Student Research

Lake Forest College is an institution where students regularly engage in dynamic, hands-on research, and one-on-one student-faculty collaborative research. It is a place for students who wish to pursue intellectual independence and to be a part of greater discovery. It is a place where students come to learn, share their knowledge, and find their passion.

At Lake Forest, you will work right alongside professors, giving you access to the highest level of research and scientific discovery. Many faculty members publish articles and scholarly papers with student coauthors, with students assuming the primary role in the writing process. Students have also presented their own research when they accompany faculty members to national or international professional conferences. As recent graduates will attest, the research available at Lake Forest - often unavailable to undergraduates at other schools - will open the doors to graduate, professional, or medical schools or the coveted first research job.

Lake Forest College students participated in the 17th Annual Argonne Symposium for Undergraduates in Science, Engineering, and Mathematics at the Argonne National Laboratory in November. Located just south of Chicago, Ill.  Argonne Laboratory is the nation's first national laboratory and is one of the U.S. Department of Energy's largest research centers. All eleven students are preparing for scientific careers and plan to pursue PhD, MD, or a graduate degree in the health professions after graduating from Lake Forest College.

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Participating students included:
Katrina Brandis ’06, Chelsea L. Bueter ’07,
Anne K. Haas ’07, Lokesh Kukreja ’08,
Benjamin N. Larsen ’07, Jennifer L. Riddle ’07, Alina Spivak ’07 Mithaq Vahedi ’08, Sina Vahed ’08, Stephanie Valtierra ’08, Michael D. White ’07, Michael Zorniak ’07       

The Richter Apprentice Scholars Program

First-year students with academically superior records, who have applied for admission, are nominated for consideration of this unique research program.  The Richter Program is designed to provide students, early in their academic careers, with the opportunity to conduct independent, individual research with selected Lake Forest College faculty. The ultimate goal is to foster among the participating students an especially strong commitment to the life of the mind, and to encourage them to consider careers in research and teaching.

Nominated students are invited to complete the Richter Apprentice Scholar Program Application, which is due in early March. Selected students receive notification in early April. For more information, please contact the admission office.

Annual Student Research Symposium

This annual event is a highlight of the academic year at Lake Forest College and illustrates the breadth and depth of our intellectual community. Students from every discipline present the fruits of many hours of research and scholarship to audiences of their peers and mentors in a truly inspiring display of talent. The symposium is held each spring and classes are cancelled to allow the College community to fully participate in the day-long program.