Undergraduate Opportunities
Make your mark
Research at Illinois affects the world. The LED. Electronic tattoos. A supercomputer. And as an undergraduate, you can be a part of this kind of discovery. You can start researching as early as your first year. Your work, with faculty who are leaders in their fields, will help answer society’s toughest questions. Build valuable skills, work alongside engineering leaders, and change the world even before you graduate. That’s what we do at Illinois.
45%
of our undergraduates participate
in groundbreaking research
2,000
interdisciplinary research projects
ongoing every semester
60+
laboratories, research centers, and
institutes across campus
Explore Research Options
Illinois is one of the best research universities in the world. Each semester, there are 2,000+ projects taking place. We want to help you find an experience that fits your goals. How will you do the impossible?
Earn Credit for Your Work
Conducting research as an undergraduate can count toward your requirements for graduation. Of course, that's in addition to the extremely valuable experience of working in a lab alongside the very best in the world.
College Support
We are here to guide you every step of the way, and we'll never leave you to manage on your own. Programs in Engineering offer support and resources for you to be successful in your research endeavors.
Making it Affordable
Even as an undergraduate student, there is money available for you to participate in research. In many cases, there are even opportunities for you to travel to other parts of the world to do your work.
Research Internships
There is a large network of research internship opportunities, both on- and off-campus. Learn from professionals in academics or industry about the specific research you're interested in.
Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)
Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) are offered by different universities, institutions, and agencies nationwide. These experiences give you the opportunity to actively participate in research and work with faculty and researchers on ongoing research projects.
Undergraduate Research Contacts
Natasha Mamaril, PhD
Associate Director for Undergraduate Research
3278 Digital Computer Lab
1304 W Springfield Ave.
Urbana, IL 61801
Email: engr-ugr@illinois.edu