Research
Research at LMU tackles important questions, large and small. Across the arts, sciences and humanities, faculty and students explore challenges that stand to make the world a better place. Student research provides an opportunity for high-impact, active learning through one-on-one interaction with faculty mentors, and grows students as critical thinkers, problem solvers, and intellectual independents.
Research Centers & Institutes
LMU is home to 17 interdisciplinary research centers and institutes, where students and faculty wrestle with some of the most pressing social, economic, and spiritual issues of our time.
StudyLA
StudyLA advocates for a better, more equitable Los Angeles through research, student mentorship, and engagement with its residents and leaders.
PARC
The Psychology Applied Research Center conducts community-based participatory evaluation and action research and uses a multidisciplinary lens to accomplish its goals.
CURes
The Center for Urban Resilience is committed to improving the quality of life in our urban communities, especially those that have been historically underserved.
Faculty and Student Research
LMU is a National University/High Research Activity (R2), which reflects our commitment to high-level research. Our faculty value the opportunity to conduct research and scholarship with undergraduate and graduate students to provide mentorship and guidance while furthering their expertise. Students have ample opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research and take part in unique academic experiences in Los Angeles and throughout the world.
- Number of full-time faculty: 751
- Number of endowed chairs: 25
- Faculty awards include 31 Fulbright Scholars, one Nobel Prize winner, one Pulitzer Prize winner, and two Princeton Fellowships
Faculty Directory
Research News
Extinction of Southern California Megafauna a Result of Climate Change, Humans, Fire
A study co-authored by Biology Professor Wendy Binder and colleagues working at the La Brea Tar Pits found that massive fires started by humans, in a drying, warming, and increasingly fire-prone ecosystem, may have caused the extinction of saber-toothed cats, dire wolves, and other large mammals in the region nearly 13,000 years ago. The study, recently featured on the cover of Science, challenges several long-standing notions, including the theory that these animals perished primarily due to overhunting.
Engineering Capstone Project Heads Off Road
Senior mechanical engineer John Vanderwey took a partially fabricated chassis and welded it with his passion for off-road racing to lead a team-built vehicle and compete in the Society of Automotive Engineers Baja competition in Washington, revitalizing the Baja Lions Racing Club.
Amanda Herring Selected for Prestigious Getty Scholars Program
Amanda Herring, associate professor of art history, has been selected for the Getty Scholars Program. Herring is the first faculty member to be selected for the prestigious program and will be in-residence in the Getty Villa in fall 2023. For her research, Herring will examine “Bowl with a Medallion Depicting Dionysos and Ariadne” from the Getty Villa’s collection.
Research, For the People
The Psychology Applied Research Center empowers underserved communities to address inequity and improve services ranging from mental health to drug prevention and childhood obesity. Founded by Professor Cheryl Grills, Ph.D., and supported by more than $9.5 million in grants since 2009, PARC has made a profound impact — in the communities it serves and the students who join its mission.
Research and Creative Work
Students conduct research projects that are supported by our world-class faculty experts and other university resources. These opportunities translate discoveries into knowledge, technologies and programs that make the world a better place.
The Office of Research and Creative Arts is committed to inclusive excellence and strives to increase engagement from the entire student body, including first generation college students and students from underrepresented groups.
Learn how students are supported in faculty-mentored research and creative works.