Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate Research Program

The IMSE Smart Cities Undergraduate Student Research Program offers industrial engineers the opportunity to work directly for and with faculty on current research projects. The Smart Cities initiative looks at ways to use advanced technologies, data, and communication to improve the quality and cost effectiveness of urban goods and services delivery. Some possible projects include designing green buildings, improving diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, and improving the design of complex systems.

The program matches students with faculty and their research teams based on specific research interests. Appointments as undergraduate research assistants are for one to two semesters. Students will work directly with their faculty and graduate mentors and will be required to participate in the IMSE undergraduate research symposium at the end of the spring semester.

Students apply the semester they would like to participate. They indicate their areas of interest and can apply for specific openings if appropriate. Applications are uploaded where faculty can determine whom they’d like to meet. The faculty will then interview candidates and make offers.

During the semester of research, students report directly to their faculty mentor. They meet with their mentor each week, and with other students (undergraduate and graduate) working on the same project as needed. Assignments are for 5-10 hours/week, depending on the position. Students receive reviews from faculty mentors at mid-term and the completion of the assignment (minimum). Students also meet with the Undergraduate Research Program student group 2-3 times/semester.

Benefits to Students

• Gain experience in the research process, including literature review, problem formulation, data collection and analysis, assessment, writing, and presenting;
• Learn in-depth knowledge about areas of interest;
• Interact directly with faculty, graduate students, and upper classmen, building a professional network; and
• Earn money. 

Guidelines

• Applications are submitted through the form below. Students must submit a 1-page resume with their application. 
• If there is no match for a student with a faculty member, students can apply in future semesters. 
• Approximately 4-8 students will be matched with research projects during each semester. 
• Students must present findings at the end of the spring semester. 
• Students will earn $10/hour, and will have appointments of up to 10 hours/week, 100 hours/semester.