UC Merced has been ranked among 107 top universities in the country as "Higher Research" Institution*
Youngest university ever to earn Carnegie R2 research classification* and already ranked 15th**
#7 California public university*** and #1 in the UC for student participation in undergraduate research and creative projects****
*The Carnegie Foundation, **2022 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings, ***2023 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings, ****2020 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings
Through research at UC Merced, students have the chance to work alongside innovative faculty members conducting interdisciplinary research that addresses some of the world's most pressing concerns. Students here have a unique opportunity to discover their passion and contribute to efforts that will not only shape their future, but also make a difference in the world.
"But Wait. I'm not an Activist."
Whether you’re a History, Biological Sciences or Mechanical Engineering major, or anything in between, there are many ways to add value to the world. At UC Merced, you’ll conduct research, learn theories and perform outreach, and discover the right fit for you.
Find out how ¿field curious? Smashes Barriers to Outdoor Science
Learn about how Carlos Martinez, a biological sciences major from Southern California, discovered his passion for research through ¿field curious?. Sponsored by the UC Merced Natural Reserve System (NRS), ¿field curious? introduces undergraduates to field research during a weekend stay at an NRS reserve. The program covers all trip costs and is designed to lower the barriers preventing many students, especially first-generation college attendees and those from minority backgrounds, from giving field research a try.
Immerse Yourself in the Political Climate at the State Capitol
A cohort of six UC Merced political science students traveled to Sacramento for the Center for Analytic Political Engagement (CAPE) Legislative Bootcamp. They saw procedures in legislative committees, experienced what it would take to work in a district office, learned how to write press releases and resolutions, and were taught how to research bills. One of the participants, Christopher Ramirez, said the in-depth preparation has already paid off at his internship at the California Chamber of Commerce, where he is honing his lobbying skills.
"But Wait. I'm not an Activist."
Whether you’re a History, Biological Sciences or Mechanical Engineering major, or anything in between, there are many ways to add value to the world. At UC Merced, you’ll conduct research, learn theories and perform outreach, and discover the right fit for you.
Find out how ¿field curious? Smashes Barriers to Outdoor Science
Learn about how Carlos Martinez, a biological sciences major from Southern California, discovered his passion for research through ¿field curious?. Sponsored by the UC Merced Natural Reserve System (NRS), ¿field curious? introduces undergraduates to field research during a weekend stay at an NRS reserve. The program covers all trip costs and is designed to lower the barriers preventing many students, especially first-generation college attendees and those from minority backgrounds, from giving field research a try.
Immerse Yourself in the Political Climate at the State Capitol
A cohort of six UC Merced political science students traveled to Sacramento for the Center for Analytic Political Engagement (CAPE) Legislative Bootcamp. They saw procedures in legislative committees, experienced what it would take to work in a district office, learned how to write press releases and resolutions, and were taught how to research bills. One of the participants, Christopher Ramirez, said the in-depth preparation has already paid off at his internship at the California Chamber of Commerce, where he is honing his lobbying skills.
research innovative ways to save the planet:
UC Solar, a collaborative made up of faculty and student researchers from nine UC campuses, is finding innovative ways to lower natural gas consumption to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. They’re currently developing green technologies that purify unusable water cheaply and efficiently without leaving a large carbon footprint.
meet others who say, "i want to help, too!"
Lift While You Lead (LWYL) connects current Bobcats at UC Merced with students in Merced and the surrounding Central Valley area. UC Merced students serve as mentors to high school students enrolled in Women’s Studies classes at Golden Valley High School and Yosemite High School. The small group mentoring relationship provides mentors and mentees with support, guidance, and encouragement – all with an emphasis on health, education, and leadership. The Lift While You Lead Women’s Program was federally recognized by President Obama's administration.
Engage in important international research collaborations
Engineering Professor Po-Ya Abel Chuang and his Thermal and Electrochemical Energy Laboratory at UC Merced are focused on developing hydrogen-based energy solutions. Through a pair of projects and a trans-Pacific partnership, Chuang and his lab are conducting experimental and simulation research to efficiently generate hydrogen and convert it directly to electricity. They are working on material and design optimization with researchers in the Philippines through PCARI — the Philippine Commission on Higher Education’s Philippine-California Advanced Research Institutes.
“We need to give our students as many platforms as we can to be successful,” Chuang said. “To me, that’s part of my mission. We have a lot of opportunity to make an impact.”
research innovative ways to save the planet:
UC Solar, a collaborative made up of faculty and student researchers from nine UC campuses, is finding innovative ways to lower natural gas consumption to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. They’re currently developing green technologies that purify unusable water cheaply and efficiently without leaving a large carbon footprint.
meet others who say, "i want to help, too!"
Lift While You Lead (LWYL) connects current Bobcats at UC Merced with students in Merced and the surrounding Central Valley area. UC Merced students serve as mentors to high school students enrolled in Women’s Studies classes at Golden Valley High School and Yosemite High School. The small group mentoring relationship provides mentors and mentees with support, guidance, and encouragement – all with an emphasis on health, education, and leadership. The Lift While You Lead Women’s Program was federally recognized by President Obama's administration.
Engage in important international research collaborations
Engineering Professor Po-Ya Abel Chuang and his Thermal and Electrochemical Energy Laboratory at UC Merced are focused on developing hydrogen-based energy solutions. Through a pair of projects and a trans-Pacific partnership, Chuang and his lab are conducting experimental and simulation research to efficiently generate hydrogen and convert it directly to electricity. They are working on material and design optimization with researchers in the Philippines through PCARI — the Philippine Commission on Higher Education’s Philippine-California Advanced Research Institutes.
“We need to give our students as many platforms as we can to be successful,” Chuang said. “To me, that’s part of my mission. We have a lot of opportunity to make an impact.”
The list of UC Merced's research strengths is long and includes climate change and ecology; solar and renewable energy; water quality and resources; artificial intelligence; cognitive science; stem-cell, diabetes and cancer research; air quality; big-data analysis; computer science; mechanical, environmental and materials engineering; political science; and much more.
$28.9 million
spent on research in 2018
$214 million
spent on research since 2005
Alumni Spotlight
Asmaa Mohamed was born in Egypt and was the first in her family to graduate from college in the United States. Her experience at UC Merced sparked a passion for research that led to fellowship and internship opportunities, research presentations at a dozen conferences and symposia, and a number of awards. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology at Dartmouth College.
I am pursuing a career in research because the knowledge obtained from research impacts humanity for generations, and I want to be a part of that impact.
