Undergraduate Research

Research is at the heart of the engineering program at Tufts. More than 60 percent of Tufts undergraduate engineering students participate in independent research. Whether it's through a research internship, a scholarship program, or a connection made with a faculty member on campus, the chances to make significant research contributions are around every corner.

Summer Scholars Program
Tufts Summer Scholars Program is a university-wide initiative that offers research apprenticeships with faculty/clinical mentors to motivated Tufts undergraduates. The Dean of the School of Engineering provides additional funds to support undergraduate research each summer in each of the engineering departments.

Tufts Undergraduate Research & Scholarship Symposium
An annual Tufts tradition that celebrates the diverse contributions made by Tufts undergraduates to scholarship and research advances. It includes presentations by undergraduates from all disciplines: engineering, natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, the arts, and international relations.

Thesis Honors Program
The Thesis Honors Program allows students to pursue a program of independent study usually leading to a senior thesis and a qualifying examination. The principal purpose of the program is to give special impetus to the development of self-reliance, individual initiative, habits of critical analysis, and correlation of knowledge. Students pursuing a CIS thesis are eligible for thesis honors. Since this is an honors program, admission is restricted to students whose names have appeared on the Dean's List. The application process should be completed during the junior year, including the summer of the senior year. For detailed information see the Tufts Bulletin.

Faculty Research Grants
Tufts undergraduate students are often able to perform research in a faculty member's lab alongside graduate students under the faculty member's supervision. These opportunities may be paid through the associated research grant, or the student may apply for funding through the Tufts Undergraduate Research Fund. If a particular faculty member's research interests you, ask them about possible research opportunities.

NSF REU Programs
Tufts students are eligible to perform research at other Universities through summer research programs supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by the NSF. REU projects involve students in meaningful ways in ongoing research programs or in research projects specifically designed for the REU program. Search for an REU location.