Emory vs. University of Chicago: Which is better for undergraduate research opportunities?

For biology and public health specifically, Emory is likely the more advantageous choice for undergraduate research access. Its campus is closely connected to Emory’s medical, public-health, nursing, and healthcare system, creating a dense set of potential labs and mentors in infectious disease, epidemiology, global health, cancer biology, neuroscience, and clinical research. Atlanta also places students near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which strengthens the local public-health ecosystem.

Emory undergraduates can pursue faculty-mentored work through departmental labs, summer research programs, and research funding administered through the university’s undergraduate research office. A student interested in disease surveillance or health disparities can find relevant work across public-health and medical settings without needing to build an interdisciplinary path from scratch.

The University of Chicago offers excellent undergraduate research, particularly for students drawn to fundamental biological science, quantitative work, and highly theory-driven inquiry. Its Biological Sciences Division and affiliated medical center provide serious lab opportunities, and the College has established structures for connecting students with research and summer funding. Chicago can be especially compelling for a student who wants biology combined with fields such as data science, mathematics, economics, or social-science research.

At either institution, the most meaningful opportunities will depend on how early you contact faculty, your coursework preparation, and whether you seek work during the academic year as well as summers.