Undergraduate Research

Undergraduates in CEGE have many opportunities to participate in research with faculty, staff, and other students.

You could work in a variety of research facilities including faculty laboratories, the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, the Theodore V. Galambos Structural Engineering Laboratory, or at outdoor research sites. Students are often supported through research grants obtained by their faculty advisors.

1. Read Tips on Finding a Faculty Mentor

   Establishing a good working relationship with a faculty member is a key element in a successful research project. Finding a faculty mentor can be challenging, but this guide can help you with this process (created by the University of Minnesota).

2. Review Undergraduate Research Opportunities

   Read descriptions of some (but not all) recent projects and find faculty who have undergraduate research opportunities available.

3. Research the Project and the Faculty

   If you find a project that interests you, take time to find out a little more about the project and the faculty member's field of expertise. This could include looking at the faculty member’s personal or research group website, reading articles published by the faculty member, or finding other information or videos about the research area.

4. Contact the Professor

   Connect with the faculty member by writing an email or visiting during their office hours. Indicate who you are, why you are interested in the research, and any experience you have that may be relevant to the position or project. Ask if they are available to discuss the opportunity or if there is a formal application process to follow. Some faculty may ask you to send them a resume. If you need support crafting or revising a resume, check out the CSE Career Center’s resources.