Twenty students at Merrimack College are spending this summer doing hands-on research alongside faculty members, part of a new Summer Research Institute that pairs undergraduates and graduate students with mentors across disciplines.

The program, developed by Jamie Kimberley, professor and associate vice provost for research development, matches students with approximately 12 faculty members on active research projects. Between lab and fieldwork, participants attend four skill-building sessions covering presentation principles, technical writing, data visualization and graphics.

The format is straightforward. Sessions work across majors, equally useful to a biology student or an engineering student, according to the college. Faculty attend in an advisory role, offering feedback to students they might not encounter during the regular academic year. The mix of undergraduates and graduate students also creates peer mentorship, with newer researchers learning from those further along.

Caitlin O'Connor, a student in Merrimack's five-year Master of Science in Athletic Training program (Class of 2027/2028), is assisting faculty member Leah Poloskey on a two-part study of NCAA Division I student-athletes focused on their work with athletic trainers.

"I got to meet other summer research assistants and learn about the projects they are working on at Merrimack," O'Connor said in the college's Aug. 17 announcement. "We were able to ask questions and give feedback as to what we would like to talk about during meetings in order to better ourselves and our research."

Abigail Duchesne, Class of 2027, also highlighted the program. She said Kimberley sets aside time to teach strategies for success through presentation skills, graphics and icebreakers, and that participants make an effort to attend whenever schedules allow.

The institute fits a broader push. Merrimack hired Marian McCord as senior vice president of research and knowledge enterprise, effective June 1, tasking her with expanding student research opportunities as the college pursues national research recognition. "We need to create value for both the students who choose Merrimack and the community we live in," McCord said in a June 3 announcement when she joined the college.

No application deadline or contact information for future cohorts has been published. Students interested in the program can check Merrimack's research development office for updates.