Research Opportunities
Many Boston University Engineering undergraduates work alongside faculty and graduate students at the cutting edge of research, often in paid positions. Whether innovating cheap, efficient ways to diagnose tuberculosis and cancer, or building a nanosatellite that measures the effect of solar storms on our power grids, our students are engaged in solving society’s most challenging problems.
Presidential Scholars
The Presidential Scholars program is a merit award given to students at the time of admission to Boston University. Presidential Scholars receive a package of benefits, including a $25,000 scholarship to Boston University. Scholarships are renewable for up to eight semesters, provided a 2.00 GPA is maintained (details). Additionally, students receive funding for up to 10 hours of research per week for one semester during the time period ranging from Spring of their first year through fall of their Junior year at Boston University, and automatic admission to a Boston University College of Engineering Master’s in Engineering program (provided students maintain a 3.40 grade point average). Apply for research funding.
Distinguished Summer Research Fellowships (DSRF)
Each year, Fellows spend the summer engaged in a transformative research experience under the guidance of a faculty member. Students must maintain a 3.0 average to be eligible for the fellowship, and may conduct their projects during the summer following either their sophomore or junior year.
Learn More or Apply.
Summer Term Alumni Research Scholars (STARS)
The STARS program provides housing support that makes it easier for College of Engineering undergraduates to work in Boston alongside College of Engineering faculty over the summer, performing research to create solutions to some of society’s most challenging problems.
College of Engineering undergraduates engaged in a faculty-mentored, full-time research experience during the summer may apply for the STARS program. To be eligible, students may:
- Receive research funding through the UROP program.
- Be hired into a paid research position from a College of Engineering faculty member. The position must be for at least 35 hours per week for at least 10 weeks.
STARS participants may not take summer courses. Students whose permanent residence is within commuting distance to BU may not qualify for the housing support provided by STARS.
Supplemental Undergraduate Research Funds (SURF)
The College of Engineering SURF program encourages faculty to involve undergraduates in their research programs during the academic year by providing matching funds for undergraduate students who are working on faculty-sponsored research. SURF funds are automatically made available to students who have secured a position in a faculty lab.
Trustee and FIRST Scholars
These scholarship recipients are also eligible for research funding for up to 10 hours of research a week for one semester. Students wishing to utilize this benefit must complete the Presidential Scholars form here and submit to the Dean’s Office for approval. Click here for more information on the FIRST Scholarship program.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)
The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) is a University-wide academic program which promotes participation by Boston University undergraduates in faculty-mentored research across all disciplines and throughout the calendar year. Further details available here.