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Research at UD

Research for the Common Good

Research at UD connects academic discovery with real-world needs, helping government, industry, nonprofit and community partners address complex challenges. 

In fiscal year 2025, the University conducted more than $278 million in annual sponsored research; our cumulative sponsored research exceeds $3 billion.

Student Research Opportunities
Office of Academic Research
Technology and Entrepreneurial Partnerships
UD Research Institute (UDRI)
National Science Foundation Rankings

No. 1 in the nation

for materials engineering research & development

No. 1 Catholic university

for engineering research & development

Featured Research

At the University of Dayton, we're dedicated to developing solutions that have a real impact on society. Discover how our faculty and researchers create momentum — for UD and the world.

Investigating the Himalayan Flood link-arrow link-arrow

Professor Umesh Haritashya is helping an international group of scientists investigate what caused the catastrophic flash flood that struck the Nepal-Tibet border.
Student Peter DeSocio working at a microscope in a lab.

Nature vs. Polymers link-arrow link-arrow

A UD chemistry team is working with the Air Force to analyze microbial degradation on aircraft, paving the way for advancements in sustainable materials.
Raul Ordonez

Navigating the Extreme link-arrow link-arrow

At hypersonic speeds, air behaves differently, temperatures rise to extremes and even small uncertainties in data can lead to major instability. Professor Raúl Ordóñez is tackling these challenges head-on.
Biologists conducting research on a green roof

When City Rooftop Gardens Double as Ant Highways link-arrow link-arrow

Research by UD biologists shows green spaces on top of downtown buildings can be a wildlife habitat.
recording equipment with newspaper headlines about AI-created music

Listeners Say They Hate AI Music — Until They Press Play link-arrow link-arrow

Is AI music our new guilty pleasure? New research reveals a fascinating paradox: Love it in secret or ghost it in public.
Christopher Devine portrait and book cover image

Second in Command link-arrow link-arrow

A new book examines how modern vice presidents have been transformed from an afterthought to one of the president’s most important governing partners.
Michael Gorman, the Niehaus Chair in Business Analytics and Operations Management

Analyzing UP-NS Rail Merger link-arrow link-arrow

Michael Gorman, the Niehaus Chair in Business Analytics and Operations Management at the University of Dayton, says the Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern merger represents a fundamental shift in how goods move across the country.

Explaining Extreme Weather link-arrow link-arrow

The U.S. had a rare year without a hurricane making landfall, but it saw extreme rainfall and flash flooding across the country. Geology professor Shuang-Ye Wu explains what happened — and what to expect ahead.
Shawn Swavey, professor of chemistry (left). and Kristen Krupa, chair of UD's department of chemical and materials engineering, in a lab

Exploring Lung Cancer Detection and Treatment link-arrow link-arrow

The National Institutes of Health has awarded nearly a half-million dollars to two University of Dayton researchers exploring strategies for the detection and potential treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.  
Assistant Professor of Computer Science Tianming Zhao

NSF awards computer scientists $350K for early-career research link-arrow link-arrow

The grants enable faculty to establish independent research agendas and hire students to assist with their projects.
UD and IBM logos

Igniting Innovation link-arrow link-arrow

IBM and UD are collaborating on next-generation semiconductor technologies and materials. The collaboration aims to advance critical technologies for the age of AI including AI hardware, advanced packaging, and photonics.

Navigating ASD with AI link-arrow link-arrow

Assistant professor Ngoc Nguyen is co-leading a $300,000 National Science Foundation project to improve career matching for people on the autism spectrum.
Road construction site

Creating Safer Work Zones with $1.41M Grant link-arrow link-arrow

A UD researcher is striving to make work zones safer with additional "eyes" and "ears" to improve situational awareness and early warning of hazards.

Tracking Black Bears Recolonizing Ohio link-arrow link-arrow

A four-year grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources is supporting field activities of a UD wildlife ecologist, doctoral student and undergraduate research technicians.

Neuroscientist awarded $413K to study brain disorders, mentor student research link-arrow link-arrow

The NIH funding will support one doctoral student and seven undergraduate students.

What Offices Support Research at UD?

Office for Academic Research

The Office for Academic Research champions academic research, scholarship and creative activity, providing strategic guidance and operational support for UD's faculty, staff and students engaged in scholarly pursuits.

Explore Academic Research

Office of Technology and Entrepreneurial Partnerships

The Office of Technology and Entrepreneurial Partnerships (OTEP) manages all aspects of Intellectual Property management for UD, including licensing technology and new venture development.

Explore OTEP

University of Dayton Research Institute

The University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) is a national leader in scientific and engineering research, serving government, industry and nonprofit customers.

Explore UDRI

Can Students Participate in Research?

UD students can participate in faculty-mentored research beginning as early as their first year. Opportunities include the First-Year Research Experience, summer research programs, the Stander Symposium, thesis projects, and research projects with faculty.
Explore Student Research Opportunities
Photo of student in engineering lab
FAQ

What research is the University of Dayton known for?

The University of Dayton is known for research that connects academic discovery with practical impact; prominent areas of research include materials engineering, additive manufacturing, aerospace engineering, semiconductor technologies, imaging and sensors, environmental health and sustainability, social justice, business analytics and public health. UD conducts sponsored research through faculty-led programs and the University of Dayton Research Institute.

Can first-year students do research at UD?

Yes. The First-Year Research Experience (FYRE) is designed exclusively for first-year students to engage in research. Students may also pursue independent research with faculty or participate in summer research experiences.

Explore Student Research Opportunities

What is FYRE?

The First-Year Research Experience (FYRE) is a two-semester program that includes two 6-week research rotations. Through FYRE, students develop their research skills while working closely with mentors.

How can a company partner with UD research?

Companies wishing to partner with UD faculty on research projects, or wishing to use research equipment or facilities, should contact the Office of Technology and Entrepreneurial Partnerships (OTEP). OTEP staff will assist companies in finding the faculty, students or resources that align with their needs, and will facilitate any necessary agreements or contracts.

How do I find a University of Dayton research expert?

Visit the Find an Expert page to search for experts by topic, or view our directory to find faculty by name. If you can't find what you're looking for, email mediarelations@udayton.edu. For University of Dayton Research Institute experts, contact Pamela Gregg at 937-229-3268 or pgregg1@udayton.edu.

How does research at UD benefit the common good?

Research at the University of Dayton focuses on critical local, regional and international societal needs, often paired with public and non-profit sectors. Our research leads to a more sustainable world, leverages emerging technologies to advance human potential, and creates economic value locally and globally.

What is UDRI?

The University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) is a scientific and engineering research organization that serves government, industry and nonprofit customers. Its capabilities include materials, digital and systems engineering, sustainment and readiness, advanced manufacturing, sensors and related technical areas.