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Discovery in Action

At the Center of Innovation

Research and innovation are driven by our Learn by Doing philosophy and our undergraduate-focused research. Unlike traditional research universities, where graduate programs often lead discovery efforts, we place undergraduate students at the center of innovation.

Ready day one

Student research at our college is hands-on, immersive and central to the student experience from the first day. It’s what makes us unique. Working alongside faculty mentors, students tackle real-world challenges from advancing sustainable technologies to developing innovative software and improving human health outcomes.

Explore Student Research

ODIN Diagnostics co-founders Marina Zellers, (BMED grad student) and Connor Heffler (Economics ’24 and former student athlete), at the Cal Poly CIE HotHouse. Their startup uses VR to diagnose concussions.

Where Research Takes Shape

Across labs, centers and summer programs, our students and faculty work together to test ideas, build prototypes and move projects forward. Discover the different research and innovation our college has to offer.

Learning Through Discovery

Research that Extends Beyond the Classroom

Research experiences help students deepen their knowledge, work through uncertainty and contribute to projects with meaningful goals. These opportunities often shape academic interests and future career paths.

See Student Opportunities

Engineering students in the SURP (summer undergraduate research project) program with associate professor Stefan Talke, civil and environmental engineering, as well as other engineering students deploy tide and wave gauges on one of the piers in Morro Bay.