The ORSP Update Newsletter

Faculty are frequently approached to provide their expertise on other non-WCU projects. Click here for more information on how ORSP can help navigate the process.

RAM Research Directory

Click here to review and update your RAM Research Directory profile. This is a great resource to connect with other faculty and let students know about your research and creative activity opportunities.

Share out with your students! The Student Research Hubs

This resource includes information about events, funding, publication, IRB, etc. Click here to view the Undergraduate Student Research Hub and Click here to view the Graduate Student Research Hub.

Listen to ORSP's Podcast: The Faculty Forum

Check out our latest episode: “Cultivating Relationships with External Partners: The Importance of Networking with External Partners" on ORSP's podcast, The Faculty Forum! Listen below and enjoy the insightful conversation with our faculty guests.

October ORSP Flyer

View the ORSP Podcast Transcript

Faculty & Student Research Spotlights

Dr. Jennifer Chandler, Clara Huston, Elyse Hansel and Chris Smith

This past summer, West Chester University biology students Clara Huston, Elyse Hansel, and Chris Smith joined Dr. Jennifer Chandler in a statewide survey of wild American ginseng, gaining hands-on experience with field research and conservation. Traveling from forest to forest—sometimes camping for a week at a time—they tagged plants, collected demographic data, and learned to adapt to the challenges of real-world science. Dr. Chandler’s project explores new, size-based ways to guide sustainable ginseng harvests, aiming to better protect this culturally and medicinally important plant. Their efforts not only advanced conservation research but also embodied the kind of transformative, experiential learning that defines West Chester University.

Group of four in woods Three people foraging in woods

Want your research to be highlighted? Submit your research story here!

Follow us on Instagram to support our office and stay involved with WCU’s research community. Click here to view our Instagram!

Recently Awarded Grants

John Craig, Academic Success Program - PHEAA PA Act 101 24-25 - $312,800

Michael Gawrysiak, Psychology – University of Pennsylvania - A Welcome Leap for the Opioid Crisis: Can the 5HT2A agonist Psilocybin improve brain, behavioral, and clinical outcomes in opioid use disorder (OUD) - $46,657

Brandon Mitchell, Physics – U.S. Dept. of Education – GEAR UP: The Future Stars Program - $10,261,977*

*In the process of being negotiated

Upcoming External Funding Opportunities

Health Sciences

11/15/2025: Gerber Foundation Nutrition Research Grant

01/15/2026: Allen Foundation

Science & Mathematics

11/04/2025: Research on Innovative Technologies for Enhanced Learning (RITEL) | NSF 23-624

01/15/2026: Social Psychology | PD 22-1332

02/05/2026: CISE Future Computing Research

Upcoming Student Opportunities

Student Undergraduate Research Foundations (SURF)

Are you an undergraduate student interested in a paid research or creative activity opportunity? Click here to view our SURF flyer and get more information!

Surf Application

Slices of Inquiry

The ORSP is hosting a "Slices of Inquiry" event for students to learn about paid research opportunities available for the 2025-2026 academic year, ask questions, and enjoy some pizza! Students are welcome to stop in at any time during the event. Click here for more information!

Student Research Opportunities

Explore upcoming student research events. Click image below for a full listing of activities and resources.

Save the Dates

ORSP Fall 2025 Events

The ORSP Update