Research

ECE students can participate in a multitude of research opportunities! Research positions are available in most departments on campus at the U of M, at other universities in the country, and even outside of the United States. Students can gain valuable experience through research, potentially earn technical elective credit, and possibly get paid.

Generally speaking, students should consider whether they would like to volunteer, earn degree credit for the experience, or get paid for research participation. CSE's Student Research webpage is a great place to start, and the University's Office of Undergraduate Research also has great information, especially the page that explains how to find a research mentor. If you are interested in earning degree credit, the ECE Department offers a Directed Study course EE 4893 which allows a student to develop and carry out a research project under the mentorship of a faculty mentor. Seniors have the option to participate in the Honors Project (EE 4981H and EE 4982V), a year long research project with a faculty mentor.

First take some time to learn about research the options on this page and clarify your goals for getting involved in research.  For additional information, please see the ECE Academic Advisor. 

"Think Like a Researcher"

This online mini-Canvas course is a great opportunity for undergraduate students to go more in depth on researching skills and tools needed to participate. Fill out this interest form for upcoming summer and fall sessions.

• ECE Faculty: If students would like to do research specific to the ECE program, review what our faculty are working on! We encourage students to reach out to any faculty members conducting research to find out if they have a position available.

• CSE Student Research: A great place to start for those unsure of how to get involved in research.

• U of M UROP Program: U of M initiative to encourage and fund undergraduate research opportunities for students.

• NSF Summer REU Information: Summer research experiences for undergraduate student opportunities and exploration. Summer research experiences are a way to enhance your resume and research skills in various universities across the US.

• EE 4893--Directed Study: Students may design an independent research project with a faculty member and earn 1 to 3 technical elective credits. The first step is to find an instructor who is willing to supervise your research and help you develop a project proposal. The next step is to fill out the Directed Study Form and submit it with a detailed written project proposal. Instructions for the written proposal are on the Directed Study form. Please see here for a Good Example of a directed study proposal. Please forward the Directed Study Form and written proposal to Kimberly Scott at scot0052@umn.edu.  After your proposal is approved by Professor Leger, you will need to complete the registration process through Workflow Gen.  You will be provided the Workflow Gen instructions after your project is approved.

• CSE Student News: Updated list of current events, scholarships, and research opportunities for CSE students. 

• UMN McNair Scholar Program: Prepare for graduate school with this intense, faculty-driven 10-week summer research project and earn a stipend.

• International UROP Program: Get a scholarship for studying abroad for a semester or year while conducting a research project around the world. 

• Multicultural Summer Research Opportunity Program (MSROP): An immersive 10-week summer research program for undergrads to develop research skills to prepare for graduate school. 

• Summer Research Opportunities: Find experiences both through the U of M and outside of the University.

• Office of Undergraduate Research: General information and resources to help you find the best research opportunity.

• MnDRIVE Summer Internship: Paid research internships organized through Louis Stokes North Star STEM Alliance and MnDRIVE which is a partnership between the University of Minnesota and the State of Minnesota that aligns areas of research strength with the state’s key and emerging industries to address grand challenges. More information is available on the North Star STEM Alliance website.