Faculty & Student Research at NMU

Northern Michigan University prides itself on the numerous opportunities we provide to undergraduate and graduate students to engage in high-level research projects. From uncovering the mysteries of the Aurora Borealis to conducting brain tumor and genetics research, students are able to participate in meaningful, hands-on learning that supports their educational and personal goals.

QUICK LINKS

  • Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center: The historical museum and educational facility sits on the campus of NMU. The mission of the U.P. Heritage Center is to promote and preserve the history and culture of the Upper Peninsula through an active slate of exhibitions and engaging public programs for the whole region.
  • Center for Economic Education and Entrepreneurship: Combines research, public service, education, and training to enhance the quality of life, support economic development and improve the delivery of services in the Upper Peninsula and surrounding region.
  • Center for Native American Studies: The Center for Native American Studies offers a holistic curriculum rooted in Native American themes that challenges students to think critically and communicate effectively about Indigenous issues. It  emphasizes Great Lakes Indigenous perspectives, stimulates further respectful inquiry about Indigenous people, and provides active learning and service learning opportunities that strengthen student engagement, interaction, and reciprocity with Indigenous communities.
  • Center for Rural Health: Improving the health and well-being of Upper Peninsula residents and communities by developing collaborative partnerships that improve the access and availability of affordable, quality healthcare services.
  • Department of Biology Research Opportunities: NMU biology students routinely work on research projects of their own design and share the results at academic conferences or in professional publications. The students research diverse topics, including: native fish ecology, invasive species in Lake Superior, cancer biology, migratory patterns of loons, gut microbiomes of carnivores, neuromuscular disease, host/parasite evolution and biogeography, and more. 
  • Department of Psychological Science Research Laboratories: The Department of Psychological Science has a variety of laboratories that research is conducted in. For more information on how to get involved, please contact the directors of the specific laboratories.
  • Health and Human Performance Research Lab: The primary purpose of the School of Health and Human Performance Research Laboratory (SHHPRL) is to incubate and implement interdisciplinary and collaborative research projects with students, faculty, and Great Lakes Sports Medicine Institute professionals. Lab activities are NMU student-focused and provide hands-on and applied experiences in the broad area of exercise and sport science.
  • NMU Museum of Zoology: The collections have particular strengths in the fauna of the Great Lakes Region. They are maintained by faculty curators and student collection managers, and they support teaching and research in the Department and beyond.
  • Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center (UMBTC): A collaboration between Northern Michigan University and Upper Peninsula Health Systems - Marquette, the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center exists to train the next generation of research and medical professionals, while improving patient outcomes by better understanding how brain cancer works.
  • Upper Peninsula Cybersecurity Institute: One of six statewide institutes that offers non-degree and industry credentials relevant to emerging careers in cybersecurity.
Faculty Research
Student Research