Research has become increasingly prominent at Pacific over the past decade, both in its robust graduate programs, particularly in the health professions, and at the undergraduate level.
According to a new survey by the National Science Foundation, Pacific University is the top private research university in the Pacific Northwest and is ranked No. 10 in the Far West. Pacific spent $7.77 million on research endeavors during the 2016-2017 fiscal year, making its expenditures more than twice that of the nearest private university in the Northwest.
Prominent research projects currently underway at Pacific include a study of quantum optics, an effort to restore the Silverspot Butterfly in Oregon, a study on the impact mindfulness-based resilience training has on the stress levels of law enforcement officers, as well as one to initially test the effect mindfulness may have on preventing substance abuse relapse.
“Research opportunities for all of our students, regardless of their discipline, are critical to adequately preparing them to excel in their respective fields,” said Anne Barr-Gillespie, vice provost for research and executive dean of Pacific’s College of Health Professions. “The commitment of our faculty and staff to engage students in both traditional scientific research and creative scholarship ensures they are ready to contribute to and serve the global community.”
Barr-Gillespie went on to say that the restructuring of Pacific’s research office into the Office of Scholarship and Sponsored Projects in 2014 has been instrumental in Pacific’s increase in grant funding for research. The office has assisted faculty and students in securing government grants.
Additional funding through private donations, such as the MJ Murdock Charitable Trust and the W.M. Keck Foundation, as well a recent endowment established by Dr. Peter and Judy Kohler to expand undergraduate research, has uniquely positioned Pacific as a national research leader among private universities and colleges.