This summer, eight University of the Pacific students traded in their laptops for lab coats and a chance to experience the life of a working laboratory scientist.

The students completed the Stauffer Summer Undergraduate Research Program, a faculty-mentored research opportunity for outstanding chemistry and biochemistry majors. For 10 weeks they worked directly with Pacific faculty and graduate researchers, gaining valuable skills and experience to support their future careers.

“The Stauffer program gave me hands-on experience and more knowledge about the analytical tools used in each of the labs,” said Sofia Avelina Pelera ’26. “It also taught me a great deal of patience, problem solving and lot of teamwork.”

The program culminated Aug. 13 in the Stauffer Summer Research Symposium, where students presented their findings to an audience of faculty, fellow students, alumni and donors.

“The symposium celebrates the achievements of our students in a program made possible by so many supporters inside and outside the university,” said Chemistry Professor and Department Co-Chair Jianhua Ren, who has facilitated the Stauffer program since it began in 2017.

“This opportunity has significant academic and personal impacts on the students,” she said. “The intensive hands-on experience, in a real laboratory environment, allows them to learn, to gain and share knowledge and to develop transferable skills. It not only supports their immediate career pursuits after graduation but also guides them on their lifelong journey.”

Chemistry and biochemistry are two of Pacific’s most popular and fastest growing majors, and student interest in conducting research typically has exceeded available resources. Between 2013 and 2017, the John Stauffer Charitable Trust provided $1 million in grants to enhance research opportunities for undergraduates in these majors.

Pacific alumni and friends contributed an additional $1 million, doubling the grants’ impact and creating a permanent source of funding for research fellowships.

To date, 61 Pacific students have participated in the Stauffer program. More than 75% have advanced to master’s and doctoral programs, and many now work at prestigious institutions nationwide, including the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Genentech, the University of Texas, UC Irvine and UC Davis Health.

"Our students crave opportunities for hands-on learning that equip them to make a difference in the world,” said Pacific President Christopher Callahan. “The Stauffer program does precisely that – providing invaluable hands-on research opportunities, working side-by-side with our world-class faculty."

The Stauffer researchers pursued projects with a range of objectives and applications, from creating anticancer drugs and alternative medicines, to aiding the early diagnosis and treatment of diseases, to supporting the development of rocket engines.

During the symposium they reflected on the many positive impacts of the program, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to learn how to use new tools and advanced laboratory techniques and understanding the professional applications of research. Students also said they gained confidence in their subject matter and their ability to succeed in a laboratory environment.

“One year ago, I came to this research with little computer experience, and I was very afraid that I just couldn’t do it,” said Nhi Vo ’27, whose project involved computational modeling of molecules. “The Stauffer fellowship allowed me to step out of my comfort zone. I’m very grateful that I was given this opportunity to grow, to learn and to do something I once thought was impossible.”

Throughout the summer, Stauffer fellows were joined by student researchers from nearby high schools, whom they had the opportunity to mentor.

“The best experiential learning opportunities not only provide students with confidence and a clearer sense of academic and personal direction, they also challenge the students to grow as leaders and innovative thinkers who collaborate effectively with others,” said Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Gretchen Edwalds-Gilbert.

“The Stauffer program does exactly that, and our students rise to the occasion time and time again. We are very proud of them.”

To support experiential learning at Pacific, contact Scott Biedermann ’05, ’20, vice president for development and alumni relations, at 209.946.2166 or sbiedermann@pacific.edu.