At SVC, our faculty and students are dedicated to making groundbreaking discoveries. Whether it's researching the impact of fracking chemicals on birth outcomes, devising a method to make MRI scans more precise, curbing the opioid addiction crisis, or developing new water purification techniques, we are committed to advancing knowledge and understanding in diverse fields.
Research Opportunities
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In This Section
Research
Fostering a Culture of Inquiry and Discovery at Saint Vincent College
Research is integral to every field of study. At Saint Vincent, we help students understand not only how to find specific content and make discoveries but also the methodologies and best practices essential for conducting research. Our hands-on guidance from professors ensures that all students engage in meaningful research, developing critical skills such as data analysis, hypothesis testing, and presenting findings, skills essential for any career.
Research Opportunities
Professors Dedicated to Research
At Saint Vincent College, our research culture starts with our dedicated professors. They are active researchers who bring cutting-edge insights into the classroom. By involving students in their projects and mentoring them, professors inspire and guide students to pursue their own research. This collaborative environment fosters a community of inquiry and discovery.
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Impact of Fracking Chemicals on Birth Outcomes
Dr. Mary Regina Boland's study investigates the association between fracking chemicals that target hormones and increased risks of pre-term births and low birth weights in the U.S
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Innovative Water Desalination Research
Dr. Adam Wood received a $200,000 NSF grant to research water desalination using carbon electrodes from whole wheat bread, involving undergraduate students in the project to advance this innovative water purification technique.
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Developing Water-Soluble Catalysts for Enhanced NMR Imaging
A collaborative research project between SVC professors Dr. Jason Vohs and Fr. Michael Antonacci focuses on developing water-soluble catalysts for enhanced NMR imaging, with significant student involvement.
Research Opportunities
Side-by-Side with Faculty
Professors may approach students who demonstrate passion and drive, developing research partnerships. Students work alongside faculty on ongoing professional research projects, gaining real-world experience.
Fellowships
Students apply for fellowships and then design and research their own topics with continual feedback from an advisor.
Student-Initiated Projects
Students leverage classroom experiences and relationships with classmates and professors to create their own research projects.
Off-Campus Research
Students apply for research studies off-campus, using knowledge gained at SVC to enhance their work.
Student Spotlight
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Coty Walters C’25
“Since I'd been working with the cosmic ray shower detector at SVC, I applied to the Research Experiences for Undergraduates program at Notre Dame before my senior year to research what's being done with larger scale detectors. The knowledge that I had gained from using the detectors and completing data analysis at SVC gave me an upper hand while I was doing the research at Notre Dame. It was nice to know that all the work I'd done over the last three years at Saint Vincent really paid off.”
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Isabella Jolly C 26
“I am attending the Society for Applied Anthropology Annual Meeting next month in Portland, Oregon because I received the AJ Palumbo Grant. Thanks to Saint Vincent, I have the opportunity to present my research both on and off campus, and I am encouraged to attend and present at conferences through the funding the school provides. These are great opportunities for professional development that I would not have without the college's support.”
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Jake Mock C 26
“I came up with a research idea about substantive due process from a class that I had taken, and the George Washington Fellowship gave me the structure to talk with the professors and advisors to dive deeper into a lot of law review articles that I normally wouldn't have encountered. I'm being exposed to authors and different authorities on my topic that I find very interesting. This program has allowed me to be challenged in different ways by my professors outside of a classroom setting.”
Presentation and Publication
Professional research symposiums and conferences:
These gatherings provide a platform for student researchers to present their findings, share insights, and engage in discussions with peers and professionals
Conferences our students have attended include:
- Academy of Criminal Justice Science
- Academy of Management
- Allegheny Branch Meeting of the American Society of Microbiology
- American Historical Association
- Eastern Psychological Association
- International Atlantic Economic Society
- National Conference for Undergraduate Research and the Society for Neuroscience
- Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Justice Educators
- Pennsylvania History Association annual meeting
- Sigma Tau Delta annual conference
- Summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates
- Western Pennsylvania Undergraduate Biology Symposium
- Undergraduate Scholar’s Conference at the Eastern Communication Association
- Society for Neuroscience meeting in Washington, D.C
Scholarly Journals:
Many of our students have research published in scholarly journals such as:
- Measuring Business Excellence
- Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology
- Crime & Delinquency
- Journal of Management for Global Sustainability
- Sigma Tau Delta journal The Review
- Westmoreland History
- North American Journal of Psychology
- Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology
- Birds
Academic Conference:
As a graduation requirement, students conduct independent scholarly, discipline-specific projects under faculty mentorship, demonstrating their abilities and gaining valuable experience. Students present their major projects through oral presentations, performances, or posters at our annual Academic Conference.
Support and Funding
The A.J. Palumbo Student Research Endowment
Established in 1996, the Palumbo grant program supports student initiated learning and discovery in the arts, sciences, humanities, and professional programs. Grants are awarded on the basis of proposals submitted by the students and reviewed by a committee comprised of both faculty and students. The endowment memorializes the late Mr. A.J. Palumbo, a noted Pittsburgh industrialist.
The Elizabeth and Tom Andreoli Traveling Scholar Endowment
Established in 1997, the Andreoli Traveling scholar endowment funds students who wish to enrich their education through special opportunities that require travel in the U.S. or abroad.