Undergraduate Research

Ohio State is a leading research institution, with outstanding faculty and opportunities for students to be engaged with research at a number of different levels. Consider getting involved with research to build connections with faculty, to develop stronger analytical and problem-solving skills, to become an expert in a topic, or to prepare for a graduate or professional program. 

Why pursue undergraduate research?

• It is an opportunity to go beyond coursework experiences and establish practical skills to tackle engineering problems.
• It is an opportunity to explore a specialization of your interest in mechanical and aerospace engineering.
• You distinguish yourself from your peers, a significant factor recognized in pursuing a job.
• Being involved with research as an undergraduate is an excellent way to help prepare you for graduate school.
• It can be a rewarding and fun experience to meet peers with similar technical interests!

Undergraduate research is one of the opportunities that students can pursue to complement their coursework and differentiate themselves as they build up a range of technical experiences to prepare for a future profession. 

How to Find Undergraduate Research/Honors Opportunities

• Speak with faculty about your interest in undergraduate research!
• Which instructors have you enjoyed learning from? What classes did you find interesting? These instructors may already have research projects defined that would be appropriate for undergraduate work. 
• Is there a topic in which you've developed an interest? If so, you could propose a research idea to a faculty member associated with your area of interest.
• Students who have been admitted to the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering majors have access to a Carmen webpage which includes a wide range of information regarding current undergraduate research opportunities and faculty looking for student matches.