Community Gathering

Research & Innovation

As a R1-designated research institution, research at Lehigh is more than inquiry—it's action. Our faculty and students are tackling urgent, complex challenges with interdisciplinary solutions that reach from the Lehigh Valley to communities across the globe. With strategic investments in talent, facilities, and collaboration, we're building a dynamic ecosystem that supports high-impact research in areas such as community health, sustainable infrastructure, and the human dimensions of conflict and change.

Research Partnerships in Action

At Lehigh, research and scholarship extend beyond campus boundaries through collaborative, community-based initiatives that address local challenges, foster meaningful partnerships and generate lasting impact in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania and across the country.

Student and teacher in classroom

Lehigh University Autism Services

LUAS, housed in the Center for Promoting Research to Practice, provides therapeutic services for young children with autism residing in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas. Services are based in applied behavior analysis—incorporating evidence-based interventions to improve lives.

Exterior of building

Advancing Maternal Health Equity

Aika Aluc, a PhD student in population health, advances postpartum care and maternal resilience through research and advocacy in the Lehigh Valley—driving policy, equity, and community engagement at the intersection of health and social justice.

Aerial view of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Air Pollutants’ Impact on the Lehigh Valley

Researchers from Lehigh’s College of Arts and Sciences and College of Health, partnered with the PA Department of Environmental Protection to study the impact of air pollution in Allentown.

 

Activating Impact Fellows in the Region

Lehigh’s Office of Creative Inquiry offers Impact Fellows the opportunity to engage in cross-disciplinary projects that are focused on addressing sustainable development challenges in low-resource communities across the globe. The Lehigh Valley Social Impact Fellowship’s (LVSIF) program integrates experiential learning, research and entrepreneurial engagement with students leading original and ambitious projects here in South Bethlehem and the broader Lehigh Valley.

Transforming Communities

Lehigh students are turning ideas into impact—strengthening local economies, enhancing public safety, and building inclusive communities. Through hands-on research and strategic partnerships, they’re transforming the Lehigh Valley into a hub of innovation that connects creativity, technology, and civic engagement.

Grace
Alto
|

A Hub for Creative Industry Entrepreneurs

Grace
Alto
26
|

Journalism, Theatre (majors), Marketing (minor)

A Hub for Creative Industry Entrepreneurs

Lehigh students, including Grace Alto ‘26, are exploring how to strengthen support for creative industry entrepreneurs in the Lehigh Valley by researching ecosystem gaps and proposing solutions to help arts, fashion, and media ventures thrive in the region.

Learn more about Alto’s work as a Fellow
Peter
Luba
|

Schooled in Safety

Peter
Luba
22
|

Computer Science and Business major

Schooled in Safety

Luba created SmartPass, a school safety software solution, that is used in more than 3,800 schools—mostly middle and high schools—across 50 states, including Broughal Middle School, one of Lehigh’s Community School partners.

Read more about Luba’s success
Huda
Hagos
|

Integrating Lehigh students into Bethlehem

Huda
Hagos
2425G
|

Environmental Studies (major), Political Science (minor)

Integrating Lehigh students into Bethlehem

As a Community Fellow, Hagos is working with Allentown officials on a $20M Recompete grant—one of only six in the U.S.—to promote equitable development and community belonging through student-resident partnerships in Bethlehem.

Read more about Hagos’ work as a Marcon Fellows

In the News

See all research news from Lehigh