Students in the biological sciences have many opportunities to engage in scientific research at Connecticut College. Many students remain on campus during the summer to work with faculty on research projects. Typically students work in small research groups on a particular project. Projects may involve work in the laboratory, the field, or both. Recently students have worked on laboratory studies in population genetics, molecular genetics, developmental genetics, and cell structure and function. Ecological projects include field studies of salt marshes, bacterial communities in estuaries, bird populations, and forest succession.

Students who remain on campus during the summer to work on research projects receive a stipend and free housing. Although stipends are frequently paid from faculty research grants, students may also apply for support from two funds, the Keck Undergraduate Science Program or the A. W. Mellon Environmental Research Fund. They can also apply for support to work on environmental research on campus or at another institution through the Goodwin-Niering Center. Recently many students have participated in internships at the Mystic Aquarium, which is a short drive from campus.

Students may continue working on a research project during the academic year as an independent study course or senior honors thesis.

Students who make a major contribution to a research project present their results at scientific meetings and become co-authors on scientific papers. Students with substantial research experience are more likely to be accepted into highly selective graduate programs.