Pioneering Research at CC
Innovation, Discovery, and National Recognition
At »ªÌå»á, research is more than just a pursuit—it’s an experience. Our students and faculty collaborate on innovative projects across disciplines, contributing to real-world solutions and advancing knowledge in meaningful ways.
With our distinctive Block Plan, students immerse themselves fully in their research, whether in the lab, in the field, or through creative endeavors in the humanities and social sciences. From environmental science studies in the Rocky Mountains to original scholarship in world-renowned archives, our research culture fosters deep exploration and hands-on discovery.
RCU Designation
A Nationally Recognized Hub for Research
CC is recognized by the Carnegie Classification’s new Research College and University (RCU) designation, a milestone that underscores the significant research conducted at CC by our students and faculty. Previously, research efforts at institutions like CC were not formally acknowledged in the same way as R1 and R2 universities. Now, this recognition highlights the depth and impact of our faculty and student research across diverse fields.
»ªÌå»á is proud to be:
- One of only 35 national liberal arts colleges designated as RCU
- One of only 3 Associated Colleges of the Midwest designated as RCU
- One of 10 liberal arts colleges in the west with RCU designation
Notable Faculty & Alumni Research
Former Anthropology major Dr. Jennifer Leichliter ’08 was recently published in Science, the world’s leading journal on scientific research and discovery, with the article
Professor DK Krishnarao's was published in Nature in 2022.
Professor Tomi-Ann Roberts' is one of the most cited papers in her field.
Research Funding
Total Active Research Grants
Faculty With External Research Funding
External Research Dollars
Research Areas
Key Areas of Research at »ªÌå»á
🧪 Lab Sciences & Medical Research – Conducting cutting-edge research in chemistry, molecular biology, physics, and neuroscience, creating opportunities for breakthroughs in medicine, biotechnology, and materials science.
🔬 Environmental Studies & Science – Investigating climate change, ecology, and sustainability in the dynamic ecosystems in the Mountain West region.
📖 Humanities & Social Sciences – Exploring diverse perspectives through historical research, cultural analysis, and sociopolitical studies.
News Articles »ªÌå»á Researchers
Environmental Philosophy Professor Marion Hourdequin appeared in the New York Times:
CC Associate Professor of Math and Computer Science Flavia Sancier-Barbosa’s research on “love languages” is highlighted in Psychology Today. She co-authored a survey to measure the “love languages scale.”
Geology Professor Christine Siddoway’s research about “Snowball Earth,” where evidence found in Colorado may prove the planet was covered in ice.
Research Stories
Chemistry & Biochemistry
Molecular Biology
Mathematics & Computer Science
Student Research at CC
Research on the Block Plan
»ªÌå»á has a vibrant and active research community that covers all areas of the liberal arts, from lab sciences and field work to the humanities. Students at CC have the unique opportunity as undergraduates to work one-on-one with faculty on their specialized research. On the Block Plan, students can spend a block, two blocks, or even an entire summer solely focused on their research project, in the lab or out in the field, and then present their work at seminars, conferences, and through publication.
Student Research Opportunities
One of the ways »ªÌå»á creates a superb liberal arts learning environment is by creating and supporting student research experiences. Our research-active faculty scholars mentor students in collaborative research during the academic year and through the summer. During summer research students also participate in co-curricular educational programming to further support their learning. Learn more about all the opportunities available for student research at CC.
Our Commitment
Our commitment to undergraduate research is strengthened by faculty mentorship, funding opportunities, and access to national and international conferences. Students have the unique chance to work one-on-one with research-focused professors, present their work, publish findings, and gain invaluable experience that prepares them for graduate studies and impactful careers.
With the RCU designation, »ªÌå»á continues to expand its research influence while maintaining its hallmark of personalized, immersive learning.