Research & Discovery

 

At Columbian College, scholars and scientists join student researchers to challenge assumptions and

Advance the forefronts of knowledge.

 


Research

Discovery and innovation are a Columbian College tradition—from our century-long research partnership with the Smithsonian Institution to our state-of-the-art Science and Engineering Hall. As a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), George Washington University is a distinguished leader in global research. Whether our scholars are observing celestial bodies light years from Earth or examining the roots of diseases like tuberculosis and malaria, Columbian College faculty and students are uncovering age-old mysteries and finding solutions to 21st-century challenges.

13

CCAS research centers
and institutes

$21M

annual college research expenditures

500+

permanent full-time faculty members

720+

average annual
faculty media hits


Impact

 

Faculty Research

Columbian College faculty are prolific authors, awarding-winning scholars, innovators and artists. They are recipients of Guggenheims, Pulitzers and NEH fellowships, and are published in top media outlets and journals.

 

Student Research

From labs and classrooms on campus to field sites around the globe, Columbian College students work side-by-side with world-renowned researchers and scholars on a journey of cultural and scientific discovery.

Centers & Institutes

Columbian College is home to top research centers and institutes that explore an array of issues and ideas such as the origins of humankind, the inner workings of the brain and the growth of solar energy.

 

 

 

 

""

"Research has definitely broadened what I know about myself and what I want to do in the future. It's really changed my perspective on my career goals, and I'm very excited to keep going on that path now."

Sarah Schrup
BS '19

 

 

Faculty Research Conversations

Katrin Schultheiss and Dean Paul Wahlbeck seated in armchairs on a stage with Columbian College logo in the background

AI's Role in the Humanities

In a video conversation with CCAS Dean Wahlbeck, History's Katrin Schultheiss discusses the challenges and opportunities regarding the use of AI in the humanities.

CCAS Dean Paul Walhbeck and Anthropology Professor Eric Cline sit on a stage talking in front of a Columbian College logo screen

The Ancient World: Collapse and Resilience

In a video conversation with CCAS Dean Wahlbeck, Professor Eric Cline discusses the collapse and resilience of the ancient world, and lessons for today.

Watch More Research Conversations


Research Making Headlines

From left: CCAS Associate Dean for Graduate Studies Chad Heap with Bouchet nominees Jonathan M. Huie, Kailyn Price, Tatiana Ruiz, Ashley Bastin, Jasmine Charter-Harris and CCAS Dean Paul Wahlbeck. (Photos: William Atkins/GW Today)

Bouchet Society Students Recognized for Research and Advocacy

Five PhD students will be inducted into the prestigious Bouchet Graduate Honor Society, which celebrates excellence and diversity.

A person's hand holding a magnifying glass over the acronym "ADHD"

Study: ADHD Links to Autism in Adults

New research led by Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences’ Gregory L. Wallace provides health insights into the intersection of autism and ADHD in adulthood.

Natalie Boyle holding a certificate showing her first place win at the 3MT 2025 competition

Beat the Clock: Students Fast Track in Speed-Thesis Contest

Neuroscience PhD candidate Natalie Boyle sprinted to victory in the Three-Minute Thesis Competition.

Jimmy Saw (left) and Zhengtian Xu received CAREER awards from the National Science Foundation.

Biology’s Saw, Engineering’s Xu Win CAREER Awards

Microbiology professor Jimmy Saw and civil and environmental engineering professor Zhengtian Xu were recognized with the National Science Foundation honor.

Katrin Schultheiss and Dean Paul Wahlbeck seated in armchairs on a stage with Columbian College logo in the background

AI's Role in the Humanities

In a video conversation with CCAS Dean Wahlbeck, History's Katrin Schultheiss discusses the challenges and opportunities regarding the use of AI in the humanities.

A road built on thawing permafrost with logs used to stabilize frozen ground.

Study: Arctic Permafrost Rapidly Sinking

Geography’s Dmitry Streletskiy is tracking the alarming deterioration of frozen permafrost as it sinks in areas of the Arctic.