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Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Undergraduate Program

Undergraduate Research

Participation in laboratory research is an important component of the undergraduate experience in Cornell MS&E. It provides students with a unique opportunity to put what is learned in the classroom into practice in a lab environment. Among the many benefits of this program are:

  • opportunities to gain valuable experience working in a team environment under the direction of a world-class MS&E research scientist;
  • providing students with practical hands-on knowledge in areas that range from experimental design and project management to interpretation and presentation of results;
  • opportunities to work with state of the art lab equipment and technology; and
  • numerous undergraduates have been named as co-authors on faculty publications – an invaluable building block for a future career in MS&E.

How can I participate in research as part of my Cornell MS&E undergraduate program?

  • Work in a faculty research group: most Cornell MS&E students work in a faculty lab at some point for experience, credit, or pay. Working in a faculty research group can be a very rewarding experience. The work will be very challenging, and you will have the chance to get to know and be associated with a world class research team, including a faculty member, postdoctoral researchers and research associates, graduate students and other undergraduate students
  • Senior Thesis: over 80% of MS&E undergraduates participate in senior thesis research. more information
  • Research for Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Programs: students may participate in REU programs offered at Cornell or at many other universities in the summer. To search for an REU, please visit the National Science Foundation REU Site.

How do I find a position as a researcher in a faculty research group?

The best way to find a position as an undergraduate researcher is to visit faculty web pages in order to determine whose research you find most compelling. You should update your resume and personally approach the faculty member during his or her office hours. The faculty member will then be able to determine how they can best use your skills and incorporate your academic and career goals into the work you’d be performing in the lab.

Is there a deadline for applying to work in a faculty research group?

There is no formal deadline, but it is highly recommended that you approach the faculty member the semester before you wish to begin your research. Keep in mind that graduating seniors leave research groups every May and thus January-April is a good time to line up opportunities for the following fall.

Credit, pay, or volunteer?

You can receive academic credit for research through MS&E 291/2, 391/2, or 491/2. Research for credit courses can count as “Advisor Approved Electives” or they can count towards honors. They do not count as “Materials Applications Electives.” In some (rare) cases you can get paid to do research. Probably the most common path is for students to volunteer for a year or two and receive credit for Senior Lab.

Senior Thesis or Senior Lab?

Both are designed to give you extensive practical research experience. Both have significant reporting and assessment requirements. Senior Lab involves “open ended” experiments that will challenge you much like research. The main difference is that we know the Senior Lab experiments can be made to work! Students who have not established a relationship with a research group by the end of their junior year are best advised to participate in Senior Lab.

How do I find an REU experience?

REU experiences are offered at many institutions and can give you a chance to see how other places do things. A great place to find more information, including a list of REU’s offered around the country can be found on the National Science Foundation’s site.

Whom should I contact for further information?

If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment to speak with a faculty member outside their regular office hours, please call 607.255.9617 or send us an email.