Over the past several months, research funding in the United States has become a point of national discussion. Federal decisions to terminate or freeze billions in research grants have left universities, including well-known institutions such as Harvard, Columbia, Cornell, and UCLA, facing uncertainty. The U.S. Supreme Court recently allowed the administration to move forward with nearly $2 billion in National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant cuts.
Some scientists worry this ruling will undermine the stability of academic research nationwide. For students, especially those considering careers in science, these developments highlight both the challenges and the opportunities that come with engaging in research. While institutions grapple with shifting policies, students can still benefit immensely from hands-on research experiences that prepare them for college, careers, and beyond.
The Role of Student Research in STEM Careers and Admissions
Research experience extends well beyond gaining technical skills, it nurtures critical habits of mind that universities value deeply.
According to a 2024 study published in CBE—Life Sciences Education, undergraduates involved in research were found to be twice as likely to graduate in four years, and more than ten times as likely to graduate in six years, compared to demographically and academically similar peers who did not participate in research.
In the admissions process, research signals that a student can handle sustained, independent inquiry. When a student spends months or even years developing a project, analyzing data, or presenting findings, it demonstrates the kind of discipline and initiative that selective colleges look for. Admissions readers often seek evidence that a student is excelling in the classroom and also applying knowledge in meaningful ways. Research experience provides that evidence in a concrete and verifiable form.
For students interested in STEM or interdisciplinary studies, research can also help shape their personal narrative. A student who explores climate modeling, biomedical design, or social impact through data is showing how their academic interests connect to real-world problems. That narrative is powerful because it highlights both passion and perseverance. Colleges and future employers recognize these qualities as indicators of long-term success.
Preparing for College Success Through Research Experience
Today, research remains as one of the most valuable ways for students to grow academically and gain experiences that colleges recognize.
It is considered one of the most meaningful ways for students to deepen their learning and demonstrate curiosity. For those eager to explore research opportunities, our upcoming webinar may be the perfect place to begin.
Our upcoming webinar will be an introduction into the MarsB Research Program, a unique opportunity for motivated students to engage in long-term, mentor-guided research on one of humanity’s greatest scientific frontiers—terraforming Mars.
The program explores groundbreaking questions: How can we protect a future Martian atmosphere? Could an artificial magnetopause shield be the key to making Mars habitable? Students will gain exposure to advanced scientific thinking while contributing to research with real-world relevance and global interest.
Date & Time: Sep 5, 2025 | 6:00 PM (Pacific Time, US and Canada)
Our featured speaker and project mentor, Dr. Carpenter, will be bringing decades of experience during this webinar. He currently serves as Chief Science & Technology Officer at NuForensics and previously conducted research at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, where he advanced studies in radionuclides, fusion, and astrodynamics. A U.S. Navy veteran, Dr. Carpenter also operated submarine nuclear reactors on the USS Scamp and USS Dace. He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Information Systems and has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery. With his expertise, students will receive extraordinary mentorship and the opportunity to take part in a transformative, long-term research journey.
As national conversations about research funding continue, students can still take meaningful steps to shape their own future in science. Opportunities like the MarsB Research Program show that even in times of uncertainty, students have pathways to pursue discovery, build lasting skills, and contribute to questions that matter on a global scale.
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