Undergraduate Research and Awards Opportunities

Undergraduates are doing real research at Penn Engineering. Taking advantage of the assistance of willing faculty, liaisons with top industry professionals, and laboratories dedicated to undergraduates, SEAS students are breaking new ground in preparation for graduate school, professional school, or industry.

As a student at Penn, you are encouraged to join faculty researchers in investigating a wide spectrum of technological, scientific, and medical problems. Faculty members are readily accessible to discuss your research interests and to help you find a project that you will find exciting and rewarding. You can also get credit for research activity during the academic year by undertaking an independent study course with a faculty member.

All Penn Engineering students are required to complete a senior project involving research and/or design as a concrete way to investigate real world problems. Most senior designs are done alongside faculty members, graduate students, and industry personnel. Many of our students have their results published and recognized with on- and off-campus awards.

How to get involved in research as an undergraduate
In order to get involved in research as an undergraduate, you need to browse faculty and lab research websites. If you find an area of research that interests you, email the professor or or speak with them and ask if they are planning on taking on any undergraduates for research assistance. You need to be proactive and seek out research opportunities. For a SEAS faculty directory complete with research interests and webpages, visit http://www.seas.upenn.edu/faculty/facdir.html.