2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Undergraduate research experience offers many benefits to students pursuing careers in industry or advanced academic degrees. Getting involved in research early enhances technical skills, strengthens problem-solving abilities, and sharpens critical thinking skills. Students gain hands-on experience by applying their knowledge to real industry challenges instead of simply studying theory and practicing its application via class examples. In addition, students develop a problem-solving mindset, learn strategies for managing uncertainty, and acquire experience working both independently and in teams.
Students can select from various research options to develop their ideas. Research projects are available year-round for student involvement. The two main programs are the Undergraduate Research Scholars (URS) program and the Undergraduate Research Experience Program (UREP). Students participating in both programs work under the supervision of a faculty mentor. UREP aims to actively involve students in research, thereby enhancing their technical skills and professional development. This program requires students to write a progress report and a final report, then present their findings publicly. On the other hand, the Quality Enhancement Strategy highlights the URS program's ongoing support for the University's commitment to lifelong learning. This program allows students to write an undergraduate thesis, present their findings publicly, earn honors recognition, and receive a URS medallion as part of their graduation regalia, thereby enriching their education experience beyond traditional classroom settings.
Furthermore, participating in research experience programs helps students develop analytical skills, explore new ideas, and apply academic knowledge in real-world industry settings. Disseminating the output of the research work in the form of conference presentations and journal publications provides valuable opportunities for professional development and networking. This paper presents a survey of students from previous cohorts to assess the benefit of participating in research projects on their learning and development. The findings show how the students’ skills, technical knowledge, and career readiness were greatly improved by the research experience.