Undergraduate Research

CEE undergraduates have many opportunities to participate in hands-on research experiences, including paid and course credit options in the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. In addition to REU positions, there are several CEE courses that include design projects, field experiences and even travel for real world problem-solving. Additionally, CEE students can also explore research opportunities with The Grainger College of Engineering.

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)

CEE Research Experiences for Undergraduates are paid positions that give you the opportunity to actively participate in research and work with faculty, graduate students and other researchers on ongoing projects. REUs develop not just your research skills, but also your interpersonal skills.

Note: the CEE REU program is meant for new undergraduate research opportunities; it is not applicable to undergraduate students who are already working for a faculty member.

The program will be announced within two weeks of the start of a semester (Fall, Spring, and Summer II). Request for proposals will be sent, and posted on the Undergraduate Blog, to faculty and undergraduate students with exact deadlines and requirements.
Talk to a faculty member in your area of interest to find out if they are available to partner on an REU, then work with them on a one/two page proposal. Proposals can only be submitted by CEE faculty members on behalf of their students.
The length of employment will be 12 weeks (10 hrs per week) in the Fall and Spring semesters and 6 weeks (20 hrs per week) in the Summer at the hourly rate of $12.50 per hour. The total amount an undergraduate student will receive is $1,500 per student per semester of employment.
Each faculty member is limited to two students per year and students are eligible for two REUs during their undergraduate studies. In some cases, an undergraduate provides such value to the faculty's research that they are funded for ongoing work.

Learn by doing.

REU is a chance for hands-on learning. Getting involved in research is a great way to see real-world, practical applications of classroom concepts.

Make connections.

Being involved with REU will help you establish a close working relationship with a member of the faculty and with graduate students.

Jump start your future.

REU will give you practical experience that will distinguish you from your peers, and may help open doors when you apply for grad school or employment.

Learn more about student research

Students explain their undergraduate research projects

Students participating in the REU program during the Fall 2022 semester share a little bit about the projects with why they are involved.

Undergrad helps with research into sea ice leads

Interest in the climate crisis led Cici Teng to environmental engineering and a project on sea salt particles in the atmosphere.

CEE alum named to Forbes 30 under 30 after class project becomes startup success

After a first-year CEE class project on sidewalk repair cost estimates inspired Brandon Yates to launch a startup, DeepWalk Research, Yates and his partner Anshuh Shah have found themselves on the 2025 Forbes 30 under 30 list.

Civil & Environmental Engineering
Coursework

There are many other opportunities for CEE undergraduates to participate in hands-on research including several courses that offer design projects, field experiences and even travel for real world problem-solving. These include CEE 190 Project-based Introduction to CEE, CEE458 Water Resources Field Methods, CEE449 Environmental Engineering Lab.

Grainger College of Engineering
Research opportunities

A Grainger Engineering student-driven initiative called PURE can also help you find undergraduate research opportunities. The PURE Research Program is an interdisciplinary program that pairs freshman and sophomore undergraduates with research mentors. Learn More →

The Grainger College website also features a number of resources for undergraduates interested in research opportunities. Learn More →

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