Research

The Sociology Department encourages undergraduate research. Students may have the opportunity to work with Sociology faculty on a variety of projects including many that are funded by government or private grants. In some cases, these opportunities are available for course credit or internships. To qualify for research opportunities, students must have completed methods (SOC 2680) and statistics (SOC 2690) courses and have earned a minimum grade of “B” in each course.
Drs. Margaret Weinberger and Meredith Gilbertson listen to an undergraduate student discuss her research poster.

Sociology RA wins top poster presentation

Grace Meier, RA for associate professor Jenjira Yahirun's NIA-R15 funded project and an incoming graduate student, won an award for top poster presentation for her research poster with graduate assistant Jaycob Applegate (Ph.D. student) and Jenjira, at the 2026 Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship (CURS) Symposium held on April 18.

Undergraduate Research Posters

Congratulations to the Fall 2025 Sociology Capstone students who presented their semester-long research projects today! Students used the 2023 Monitoring the Future Survey and the 2024 General Social Survey to prepare their projects.

How Research Affects Student Success

At the #1 public university in Ohio for student experience, high-impact research and experiential learning are critical to student success, something BGSU student Elisa Hernandez is thankful for.

"Being involved in undergraduate research has 100% made me a better student," she said. "I am able to use what I'm learning in class and apply it to my research. Practice makes perfect, and undergraduate research allows me to practice for my future career."

Learn more about Elisa’s impactful research

Updated: 07/16/2026 07:08PM