There are numerous ways undergraduate students at Michigan Tech can get involved with groundbreaking research. There are paid, volunteer, and for-credit opportunities across all colleges and majors—all of which can count toward your Honors requirements. The following external opportunities have varying open application periods. We recommend you check the program website provided for specific deadlines.
Amgen Scholars Program
The Amgen Scholars Program affords undergraduate participants the opportunity to get involved in a research project under top faculty as part of a cohort-based experience of seminars and networking events. The application deadline is in February, but check the website for specific dates.
Barry Goldwater Scholarship
The Barry Goldwater Scholarship is for sophomores and juniors who intend to pursue research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics and engineering.
College Qualified Leaders Program
The CQL program matches practicing DoD scientists with talented college students creating a direct mentor-student relationship, providing participants with training that is unparalleled at most colleges. CQL fosters desire in its participants to pursue further training and careers in STEM. There is no deadline to apply. Applications may be submitted throughout the year.
Great Lakes Research Center Student Research Grant
The GLRC Student Research Grant provides support for graduate and undergraduate research. This opportunity allows students to gain experience in writing competitive grants and to perform research they wouldn't be able to attempt due to funding limitations. Students doing work related to the interests of the GLRC and with advisors who are GLRC members should apply. Proposals should be submitted as a pdf to Carol Asiala at grlcadmin-l@mtu.edu.
Los Alamos Dynamics Summer School
The Los Alamos Dynamics Summer School (LADSS) focuses a select group of students on the multi-disciplinary field of dynamics, spanning electrical, mechanical, structural and cyber-physical systems. Cyber-physical systems are defined by the National Science Foundation as “engineered systems that are built from, and depend upon, the seamless integration of computational algorithms and physical components."
McNair Scholars Program
The McNair Scholars Program provides eligible undergraduates with critical research experiences, as well as assistance with the graduate school application process. The McNair Program supports Scholars by focusing on three areas: academic research, graduate school preparation, and personal and professional development.
Michigan Space Grant Consortium
The MSGC Grant and Fellowship Programs are regionally competitive, among 11 Universities in Michigan. Space Grant offers fellowship programs for graduate and undergraduate students, as well as research seed grants and program grants for faculty. The Consortium offers close to $100,000 of support for undergraduate and Graduate Research Fellowships, Research Seed Grants, and Public Service Grants in aerospace, space science, Earth system science, and other related science, engineering, or mathematical fields
Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship
The Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship (MLEF) Program has provided students with opportunities to gain hands-on research experience with the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy (FE). The mission of the MLEF program is to strengthen a diverse pipeline of future STEM professionals. Selected candidates will train under the mentorship of program officials and scientists on focused research projects consistent with the mission of the Office of Fossil Energy.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory Challenge Program
Consider applying for the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Challenge Program, an innovative program designed to give undergraduates an early start on the scientific process and solving real world science problems. The program is a 10-week summer internship that awards winning candidates a competitive weekly stipend, furnished housing, and travel assistance to and from ORNL.
Pathways to Science
The mission of the Institute for Broadening Participation is to increase diversity in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) workforce. The Pathways to Science is an aggregator of undergraduate and graduate training opportunities.
Polaris Project
The Polaris Project is an innovative collaboration among students, teachers, and scientists. Funded by the U. S. National Science Foundation, the Polaris Project trains future leaders in arctic research and informs the public about the Arctic and global climate change. During the annual field expedition to the Yukon Kuskokwim (YK) Delta, Alaska, undergraduate students conduct cutting-edge investigations that advance scientific understanding of the changing Arctic.
Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)
Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) is a program dedicated to equipping undergraduate students with the appropriate funding and mentorship to pursue research of topics from various fields, mainly focusing on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
Sigma Xi Grants in Aid of Research Program
The Sigma Xi Grants in Aid of Research (GIAR) program has provided undergraduate and graduate students with valuable educational experiences since 1922. By encouraging close working relationships between students and mentors, the program promotes scientific excellence and achievement through hands-on learning. Students use the funding to pay for travel expenses to and from a research site, or for purchase of non-standard laboratory equipment necessary to complete a specific research project.
Superior Ideas
Superior Ideas helps bring university research and public service projects to life. Through Superior Ideas, researchers spread the word of their projects—and gain funding along the way. Fund your research internship using this innovative crowd-sourcing tool.