Getting Started in Research

Research positions are best suited for curious students who are interested in diving deeper into the world of mechanical engineering or human factors research. For students intending to pursue graduate school, or research careers in engineering or related fields, research experiences are highly encouraged.

Independent research is for students who want credit for the research and must fill out the respective forms linked in the table above.

Research requires commitment, creativity, passion, and dedication. Research research can be extremely rewarding, but also time-consuming. If you are looking to do independent research (receive credit), research mentors will expect that students commit approximately 10 hours per week of research, typically over multiple semesters. It should not be pursued solely to pad a resume or CV. You will need to carefully consider your own priorities and other commitments before deciding to pursue independent research.

The department holds weekly seminars in which visiting faculty, typically from other institutions, present their current research. Undergraduates are encouraged to check out the seminar schedule and ME291 - Graduate Seminar to attend talks that interest them. Finally, interested undergraduates are encouraged to look at the research lab websites linked above to learn more about their research and read some of their recent publications.

Yes! Faculty are interested in learning more about your research interests and may be able to direct you to other opportunities, provide you with updated information on when a position would be available, or if there are other ways to get involved.

Research will only be done if you take it for credit, fill out the necessary forms and enroll in the class.

• Undergraduates can take one semester of ME 94 (Research). To do a second semester of research they must take a thesis.
• For graduate students, the rules are a bit more complex (and may be degree dependent), but at least for the MS in ME, students can take up to 3 semesters of research credits as a combination of ME 294 and ME 296. 

Note: Research advisor consent required for all of these undergraduate and graduate options.

• If you anticipate conducting research for credit and have identified a faculty member to serve as your advisor, you must get department permission. Fill out the appropriate form (proposal for undergraduate research form, independent study form for graduate students, or the human factors engineering graduate student form) and then give to the ME office. Once approved, you will be given permission to enroll in your respective course.
• If you are applying directly for a paid research position during the summer/academic year, please consult directly with the steps outlined in “Get Involved” under each lab/research's group profile.