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Current Students

Research Opportunities

What are they?

A research opportunity is a chance to do research in, or study a particular field that interests you. Many people find that there is an area of ME that they want to learn more about, and doing a research project can help you decide if the topic is something you are really interested in.

Research projects can be done for degree credit (i.e., 490, 491), or for pay. They give students good experience that can help when looking for a job. Many permanent jobs involve research, and doing research as a student helps you make contacts with people in that field.

If you are planning to go to graduate school and write a thesis, research is a valuable experience to mention when applying to graduate schools. You may find that your early research projects will help you get started and find a topic you like for a thesis.

Volunteering to do research is also a way to pump up your resume a little if you cannot find a paying position.

How do you get started?

If you are interested in learning more about a research position, there are quite a few things you can do. One of the most popular options is to do an ME research project (ME490/491) for degree credit (possibly a technical elective). This course is limited to senior students.

The Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) creates research partnerships between first and second year students and faculty researchers. UROP also provides academic support services, guest lecturers, and workshops for UROP students. In addition, UROP students have access to a database of summer research projects. More info on UROP can be found at its website:

http://www.lsa.umich.edu/urop/

Finally, if you want a research project, talk to professors that are experts in the field of your interest and see what they recommend. Also, watch your email! Information about available research, often paid, is sent out over email from time to time.