Research

A Carnegie-classified research university, Wright State offers countless opportunities for research at all levels, from undergraduate through post-doctoral.

The wide spectrum of research activity at Wright State ranges from fundamental investigations to applied research and development, benefiting the Dayton region and the world.

Funding dollars for cutting-edge research flow into Wright State. Sources include:

  • The National Institute of Health (NIH)
  • National Science Foundation (NSF)
  • U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)
  • Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)
  • Office of Naval Research (ONR)

Research Profiles

Wright State, Air Force Research Laboratory collaborate on novel cognitive performance research project

Wright State researcher Sherif Elbasiouny and Justin Estepp, a Ph.D. in engineering student, are collaborating on a novel cognitive performance research project for the Air Force Research Laboratory.

2024 Wright State graduate launches chemistry career at water bottling company

Courtney Crone, who earned a master’s degree in chemistry from Wright State in 2024, was a standout teaching assistant and researcher in the College of Science and Mathematics.
Student Profile

Rural route

Wright State engineering Ph.D. student Morgan Highlander receives a prestigious NIH award
Morgan Highlander, who is pursuing a Ph.D. in engineering at Wright State, received a two-year National Institutes of Health diversity award to support her research on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS.

A walk in the woods with Wright State biologist Don Cipollini

Don Cipollini, professor of biological sciences at Wright State, explores the natural world in his cable access and YouTube series “The Naturalist with Don Cipollini.”

Student Research

What are your interests? Did you know that students at Wright State have the ability to conduct unique research projects—regardless of major or year in school.

From undergraduates to graduates, and from literature to biochemistry, there are amazing faculty and mentors who can help show you the way to a successful research project. Work on a team or independently, one term or multiple years, hands-on or theoretical; you have it within you to make your mark on the world.

Graduate students

Similar to undergraduate students, graduate students can work with faculty experts, fellow graduate students, and possibly undergraduate students on the faculty member's research. You can also discuss your ideas for independent research.

Graduate students may apply for Graduate Research Assistantship positions that may be eligible for tuition remission and annual stipends.

Lab student observing bottle contents

Research News

Life at the Lake: Lake Campus students dive into water studies

Wright State–Lake Campus offers STEM students a unique hands-on research opportunity to learn more about water quality.

STEMWERX owners turn passion into impact

Wright State alumni Beth and Todd Hanning use their passion for motorsports to inspire young people to pursue STEM careers in motorsports and the aerospace industry.

Wright State psychology team studies ways to identify fatigue in pilots, drivers

Researchers in Wright State’s Department of Psychology received a $200,000 grant to identify eye movement and physiological indicators of fatigue and drowsiness in pilots and motorists.

Graduate School and Research