Northern’s Research Culture

Northern is committed to excellence in both teaching and research - our faculty and students collaborate on a variety of research projects. Student research often is included in the classroom as a senior capstone project or independent research experience, or added to upper-level course curriculum.

As research mentors, faculty work with students to design and complete research projects that accord with students' interests.

Faculty are encouraged to integrate their research into teaching, and offer new courses based on their expertise and research background.

Expertise and Scholarly Achievements

Northern faculty members’ research often results in publications, exhibitions, performances, guest lecturing and presentations at national and international levels. Research achievements include student research presentations and publication in peer-reviewed venues; National Science Foundation grants supporting student research and other research endeavors; and collaboration with institutions such as Sanford Research and Howard Hughes Medical Institute.  

Research Support at Northern

At Northern, faculty research support comes from grants and other sources including:

• The Sanford Faculty Development Award
• The Nora Staael Evert Summer Research Stipend
• Faculty travel development funds

Northern also encourages faculty to work on major research projects during sabbatical leave. Our Office of Sponsored Projects and Williams Library staff also are available to meet faculty research needs.