Faculty & Student Research at NMU

Northern Michigan University prides itself on the numerous opportunities we provide to undergraduate and graduate students to engage in high-level research projects. From uncovering the mysteries of the Aurora Borealis to conducting brain tumor and genetics research, students are able to participate in meaningful, hands-on learning that supports their educational and personal goals.

  • Behavioral Education, Assessment & Research (BEAR) Center: The BEAR Center seeks to provide behavior and learning support for multiple members of the community, including children, adolescents, and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities and/or traumatic brain injury.
  • Cognitive-Affective Behavior Integrative Neuroscience (CABIN) Lab: The CABIN lab studies affective processing—especially aspects of affective processing that concern its interaction with cognition—integrating across behavioral and brain imaging measures
  • Center for Native American Studies: The Center for Native American Studies offers a holistic curriculum rooted in Native American themes that challenges students to think critically and communicate effectively about Indigenous issues. It  emphasizes Great Lakes Indigenous perspectives, stimulates further respectful inquiry about Indigenous people, and provides active learning and service learning opportunities that strengthen student engagement, interaction, and reciprocity with Indigenous communities.
  • Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center (UMBTC): A collaboration between Northern Michigan University and Upper Peninsula Health Systems - Marquette, the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center exists to train the next generation of research and medical professionals, while improving patient outcomes by better understanding how brain cancer works.
  • Upper Peninsula Cybersecurity Institute: One of six statewide institutes that offers non-degree and industry credentials relevant to emerging careers in cybersecurity. 
  • Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center: The historical museum and educational facility sits on the campus of NMU. The mission of the U.P. Heritage Center is to promote and preserve the history and culture of the Upper Peninsula through an active slate of exhibitions and engaging public programs for the whole region.
  • Center for Rural Health: Improving the health and well-being of Upper Peninsula residents and communities by developing collaborative partnerships that improve the access and availability of affordable, quality healthcare services.
  • Center for Rural Community and Economic Development: Combines research, public service, education, and training to enhance the quality of life, support economic development and improve the delivery of services in the Upper Peninsula and surrounding region.
  • Leonard Fish & Physiology Ecology Lab: Specializes in fish ecology and physiological ecology, though we have been known to wander into related fields of study as well.
  • Neuropsychopharmacology Lab: This lab is dedicated to analyzing the neurological and behavioral effects of psychoactive drugs, particularly those used to treat illness such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.
  • NMU Museum of Zoology: The collections have particular strengths in the fauna of the Great Lakes Region. They are maintained by faculty curators and student collection managers, and they support teaching and research in the Department and beyond. 
  • Health & Human Performance Lab: NMU Health & Human Performance (HHP) houses the Master of Science in Athletic Training and the Master of Science in Exercise Science. Both programs utilize state of the art research equipment at their facilities in the Physical Education Instruction Facility as well as the community location on W. Washington St.