Warner Pacific University students will have a unique opportunity this summer to step into a professional research environment at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU).
Led by Dr. Therese Albert, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, this initiative provides students with direct access to advanced research laboratories and instrumentation—an experience rarely available at small undergraduate institutions.
Beginning May 18, 2026, students will participate in approximately one month of volunteer research, contributing to ongoing scientific investigations in metalloprotein chemistry.
A Real Research Experience—Not a Simulation
Unlike many undergraduate lab experiences, students in this program will not be completing pre-designed exercises. Instead, they will contribute to real, ongoing research alongside active scientists.
“This opportunity gives our students direct access to world-class research facilities and instrumentation,” said Dr. Albert. “They are not completing simulated exercises—they are contributing to meaningful scientific investigations.”
Through this experience, students will engage with complex research questions while developing practical skills using advanced techniques, including spectroscopy.
Learning in a Professional Research Environment
Working in a professional research setting allows students to see how science operates beyond the classroom.
“They learn how experiments are designed, executed, analyzed, and discussed in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment,” Dr. Albert shared. “This exposure helps students better understand expectations in graduate school, medical research, and industry, while building confidence in their ability to belong in these spaces.”
For many students, this kind of experience is transformational—bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world application.
Building Confidence and Career Readiness
A key outcome of the experience is student growth and confidence.
“What excites me most is watching students realize that they are capable of tackling complex scientific questions,” said Dr. Albert. “Students move from following instructions to thinking like scientists—asking questions, interpreting data, and making informed decisions.”
Students will leave the experience with:
- Strong foundational research skills
- Confidence in their scientific abilities
- Clearer direction for graduate school or career pathways
- A deeper understanding of how chemistry connects to biology, medicine, and human health
In addition, students gain valuable preparation for future opportunities through:
- Hands-on research experience
- Faculty mentorship and professional references
- Exposure to advanced instrumentation
- Opportunities for presentations, posters, and potentially co-authorship
These experiences are highly valued by graduate programs, medical schools, and research-focused employers.
Connecting Science to Health and Human Impact
In simple terms, students will work in a real research lab to study how metals in proteins help living systems function.
They will use advanced tools to observe how proteins behave and change, contributing to scientific questions that help researchers better understand disease and human health.
Expanding Opportunities for Students
This experience connects Warner Pacific students with advanced research environments while maintaining the close mentorship and support that define the University.
“It allows students to gain experiences usually associated with much larger institutions while maintaining the personalized support that defines WPU,” Dr. Albert explained.
As the program develops, it will continue to create opportunities for students to engage in meaningful research and explore pathways in science, medicine, and health-related fields.
How to Get Involved
Students interested in participating are encouraged to express interest by early May 2026. Because this is the first year of the program, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis from interested and committed students.
Interested in research, chemistry, or health sciences?
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