What is undergraduate research?
The Council for Undergraduate Research defines undergraduate research as “…the inquiry or investigation conducted by an undergraduate in collaboration with a faculty mentor that makes an original intellectual or creative contribution to the discipline.” It is recognized as one of Texas A&M University's high-impact practices that prepares students for the workplace and society. Students connect with faculty and graduate students who, in addition to research, are able to offer advice about career paths and about applying for graduate school and fellowships.
How to get started
Department programs
Independent research courses: Each department offers a variety of courses (291, 485, 491, etc.) that provide undergraduates with opportunities to work closely with faculty on a research topic.
Employment: With more than 350 engineering faculty and more than $282 million in research expenditures, there are opportunities for students to work on funded research projects within the college of engineering or within a student’s department.
University programs
Undergraduate Research Scholars Program: This program is for outstanding students who have completed their sophomore year and are interested in pursuing graduate studies. Students contribute to ongoing faculty research to develop or expand their appreciations for research.
Programs - summer
Undergraduate Summer Research Grant: This opportunity is open to undergraduate engineering students from Texas A&M and around the nation who are interested in working alongside Texas A&M engineering faculty and graduate students on research.
Programs - fall/spring
Engineering Honors Program: Students accepted into Engineering Honors are required to complete between four and six hours of research by the time of graduation, depending on requirements of the particular major. Conducting research allows students to further develop essential critical thinking skills and enhance professional skills crucial for future careers in industry, government labs or academia.
AggiE-Challenge: The multi-semester program gives engineering undergraduates course credit and an opportunity to engage in multidisciplinary team projects addressing elements of some of the most important engineering challenges facing our society.
ROE Scholar: The two-semester research program prepares undergraduate engineering students for careers in academic research and helps them gain research experience in preparation for graduate school.
Research programs
Multifunctional Materials
Majors: Those interested in materials science and engineering-related research
Contact: Dr. Ibrahim Karaman ikaraman@tamu.edu
CyberHealthGIS
Majors: Technology, geography and health
Contact: Dr. Tracy Hammond hammond@cse.tamu.edu
Texas Center for Undergraduate Research in Energy and Combustion
Majors: Aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science and engineering
Contact: Dr. Eric Petersen epetersen@tamu.edu
Interdisciplinary Research Experiences in Mechatronics, Robotics and Automated System Design
Majors: Mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, manufacturing engineering, engineering technology
Contact: Dr. Sheng-Jen "Tony" Hsieh hsieh@tamu.edu
Undergraduate Summer Research Grant (USRG) Program
Majors: All engineering majors (including computer science), related math/sciences (e.g. physics, biology)
Contact: Erin Williams emwilliams@tamu.edu
Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) - Advancing Transportation Leadership and Safety Center (ATLAS) Summer Internship Program
Majors: All majors are welcome
Contact: Laura Higgins l-higgins@tti.tamu.edu
Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) - University Transportation Center for Railway Safety (UTCRS)
Majors: Engineering majors
Contact: Amy White a-white@ttimail.tamu.edu, railwaysafety@utrgv.edu
Texas A&M CyberHealthGIS (interdisciplinary NSF REU - coordinated through Geography/GIS)
Majors: Geography and spatial science, geographic information science, computer science, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, biomedical engineering, public health, pre-med, environmental programs, sociology, planning, biology, other STEM-infused disciplines
Contacts: Dr. Daniel W. Goldberg daniel.goldberg@tamu.edu
Dr. Tracy Hammond hammond@cse.tamu.edu
Reuse Water Quality Fellowships
Majors: Engineering and science majors, particularly with interests in reuse water quality
Contacts: Dr. Terry Gentry tjgentry@tamu.edu, Dr. Ali Fares alfares@pvamu.edu, Dr. Anish Jantrania anish.Jantrania@ag.tamu.edu
Costa Rica REU
Majors: Engineering majors, particularly with interests in environmental issues
Contact: Dr. Kelly Brumbelow kbrumbelow@civil.tamu.edu
NSF Precise Advanced Technologies and Health Systems for Underserved Populations (PATHS-UP) - Center for Remote Health Technologies and Systems
Majors: Biomedical engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, industrial and material science engineering
Contact: Dr. Gerard Cote gcote@tamu.edu
Resources
The following resources allow you to search for summer research programs across the U.S. by discipline or by state/location.
- National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduate (NSF-REU)
- Pathways to Science: Institute for Broadening Participation