Pioneering Research at CC
Innovation, Discovery, and National Recognition
At Colorado College, research is more than just a pursuit—it’s an experience. Our students and faculty collaborate on innovative projects across disciplines, contributing to real-world solutions and advancing knowledge in meaningful ways.
With our distinctive Block Plan, students immerse themselves fully in their research, whether in the lab, in the field, or through creative endeavors in the humanities and social sciences. From environmental science studies in the Rocky Mountains to original scholarship in world-renowned archives, our research culture fosters deep exploration and hands-on discovery.
RCU Designation
A Nationally Recognized Hub for Research
CC is recognized by the Carnegie Classification’s new Research College and University (RCU) designation, a milestone that underscores the significant research conducted at CC by our students and faculty.
Previously, research efforts at institutions like CC were not formally acknowledged in the same way as R1 and R2 universities. Now, this recognition highlights the depth and impact of our faculty and student research across diverse fields.
Notable Faculty & Alumni Research
Former Anthropology major Dr. Jennifer Leichliter ’08 was recently published in Science, the world’s leading journal on scientific research and discovery, with the article “Australopithecus at Sterkfontein did not consume substantial mammalian meat”
Professor DK Krishnarao's "Observations of a Magellanic Corona" was published in Nature in 2022.
Professor Tomi-Ann Roberts' "Objectification theory - Toward understanding women's lived experiences and mental health risks" is one of the most cited papers in her field.
Research Funding
Total Active Research Grants
Faculty With External Research Funding
External Research Dollars
Research Areas
Key Areas of Research at Colorado College
🧪 Lab Sciences & Medical Research – Conducting cutting-edge research in chemistry, molecular biology, physics, and neuroscience, creating opportunities for breakthroughs in medicine, biotechnology, and materials science.
🔬 Environmental Studies & Science – Investigating climate change, ecology, and sustainability in the dynamic ecosystems in the Mountain West region.
📖 Humanities & Social Sciences – Exploring diverse perspectives through historical research, cultural analysis, and sociopolitical studies.
News Articles About CC Researchers
Environmental Philosophy Professor Marion Hourdequin appeared in the New York Times: "Can We Engineer Our Way Out of the Climate Crisis?"
CC Associate Professor of Math and Computer Science Flavia Sancier-Barbosa’s research on “love languages” is highlighted in Psychology Today. She co-authored a survey to measure the “love languages scale.” New Research Tests Whether "Love Language" Really Matters in Relationship
Geology Professor Christine Siddoway’s research about “Snowball Earth,” where evidence found in Colorado may prove the planet was covered in ice. New Study Finds Massive Glaciers Covered the Earth
Research Stories
Chemistry & Biochemistry
Molecular Biology
Mathematics & Computer Science
Our Commitment
Our commitment to undergraduate research is strengthened by faculty mentorship, funding opportunities, and access to national and international conferences. Students have the unique chance to work one-on-one with research-focused professors, present their work, publish findings, and gain invaluable experience that prepares them for graduate studies and impactful careers.
With the RCU designation, Colorado College continues to expand its research influence while maintaining its hallmark of personalized, immersive learning.