Research Opportunities

Research with MSE Faculty

Engaging in undergraduate research is a valuable experience, especially for students considering graduate school. MSE students are encouraged to complete a research project under the guidance of a faculty advisor.

• Projects typically span at least one semester and require both oral and written presentations of your work.

• Opportunities may be paid or unpaid, and may also be completed for academic credit.

How to Get Started

1. Explore Faculty Research Areas

Review the Faculty Information Slides (updated annually) and/or the People page on the MSE website.

2. Reach Out

Email selected faculty members with: 

• A brief summary of your research interests

• An attached, updated resume

3. Follow Up

Don’t hesitate to follow up if you don’t hear back right away.

Tips and Recommendations: 

1. Do Your Homework: Read about the faculty’s research before reaching out.

2. Polish Your Resume:

   • Keep it to one page

   • Avoid spelling/grammar errors

   • Include only relevant experiences

   • Leave out hobbies unless directly relevant

Need help with your resume? Visit the Career Development Center's Drop-In hours: https://careers.dasa.ncsu.edu/about/hours-appointments/

Note: Once you accept a position, do not continue interviewing for others. Only accept one opportunity.

Reminder: Most research positions are filled before the semester begins—don’t wait to contact faculty.

Research for Academic Credit (MSE 495)

Students can earn academic credit for research by enrolling in MSE 495 (typically for 3 credit hours). This course can count as one engineering or technical elective.

Enrollment Process

1. Complete the Research Authorization Form with your research advisor. Include: 

   • Project title and description

   •  Defined expectations and grading criteria

2. Submit the signed form to Ms. Hillary Stone (hmstone2@ncsu.edu) before registration. Approval is required before you can be enrolled.

3. Once approved, Ms. Stone will register you for MSE 495 through your MyPack Portal. Note: Submitting the form does not replace formal course registration.

Grading and Expectations

• 50% Participation: Defined by your research advisor in the Research Authorization Form (e.g., attending lab meetings, submitting drafts, presenting at symposia). 

• 50% Final Report:  A written technical report, uploaded to Moodle during the final week of classes.

Your research advisor determines your final grade and submits it to the course instructor, Dr. Yaroslava Yingling.

Workload and Deliverables

To receive 3 credit hours, you must commit approximately 10 hours per week (~150 hours/semester).

Required deliverables:

• 1. Written Technical Report (uploaded to Moodle):

     • • Introduction: Literature review with proper citations.

       • Materials and Methods: Description of the materials and procedures used in the study.

       • Results and Discussion: Analysis and interpretation of findings.

       • Conclusion or Summary: Summary of the outcomes and their significance.

  2. Oral Presentation: Present findings to your research group during the semester.

Important Notes:

• Students cannot receive both payment and academic credit for the same research project during a single semester.

Direct any questions to Ms. Hillary Stone, hmstone2@ncsu.edu.

After You’re Hired: Safety Training

All student researchers must complete lab safety training before beginning work.

Steps to Complete Safety Training

1. Visit the MSE Safety and Wellness page

Click on "Safety Training Process for New Researchers in MSE at NC State"

2. Work with your research advisor to:

• Complete the Safety Orientation Checklist in Reporter

• Fill out the Safety Matrix to identify required modules

• Complete assigned online modules

3. Send certificates of completion to Sean West for verification

4. Attend in-person safety training with Sean West