Research opportunities from year one.

The Niagara University Science Training and Research (NUSTAR) program seeks to enable self-motivated, goal-oriented, and academically exceptional students to carry out high-impact and collaborative research with Niagara’s science faculty. Successful progression in the program requires a minimum GPA of 3.5 and successful participation in NUSTAR seminars, research, and programming.

The NUSTAR program admits students majoring in any of the natural science disciplines at Niagara and provides the following benefits:

  • A stipend of $6,000 per year.
  • Participation in a faculty-led seminar that focuses on the research process, recent research innovations, and career development.
  • An early and guided introduction to undergraduate research with a faculty member.
  • Funding to travel and present research at regional and national conferences.
  • Opportunities to apply for summer research funding and on-campus housing.
student in ocean with starfish

Real world experience

Research is an exceptional way for undergraduate science students to gain practical, high-level, and hands-on experience.

Niagara University has a longstanding tradition of pairing undergraduate students with Ph.D.-prepared faculty members to collaborate on scientific research. This, combined with cutting-edge facilities and equipment, extended academic networks, and institutional support, enable the NUSTAR program to provide highly motivated students with meaningful research experiences that give participating students an edge when applying to professional schools, graduate programs, and competitive industry jobs.

This exclusive opportunity for NUSTAR participants includes:

  • Early contact with faculty members, staff, and other research students in the sciences, presenting first-year students with personal and academic support systems as they transition to Niagara University.
  • Engagement in cutting-edge, faculty-mentored research early in their academic careers.
  • Involvement in a research-oriented seminar environment that focuses on the development of research skills and the ethical practice of science.
  • Efficient and effective workshops that increase students’ knowledge of research, foster effective communication skills, and facilitate experience in making scientific presentations.
  • Appropriate compensation for their contributions.
professor and student working in lab

Admission Criteria

  • High school biology, chemistry, and/or environmental science successfully completed with a B or better.
  • Recommended courses include: pre-calculus or calculus, physics, other AP courses in math and science.
  • A completed application detailing your interests in science and career goals.
  • An interview with NUSTAR science faculty.

Students with enthusiasm for a hands-on science education or with prior experience in a research laboratory are especially encouraged to apply. Applications open on December 1, 2025.  Review of applications will begin February 1, 2026.

Prospective students are encouraged to contact the faculty director, Dr. Cassandra Marnocha, with any questions about the application process.

male student in lab doing experiments nu students in the field doing research three students working in an NU lab
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Niagara University, N.Y. 14109
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1.800.778.3450
Niagara University, N.Y. 14109
1.800.778.3450