Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate research offers exciting chances to discover fascinating new avenues that could lead to a new career or an advanced degree option.

WPI students have internal and external opportunities for doing research that makes a difference. Several funding sources exist for WPI students who wish to pursue research experiences, although not all undergraduate research is funded.

First, ask your advisor if any department-specific funded research is available. Here are a few additional opportunities to explore.

Early Research Experience

The Early Research Experience in E-Term (EREE) is an excellent opportunity for first- and second-year students to have an initial immersive research experience during summer’s E-Term.

Find out more about EREE

Summer Training in Arts & Sciences Research (STAR) Program

The STAR Program offers fellowship stipends to support WPI undergraduate students doing summer research.
 

Learn about the STAR program

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs)

REUs are National Science Foundation-sponsored summer research opportunities. WPI students may apply for REUs across the country to find immersive and relevant research.
 

REU Opportunities

Federal Work-Study

Students receiving federal work-study funding aid may be able to obtain a research assistant position as their work-study job. Even taking on a role in a different discipline than a designated major can teach valuable skills and expand a professional network.
 

Work-Study Guidelines

WPI REU Programs

Students usually apply for a National Science Foundation-supported research experiences for undergraduates (REUs) at a school other than their own, but that doesn’t rule out participation in an REU on campus.

Learn About WPI’s REU Options

Building Landmine-locating Drones

"I’d wanted to do something that has a big global impact. It’s a great feeling to have an impact on peoples’ lives directly … I learned a lot more than electrical engineering." Nicholas Lanotte '19 

Read more about Nick's project

nick lanotte_landminerobot_May1.jpg

three male students working with a drone
Nicholas Lanotte (right) works with his MQP team on a landmine-detecting robot.