of introducing first- and second- year students to hands-on research projects that align with their academic and personal interests.
In its inaugural year, 48 students participated in 43 faculty-led research projects. Since then, the program has expanded each year with 100 students and 73 faculty mentors taking part in the initiative during summer 2025.
USRE offers an intensive, full-time research immersion opportunity for four weeks. Students work closely with a faculty mentor while receiving a Chicago living wage, allowing them to fully focus on their research. The program gives students a glimpse into the research process, fosters meaningful faculty relationships, and demonstrates how classroom knowledge can be applied to real-world problems.
The opportunity to participate in undergraduate research at universities in the United States is typically offered to upper-division students or students in the biomedical disciplines. USRE combats that trend by offering opportunities in the basic sciences, humanities and social sciences, to students early in their academic careers.
More information about the College’s USRE program can be found here.
