Willamette Students Are Using Research to Launch Careers

Students at Willamette conduct real research projects during their four years, with some results published in prestigious scientific journals. This gives them a step up when it comes to medical and graduate school acceptance. Our commitment to research is especially strong in areas addressing climate change.

Climate Action

Saving our Oceans

Ella Ashford BA’25, an Environmental Science and Archaeology double-major, received her research funding a two-year scholarship and a nine-week internship with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to research ocean conservation. Her work is helping scientists and students use cutting-edge technology to understand the impact of climate change on these endangered underwater ecosystems.

Read Ella's Story

For Ella Ashford, a double major was only natural — she's combining her experiences in Environmental Science and Archaeology to map and conserve both natural and man-made wonders.

Not sure about your major? That's a good thing.

Many college students think they need to choose their major before applying to college. Not true. Students at Willamette do better when they discover new interests, new skills, and new friends. And unlike large universities, at Willamette you only have to apply once to open the door to over 50 majors including computer science and business.

Student Success

Ariel Todoki's Story

Ariel Todoki was able to combine her interests organically at Willamette, following the thread from one subject to the next – and emerging with a unique double major in music and computer science. This combined, non-traditional path helped her land a pretigious job in cybersecurity.

Read Ariel's Story

In the Computer Science program at Willamette, students build critical computing skills and explore specialized areas of research in a highly collaborative environment.

We Teach Students to Embrace Difficult Conversations

Avoiding difficult conversations is driving a wedge between communities, family members, and friends. As part of Willamette’s commitment to fostering democracy, students learn valuable skills as part of The Conversation Project to overcome differences in order to find solutions to complex and difficult issues.

Our motto, our commitment

“Not Unto Ourselves Alone Are We Born”

At Willamette we honor our values by acknowledging the differences in experience, culture, and power that shape our lives. We believe storytelling and active listening are vital for creating equitable and inclusive communities. Together we are committed to building a healthier democratic culture that welcomes respectful discourse—fostering trust and belonging.

Read about all our stories

A group shot of the project leads for the conversation project.

Students in The Conversation Project cultivate their capacity for transformative, impactful dialogue through a two-semester sequence of courses that culminate in practical experience.

Learning and Leading since 1842

For almost 200 years, Willamette has helped students turn their knowledge into action — right in the heart of the Pacific Northwest.

Candle lighting ceremony on the Mill Stream.

heart of the pnw

Explore Willamette

Discover how you can turn knowledge into action through our undergraduate and graduate programs, or take a closer look at what it’s like to live and learn in the Pacific Northwest.

Undergraduate Programs Graduate Programs Learning in the Pacific Northwest