Impact Of Integration Of Undergraduate Students In An Engineering Research Laboratory: A Case Study

Participation in undergraduate research projects in engineering can result in lasting benefits for the education and careers of both the undergraduate students and their graduate student mentors and supervising professors. This conclusion is supported by the results of surveys and interviews with a selection of the 526 undergraduate students who have participated in undergraduate research projects in our laboratory over the past 30 years, as well as their graduate student mentors. In addition, analogous data from the chemical and biomedical engineering departments at our institution demonstrate the beneficial long-term impact of undergraduate research on an engineer’s career and pursuit of higher education. Furthermore, it is shown through both comprehensive data and specific examples that the research performed and the personal relationships developed have lasting benefits to the careers of the graduate mentors and the supervising professors. Key elements to implementing a significant and successful undergraduate research program at the laboratory, department, and university level have been identified from statistical data and personal experiences. Additionally, the impact of the supporting infrastructure at the departmental and university levels on the success of undergraduate research programs was established. Specific methods for attracting, retaining, and enhancing excellent undergraduate researchers while maximizing their productivity are illustrated with this data.