Research Experiences

At Penn State, there are so many exciting opportunities for undergraduate students to jump into hands-on research in a variety of fields. Getting involved in research is an excellent way for you to deepen your knowledge, sharpen your critical thinking, and get ready for a successful career or grad school. Whether you're passionate about solving real-world problems or exploring groundbreaking innovations, Penn State gives you the resources and support you need to make an impact through research.

Undergraduate Research and Fellowships Mentoring Office

The Undergraduate Research and Fellowships Mentoring (URFM) Office helps students get involved in research that matches their interests and goals.

With tools like the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Database, it’s easy to search for projects by campus, topic, and more—so you can find something that’s right for you.

URFM also offers support along the way, helping you understand how research works, explore opportunities at Penn State and beyond, and even find ways to get funding. It’s a great way to dive deeper into what you love and gain valuable experience outside the classroom.

Faculty Engagement

Engineering students have lots of chances to connect with professors and get involved in research. If you're curious about a certain topic, you can check out department websites to see what kinds of projects faculty are working on.

Want to learn more or get involved? You can send a quick email, chat with your professor after class, or attend department events and research showcases. It’s a great way to explore your interests, gain hands-on experience, and start making an impact.

Center for Engineering Outreach and Inclusion Student Research

The Center for Engineering Outreach and Inclusion (CEOI) at Penn State gives engineering students the chance to explore hands-on research and academic programs beyond the classroom. These experiences help bring what you’re learning to life, spark new interests, and give you a better idea of which engineering path—and career—might be right for you. Discover CEOI undergraduate research opportunities »

Additional Undergraduate Research Opportunities

If you’re part of the Schreyer Honors College, the Millennium Scholars Program, or the undergraduate Engineering Science major at Penn State, you’ll have the chance to dive into research and complete a thesis project. It’s a great way to explore a topic you care about and take your learning to the next level.