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Undergraduate Research at Vanderbilt

School of Engineering

Engineering faculty provide undergraduates with opportunities to work in their labs as student workers, technicians, and research assistants during the academic year and/or the summer.  Students will also find opportunities for research in other Vanderbilt schools, including the School of Medicine.

The knowledge, skills and academic preparation needed varies greatly by project, lab, professor and department. Depending upon the nature of the project, you may be able to earn academic credit, work-study hours, or a stipend. Most faculty will expect you to document your research through periodic reports, presentations and/or poster sessions

When your skills and interests are sufficient, many faculty will give you the opportunity to work independently on some aspect of their project, or on a related project of your own.

OVERVIEW OF RESEARCH IN THE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

RESEARCH PROGRAMS
Opportunities are available through a number of established undergraduate research programs at Vanderbilt and beyond. Application deadlines vary and may be as early as 6 – 8 months prior to the program start date.

A list of programs is available on this site and on the School of Engineering website. Opportunities for research and study scholarships, including information sessions and application advice can be found on the Office of Honor Scholarships website.

CONNECTING WITH FACULTY RESEARCHERS

  1. Meet with your academic adviser and/or visit your department’s website to discuss your interest areas and the type of work you would like to do.
  2. A list of research topics and the faculty who are working on them is available via this link on the School of Engineering website. Following the links for individual faculty members will enable you to find out the focus of their work, and, often, provide a link to their lab website.
  3. After you review this information, it’s time to arrange to meet with the professor who runs the lab to discuss your interest. Be as clear as possible on the knowledge and skills you have developed through your coursework and/or prior research experiences.