Bollier Center

GRO-MECS

Students: Applications for the Summer 2026 research teams open in January on myGU
tribology research

The Gonzaga Research Opportunities in Math, Engineering and Computer Science (GRO-MECS) program is our newest initiative to ignite greater student interest in STEM fields while providing impactful experiential learning opportunities.

During summer 2026, GRO-MECS will fund 8 student stipends for 8- to 10-week research positions with six Gonzaga faculty awardees. Four additional students will be funded through a SEED Challenge award.

At Gonzaga, all engineering & computer science majors engage in a Senior Design capstone project during their fourth year. GRO-MECS allows more students to gain valuable research experience before their senior year.

Faculty-led research provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to actively contribute to the creation of new knowledge. Through immersive, hands-on projects, students gain valuable experience, witness the real-world impact of their work, and deepen their understanding of complex concepts. This dynamic process enhances their critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills, preparing them for future success.

Students: Applications for the Summer 2026 research teams open in January on myGU

Projects Receiving 2026 Funding

Lane

Dr. Kerry Lane - Modeling Cancer Cells (GRO-MECS)

Lane

Dr. Sophina Luitel - Emotion Recognition (GRO-MECS)

Lutfullaeva

Dr. Anbara Lutfullaeva - Hydrodynamic Thrust Bearings (SEED)

Lutfullaeva

Dr. Kyle Shimabuku - Treatment of Water Exposed to Harmful Wildfire-Related Contaminants (GRO-MECS)

Weber

Dr. Gary R. Weber - Aluminum Thermo-Mechanical Processing (GRO-MECS)

Zavanelli

Dr. Nathan Zavanelli - Printed Medical Electronic Patches (SEED)



More About GRO-MECS

Johnson at white board

Full Circle: From Gonzaga Student to Faculty Mentor

Meet Dr. Luke Johnson, whose journey through faculty-led research brought him back to his alma mater.

Water Testing

Faculty-Led Research Projects

See highlights of research projects underway in engineering, computer science and math.

tension test

SEED Cultivates Research

GRO-MECS increases existing research funding, such as the Seubert Engineering Entrepreneurial Design (SEED)

Pat Ferro

Dr. Pat Ferro Fund

The Fund in honor of Professor Ferro will support GRO-MECS student stipends in the areas of materials and mechanical engineering.

Why Undergraduate Research?

Lexi Durbin in lab

Lexi Durbin

Mechanical Engineering, '25

"My summer research, without a doubt, prepared me to work independently to complete tasks thoroughly and efficiently I've gained a magnitude of knowledge in just the year I have been working in the lab."

Nicole

Nicole Zipp (nee Stanton)

Civil Engineering, '22

Saying "yes" to research experiences led Nicole to her career in environmental engineering.

Nicole

Jackson Swets

Mechanical Engineering, '25

"Employers want you to be able to communicate your ideas and engineering concepts. Getting that engineering research experience at Gonzaga has been so valuable!"