Research by Students
Lafayette College has a variety of programs for supporting research activities that incorporate students.
Fall 2025 Student Poster Session
Information coming soon
SUPPORT FOR STUDENT RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Online applications for the programs described below can be found on the Research Forms and Deadlines page.
The EXCEL Scholars Program
Lafayette’s EXCEL Scholars Program enables high-performing students to assist faculty members with their scholarship. The purpose of the EXCEL Program is to encourage collaboration in learning between faculty and students. The work of the student must, therefore, be research-oriented and not administrative in its primary emphasis. EXCEL Scholars may work part-time during the academic year or full-time during the Summer and the Interim Session.
Participation in the EXCEL Program is an honor reserved for those students who have achieved distinction in their academic program at Lafayette. To be eligible for a College-funded EXCEL Scholarship, students should have completed their first year at Lafayette and should maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0. (The minimum GPA requirement for externally funded Excel Scholars is determined by the faculty advisor).
The Research Assistants Program
Faculty members desiring research assistance, which does not rise to the stated level of Excel work, may apply to have short-term research assistant. As examples: data entry, translation work, information gathering, or technical assistance would all be considered reasonable tasks for a research assistant to undertake. Research Assistants will not be provided to faculty members that are working with Excel Scholars.
Student-Initiated Research
This program is intended to support student-initiated research (i.e., thesis and independent studies) rather than faculty research projects that involve student assistants (i.e., EXCEL). Its purpose is to help cover expenses that typically can not be covered by the departmental budget.
Student Conference Travel
Students who have undertaken original research are eligible to apply for travel support up to $600 to present the results of their research at a professional meeting. (There is a separate process for students interested in presenting at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.) Normally, departments are expected to pay the costs of conference registration and students’ meals. In exceptional circumstances RSC may fund a student for two trips in an academic year (including NCUR).
Please note: The College has policies and procedures for student travel for research and for attending conferences. If student travel is involved in your project, please consult:
The National Conference on Undergraduate Research
Lafayette College has a long tradition of active participation in the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.