At the College of Engineering, undergraduate students don’t just learn about engineering—they help shape its future. In fact, 40% of our students engage in research before they graduate, many starting as early as their first year. Research can be done for pay or for college credit, and every project contributes to the cutting-edge innovation that defines our college.
Students have tackled projects ranging from developing wearable health tech and automating water jets for biofouling tests, to designing plastic recycling systems, inspecting bridges with drones, and exploring drug delivery using engineered nanoparticles. Others have focused on environmental issues, advanced materials, marine energy, machine learning, and more.
Student researchers present their work each spring at the annual Research Showcase during E-Week and many go on to publish or present at national conferences.
Research Showcase
2025 research showcaseUndergraduate Research Programs
Engineering students seeking help with finding and applying to on-campus or national research programs can work with Lauren Creamer, just like they would for internships or jobs.
The most common application materials requested when applying to research experiences include: resume or CV, personal statement, transcripts, and recommendation letters. Students may not need to submit all of these materials when seeking on-campus opportunities, but most are required for nationally competitive programs. Prior to scheduling a meeting, students should review this packet of information detailing application requirements and processes, and highlighting some of the more popular research programs for engineers.
Travel Awards
The College of Engineering Dean’s Office Undergraduate Student Research Travel Award matches departmental contributions, up to $500 per student, for travel to professional conferences or national/international technology competitions to present your work. Awards may be used to pay for registration, travel, parking, meals, and lodging. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and awards are made until funds are exhausted. All funds must be expended by June 1 of each year—so apply early!
Eligibility Criteria:
Student must be an author or major contributor on the research or work they intend to present and have confirmation of their acceptance to present at the conference. Requests must include a faculty endorsement from the student’s research advisor or a department representative.
Requests:
To request funding, please send an email to Student Success Coordinator, Rosetta Spino, with the following information and copy your faculty advisor and department chair.
- Proof of acceptance to present at the conference.
- A detailed budget of estimated expenses showing contributions by faculty and/or department.
- A faculty endorsement letter.
Expectations:
Upon return, students receiving travel support are required to:
- Submit a photo from the conference/event, abstract/paper/poster that was presented, and a brief statement to Rosetta Spino summarizing their conference experience and its impact on their academic and professional goals.
- Share their research findings through a presentation or poster at the COE Research Showcase during E-Week in April of each year.
Consent for Publicity and Promotional Use:
By accepting the funds awarded through the Undergraduate Student Research Travel Award from the Dean’s Office, the student agrees to allow the College of Engineering to feature their participation, experiences, and achievements on the college’s website and in other promotional materials.