Research

Research at the Department of Natural Sciences provides a well-rounded experience that extends beyond traditional classroom learning

students perform experiments in a lab

Faculty research

Leading Innovative Studies

Our faculty are at the forefront of discovery, continuously conducting research across a diverse spectrum of scientific disciplines. They also play a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of scientists by providing invaluable mentored research opportunities that allow hands-on experience in cutting-edge laboratories and out in the field.

Explore Faculty Research Interests

Faculty Publications

Biophysics major MJ Lindsey CMC '23 debugs a custom-built video graphics card.

Gain sought-after skills

Undergraduate Research

Our students have the opportunity to build their skills with hands-on research opportunities in one of the many labs run by our faculty.

Skill Development

Get hands-on experience, interpret data, and apply theory to real-world scientific investigation.

Lab & Field Research Experience

Gain practical skills in experimental design and scientific techniques.

Career Preparation

Build a strong resume for graduate school and future careers in science, health, medicine, and more.

Research opportunities

Jumpstart Your Career

Cutting-edge research takes place year-round, and there are multiple ways to get involved in labs in the Department and off campus. Faculty do research on a wide range of topics, and student researchers are key to this work. We offer an intensive summer program in which students are paid to work with faculty and conduct research. Students of all experience levels have opportunities to get involved.

Academic-year research
Summer research
Outside research
Seminars
Fellowships

Find Research Opportunities

a student with a ponytail and surgical mask peers at a test tube

Research Resources

Explore

a woman with long brown hair in a ponytial and wearing a lab coat peers into a microscope in a lab.

Human Subject Research

Learn about our rigorous system of oversight for research involving human subjects.

Human Subject Research Info

a student wearing a neon green shirt and camo pant sets up a wilderness camera during field research

Vertebrate Animal Research

Learn about the rules and regulations in collecting data from living non-human vertebrates.

Animal Research Info

two students sit on the shore of a pond while listening to another student in front of the pond

Bernard Field Station

Located on 86 acres of natural habitat, the Bernard Biological Field Station is a hub for ecological research.

Learn About the Field Station

three people walk out fo the entrance of the robert redford conservancy

Robert Redford Conservancy for Southern California (RRC)

The RRC at Pitzer College aims to increase socio-ecological justice and sustainability.

RRC Website

a group of students gather under an a-frame pergola that's surrounded by lush vegetation

Firestone Center for Restoration Ecology

Engage with some of the most biodiverse tropical forests in Costa Rica at Pitzer’s Firestone Center.

Explore the Firestone Center

a student and professor work together at a machine in a lab

Research Classes

Natural Sciences I and II are for-credit classes for students doing research.

Get Research Class Info

What our students say

Hands-on Learning

“Having your own project in a lab makes you want to get into a lab, to see progress, to nurture this thing that you’re helping build—knowing that you’re physically doing it with your own hands is the most rewarding thing.”

Max Richmond PZ ’23,
Biology major

a man with short brown curly hair smiles at the camera

Advanced instrumentation & learning spaces

High-Tech Labs

The Nucleus, the Department of Natural Sciences’ home base, was completed in the Fall of 2024. The newly expanded, 135,000 square-foot building offers state-of-the-art classrooms, tutoring rooms, and collaborative spaces. Features and instrumentation include: