Graduate Student Research
Research, scholarship, and creative activities are at the heart of discovery and innovation that lead to a better understanding of the world and the human condition. By their very nature, these activities at the graduate level are primary drivers for the creation of new knowledge, solving challenging problems, and providing beauty and entertainment for us all.
Research Opportunities and Events
There are a variety of opportunities to become involved in research as a graduate student at Miami University.
RedHawk Talks
Three Minute Thesis Competition
Dissertation Scholarship/Fellowship
Miami University offers a limited number of Dissertation Scholarships (also referred to as Dissertation Fellowships). These are awarded to doctoral candidates who are selected by the individual departments, with each doctoral department being able to receive up to one per academic year. This selection is based on the merits of the student’s proposed dissertation and the probability of the doctoral degree being awarded within the year (by the following August). More details on eligibility and requirements can be found in the Policy Library.
Graduate Summer Research Fellowship
The Miami University Graduate Summer Research Fellowship is a competitive award that provides financial support for full-time graduate students to engage in meaningful scholarly activities during a 6-week summer period. Although each student’s accomplishments are unique, they may include conducting literature reviews, participating in internships, visiting archives, making progress on their thesis or dissertation, traveling to data collection sites, presenting at national conferences, writing journal manuscripts, mentoring undergraduate students, conducting experiments, and preparing or collecting data. More details on eligibility and the application process can be found on the Graduate Summer Research Fellowship.
For a glimpse of the accomplishments of our Graduate Summer Research Fellowship recipients, please see a few students’ highlights below.
Simran Kaur Colbert
Research Interests: Enhance institutional climates for religious, secular, and spiritual identities through research, policy, and practice
Presented at the National Civil Rights Conference in June 2019 about our grassroots community-university partnership.
Shana Oates
Research Interests: Three distinct yet overlapping strands: (1) the academic, social, and emotional experiences of autistic college students; (2) disability portrayal in visual media, and (3) interrogating equity within the overlap of race and disability.
“Shana assisted with the panels for new graduate student orientation. She helped build a sense of community for many students on campus.” - Rose Marie Ward
Justine Ruyer
Research Interests: Women and gender studies in French, and the Nouveau Roman, a French literary movement from the 1950 and 1960s
"I especially love teaching French at Miami and sharing my culture. In my four semesters here, I got to teach 100- and 200-level courses in French and saw students develop a passion for the language, which comforted me in my decision to become a full-time teacher after my master's."
Laura Fehling
Research Interests: Multispecies mutualisms
"One of my favorite things about being a graduate student at Miami would have to be the supportive atmosphere of my professors and peers. Everyone is always eager to help each other learn and accomplish their goals."
Rob Schultz
Research Interests: Predator conservation and the role of predators in ecosystems; working with communities to advance the conservation of species.
"My experiences in Miami University/Project Dragonfly’s Global Field Program have changed how I approach conservation. I don’t see graduation as an end to my learning, but rather a starting point for continuing to use what I have learned to be a voice in speaking for the wild."
Funding Resources
Connect with those who can help finance your research pursuits.
Research Resources
Consult these resources for additional information on planning, conducting, writing, and disseminating your research.
Research Spotlights
History graduate student Haley Knuth's experience researching and creating an exhibit at the Harriet Beecher Stowe House in Cincinnati.
View StoryResearch Spotlights
Miami graduate students presenting at the International Writing Centers Association Annual Conference
View StoryResearch Spotlights
Miami graduate students who were awarded fellowships for their research from the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program.
View StoryResearch Spotlights
The research achievements of our Graduate Student Spotlight recipients
View StoryThe Graduate School
The Graduate School is committed to advocating and supporting graduate programs dedicated to the pursuit of new knowledge and best teaching practices that promote diverse, globally aware graduate students and faculty.
Contact Us
105 Laws Hall
Miami University
Oxford, Ohio 45056
GradSchool@MiamiOH.edu
513-529-3734
Graduate Admission
Nellie Craig Walker Hall
301 S. Campus Avenue
Oxford, OH 45056
ApplyGrad@MiamiOH.edu
513-529-4723
