Faculty at Lee University lead innovative research across a wide range of disciplines, from the natural sciences and mathematics to music and the arts. Our professors are not only dedicated educators, they are also active scholars advancing knowledge, mentoring undergraduate researchers, and contributing meaningful insights to their respective fields.

Much of this research is conducted alongside students, providing hands-on learning experiences that prepare graduates for advanced study, competitive careers, and impactful service. Faculty-led projects often engage regional partners, creating opportunities for real-world application and meaningful engagement beyond the classroom.

We invite alumni, industry leaders, foundations, and community partners to explore how they can support, collaborate with, or invest in ongoing research initiatives. For questions or to explore partnership opportunities, please email: [email protected]

Current Faculty-Led Research Projects

Below is a snapshot of research currently underway across several departments.
Biological Sciences
Faculty and student researchers are investigating pressing questions related to ecosystems, microbiology, and biodiversity, including:
  • Ecology – Studying organism-environment interactions and environmental change.
  • Bacterial Cultures – Exploring microbial growth, resistance, and applied laboratory methods.
  • SEA-PHAGES Research – Participation in the national SEA-PHAGES program, discovering and analyzing bacteriophages.
  • Zebrafish Studies – Using zebrafish as a model organism for genetic and developmental research.
  • Joro Spider Data Collection – Monitoring the spread and ecological impact of the invasive Joro spider species in the Southeast.
  • Treefrog Habitat Preferences – Examining amphibian habitat selection and environmental indicators.
  • Forest Floor Evergreen Studies – Investigating plant resilience and forest ecology.
  • Regional Soundscapes – Documenting and analyzing ecological sound patterns to assess environmental health.
  • Staphylococcus aureus and Yarrow Interactions – Studying antimicrobial properties of yarrow against Staphylococcus aureus.
These projects provide opportunities for laboratory sponsorship, equipment support, field collaboration, and student research funding.
Mathematics
Faculty research in mathematics emphasizes both theoretical advancement and student engagement in high-level inquiry:
  • Number Theory – Investigating properties of integers and prime structures.
  • Graph Theory – Exploring networks, connectivity, and combinatorial structures.
  • Discrete Mathematics – Studying foundational systems that support computer science and applied modeling.
Partnership opportunities include research sponsorship, conference support, and collaboration with applied industries.
Music
Research in music blends scholarship, archival preservation, and technological innovation:
  • Deciphering German Music Scripts – Translating and interpreting historical German manuscripts to preserve musical heritage.
  • Digitizing Handwritten Music – Converting archival compositions into accessible digital formats for study and performance.
Support in this area advances cultural preservation, performance scholarship, and interdisciplinary digital humanities work.

Meet our Faculty Researchers

Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship • PO Box 3450 • Cleveland, TN 37320 • (423) 473-3792 • [email protected]

Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship
PO Box 3450 • Cleveland, TN 37320
(423) 473-3792
[email protected]

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In an effort to invigorate ongoing undergraduate research engagement across campus, Lee University’s Office of University Research and Scholarship is committed to providing research-related resources for undergraduate students, faculty, and administrators. Available resources include institutional membership to the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR), an organization that supports and promotes “high-quality mentored undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative inquiry.” Access to comprehensive and, oftentimes, required training related to responsible research is available through Lee’s CITI program. Additionally, research-related software is available, including programs for both qualitative and quantitative data analysis.

Meet our Student Researchers

Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship • PO Box 3450 • Cleveland, TN 37320 • (423) 473-3792 • [email protected]

Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship
PO Box 3450 • Cleveland, TN 37320
(423) 473-3792
[email protected]

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The Office of University Research and Scholarship (OURS) exists to nurture inquisitive minds by facilitating collaborative relationships and ethical, high-quality research and scholarship opportunities that equip the next generation of competent and confident scholars and professionals. OURS does this by:
  • Identifying and securing paid and unpaid research opportunities for Lee students.
  • Facilitating access to regional and national academic conferences for faculty and students to disseminate their research.
  • Preparing undergraduate students to apply for and attend graduate school.
  • Supporting faculty research with qualified student support.
  • Promoting national and regional research-focused scholarship opportunities.
  • Developing scholarly community among students and mentors.
  • Building disciplinary and interdisciplinary research skills within a liberal arts curriculum.
  • Administering Lee University’s Institutional Review Board.
At Lee, research takes place in course-embedded research classes and in faculty-mentored, one-on-one, or small lab models. Faculty are supported in their mentoring by OURS, as well as through the Center for Teaching Excellence, training workshops, and institutional membership in the Council on Undergraduate Research.
OURS’ Vision is to facilitate a community of learners engaged in lifelong, faith-integrated curiosity to create knowledge, explore beauty, discover truths, and seek evidence-based solutions to solve complex problems.

Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship • PO Box 3450 • Cleveland, TN 37320 • (423) 473-3792 • [email protected]

Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship
PO Box 3450 • Cleveland, TN 37320
(423) 473-3792
[email protected]

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Friday, September 13th from 1:00-6:30pm

Thank you for your interest in attending the 6th annual McNair-Ledford Undergraduate Research Symposium at Lee University! Please complete the form below to reserve your table for the graduate recruitment fair. We believe this will be a valuable occasion to engage with student researchers and McNair Scholars across the Appalachian region.

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Note: Expressions, logos, graphics, pictures, or printed text that promote or advocate for any behaviors, beliefs, lifestyles, or activities that are in contradiction to Scripture or any other university policies derived from our religious beliefs are not permitted on any booth or display.

1120 North Ocoee Street
PO Box 3450
Cleveland, TN 37320-3450
(423) 473-3794
[email protected]
Monday - Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST

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OURS is committed to providing support and resources for external research opportunities and scholarships with partner institutions. This may include assistance with research-related program applications, paper and essay editing, or creating a professional curriculum vitae (CV). External opportunities are listed below.

  • In-house database for external Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs)
  • Assistance with applications for research experiences
  • Assistance with applications for scholarships (e.g. Goldwater, Truman, etc.)
  • Support for Local, Regional, and National Conferences

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In an effort to invigorate ongoing undergraduate research engagement across campus, OURS is committed to providing research-related resources for undergraduate students, faculty, and administrators. Available resources include institutional membership to the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR), an organization that supports and promotes “high-quality mentored undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative inquiry.” Access to comprehensive and, oftentimes, required training related to responsible research is available through Lee’s CITI program. Additionally, research-related software is available, including programs for both qualitative and quantitative data analysis.

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Lee University established the Institutional Review Board (IRB) to protect the rights of human participants, to support ethical research with animal subjects, and to promote quality research by faculty and students. Sponsored by the Lee LCA Board.

The IRB must approve any research development, testing, and evaluation designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge concerning living individual(s) about whom an investigator, whether professional or student, conducting research obtains data through intervention or interaction with the individual(s) or identifiable private information. The IRB also reviews and approves any research protocol involving animals.

The IRB committee is made up of 6 individual faculty members representing various departments across campus that perform research with human and/or animal subjects, as well as 1 representative from outside the university.

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The Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) committee is a consortium of faculty members who serve to bring awareness to and educate campus about what undergraduate research is and what the benefits of undergraduate research are for students and the university. In addition, the URCA committee evaluates applications for undergraduate travel funding to support research presentation and scholarly dissemination at regional and national conferences. Funding opportunities for student travel are typically available for fall, spring, and summer. Priority is given to students whose research displays the most scholarly significance as well as first-time applicants or applicants from departments which have been underrepresented in the past two years.

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The purpose of WRAP is to introduce first- and second-year students to undergraduate research under the guidance and mentorship of a faculty member. Faculty and students are encouraged to apply through the OURS to participate in this engaging and educational opportunity. Faculty research proposals are selected by a faculty-led committee. Then, faculty of approved research projects select interested, eligible students to participate. Of note, students must be federal work-study eligible in order to participate.

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Lee University is proud to support students and faculty researchers in a wide variety of topics and disciplines. We have both paid and unpaid research opportunities. Take a look at our options below to see how you can get involved. No prior research experience required.

Additionally, we are committed to providing research-related resources for undergraduate students, faculty, and administrators. Available resources include institutional membership to the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR), access to comprehensive training related to responsible research is available through Lee’s CITI program, GRE and entrance exam support, grad school prep, CV support, and research-related software is available for both qualitative and quantitative data analysis.

Research at Lee is supported by the Office of University Research & Scholarship.

 

Meet Our Former Researchers

Nichole img

Nicole Greenfield - McNair Scholar

Originally from Tennessee, Nicole was the winner of the McNair 2024-2025 Academic Excellence Award. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Intercultural Studies, with a minor in Spanish at Lee in in 2025. During this time, she conducted research on Judges 19 and the practice of Lectio Divina as a hermeneutical method. Nicole is currently completing a Master of Theological Studies (MTS) at Princeton Theological Seminary.

Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship • PO Box 3450 • Cleveland, TN 37320 • (423) 473-3792 • [email protected]

Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship
PO Box 3450 • Cleveland, TN 37320
(423) 473-3792
[email protected]

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