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Research

Clemson's Student Research Informs Industries

From mass timber to microbe diversity in coastal ecosystems and even genetics, Clemson students dive into research projects as early as freshman year. Their work with industry partners in labs, fields and hospitals across South Carolina connects students with employers while providing access for industry partners to the powerful resources available at Clemson. Choose your program of study, join a research team and meet the professionals who benefit from your work. It all begins at Clemson.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities at Clemson

Each year, more than 4,600 undergraduate students at Clemson work together with peers, graduate students and faculty mentors on research projects that ignite their interests. Discover what it’s like to work with a team toward new solutions that revolutionize treatments, techniques and industries in South Carolina and beyond.

Faculty advisor and undergraduate student examine Xrays together.

Creative Inquiry

Every Clemson student has the opportunity to begin a research project with faculty support and University resources through Creative Inquiry. These team-based research projects are led by a faculty mentor and typically span two to four semesters. Through Creative Inquiry, undergraduate students discover the answers to their burning questions and present their solutions at conferences across the country, answering questions from industry professionals.

Learn More About Creative Inquiry at Clemson

Conduct groundbreaking research — even during your undergraduate years

A female student wearing a white lab coat, protective eyewear and gloves holds a cylindrical instrument while working in a laboratory.

“At first, I thought research would just help me learn the scientific process and become a better physician. I didn’t think I wanted any form of career in research. But at Clemson, because you’re able to get involved so early in research, research became my thing in my first year. I would be excited to go to the lab every single day. … I’m forever grateful that I chose Clemson because I probably wouldn’t be on the same path that I am on if I went to another institution.”

Elizabeth Caldwell,
biochemistry ’25
Faculty advisor and male student work together in a science lab.
Two undergraduate students examine plants and take notes in a greenhouse.

Experiences in Undergraduate Research, Exploration and Knowledge Advancement (EUREKA!)

Through the EUREKA! program, about 33 incoming freshman students who have been accepted into the Clemson University Honors College are invited to spend five weeks participating in research projects or other academic activities before Fall semester begins. Participants choose a research project that is recommended by Clemson faculty members, receive guidance from graduate students and faculty members, and even present their work at a final symposium. The program proves invaluable to incoming students as they form relationships with academic mentors, make friends with their peers and become confident in Clemson’s research facilities.

Learn More About EUREKA!

Graduate Research Opportunities at Clemson

A male lecturer presents on a large screen to two rows of students in the Watt Innovation Center.

Clemson University connects graduate and postdoctoral students with industry partners, government officials and state-of-the-art facilities to conduct research that solves the world’s pressing problems and moves industry forward. Enjoy relationships with faculty mentors who truly care about your professional and personal development, then give back by sharing your expertise with undergraduate students. When you pursue your postgraduate degree at Clemson, you become a powerful contributor to the Clemson Family, the state of South Carolina and the world.

GRAD 360°

This program is unique to Clemson and tailored to the graduate and postdoctoral experience. Gain transferable skills in nine focus areas and create a portfolio to track your development with guidance from your mentor through GRAD 360°. You can enrich your Clemson experience, form meaningful relationships and prepare for your ideal career by participating in GRAD 360°.

GRAD 360°

Student Research Stories