Experiential Learning: Research
Undergraduate Research
Participating in undergraduate research is an exciting aspect of the Dietrich College experience听鈥� one you can take advantage of even as a first-year student.听
A great way to get connected to research is to get to know the professors doing work in your areas of interest and find out what projects they are working on. Your academic advisor is also a phenomenal resource to help you with adding undergraduate research to your academic plan so make sure you are reaching out to them as you consider this experiential learning opportunity.
Preparing for Undergraduate Research
If you anticipate wanting to complete research during your time at Carnegie Mellon, the resources listed below can help make sure you are fully prepared.
- Dietrich College Research Training Program: this unique research apprenticeship is designed for second-semester first-year students and sophomores to prepare them for future research.
- The听Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholar Development (OURSD) provides extensive support to all Carnegie Mellon students looking to engage in research and can assist you with everything from proposal to funding.
- Introduction to Statistical Research Methodology (36-290): this is a first course in statistical practice, targeted to first-semester sophomores. It is designed as a high-level introduction to the ways by which statisticians go about approaching and analyzing quantitative observational data, thus preparing students for future work in capstone classes.
- Summer Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship (SURA): this entry-level, immersive research experience is designed for students who aren鈥檛 yet ready to write their own research proposal or apply to more competitive programs yet.
- Meeting of the Minds: learn more about the projects taking place at Carnegie Mellon during this annual celebration of undergraduate research.听
Finding Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Research is happening all over campus!
If you aren鈥檛 ready to propose your own topic yet, check out the various labs, centers and campus resources that can help you find the right project to match your passion.
- Department of Psychology Research Labs
- Social and Decision Sciences Research Labs
- Carnegie Mellon Institute for Strategy and Technology Research Lab
- Center for Behavioral and Decision Research
- Research Centers in the Mellon College of Science
- Metro21: Smart Cities Institute
- Block Center for Technology and Society
- Digital Transformation and Innovation Center
Funding Undergraduate Research
Ready to take your research to the next level?
Whether you are looking for funding for supplies or a summer-long research fellowship, various grants exist to support you while completing research.
- Dietrich College Honors Fellowship Program:听funding to support Dietrich College Honors Fellows as they spend the summer before their senior year undertaking early-stage research.
- Small Undergraduate Research Grants (SURG): offers grants for materials and supplies for research in any field of study
- International Small Undergraduate Research Grants (ISURG): students who are planning to study/travel abroad and are planning to complete a research project while abroad
- Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF): provides funding to students completing 8-10 weeks of full-time research over the summer
- International Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (ISURF): funding for students who are completing 8-10 weeks of full-time research with a faculty member overseas who is collaborating/has collaborated with a CMU faculty member
- Jennings Family Brave Companions Award: funds sophomores and juniors who want to travel to developing countries to study, travel, conduct research and/or participate in service work
- Presentation Awards: funding to support conference registration, travel, lodging and food expenses for students presenting their research