Unveiling Undergraduate Research Opportunities at the University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) offers a wealth of research opportunities for undergraduate students across all disciplines, regardless of prior experience. These opportunities are designed to enrich learning experiences and provide hands-on practical knowledge. Penn’s extensive network spanning graduate schools, hospitals, and surrounding communities ensures that every student can engage in research aligned with their interests.

Diverse Avenues for Research Engagement

Undergraduate research positions at Penn are highly versatile and can be pursued through various means:

Volunteer: Students can volunteer their time to gain research experience.
Work-Study: Research positions can be arranged through the work-study program.
Paid Positions: Funding can be obtained directly through a faculty member’s grant or via programs that provide stipends.
Academic Credit: Research can be conducted for academic credit, fulfilling major requirements.
Grant Support: Students can apply for grants to support their research endeavors.

Navigating the Research Landscape

For students with questions or needing guidance, CURF Research Peer Advisors (RPAs) are available. These undergraduates represent a variety of research fields and can help navigate the research journey at Penn.

Identifying a mentor is crucial, and the CURF Research Directory is an excellent tool for learning about potential mentors. Additionally, the "Ever Thought About…?" podcast, created by Penn undergraduates, features exciting episodes about research undertaken around campus.

Summer Research Programs

Undergraduate Summer Research Experience Program

The Center for Engineering Mechanobiology (CEMB) offers a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program each summer. This 10-week, on-campus program allows students to work in research groups at the University of Pennsylvania. Many projects are interdisciplinary, providing opportunities to develop research skills in the physical sciences, biological sciences, and engineering. Students develop practical research skills in collaboration, experimental design, data collection and analysis, and communication of results. Examples of past projects can be found in the Project Archives.

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NIH Center for Molecular Studies in Digestive and Liver Diseases

The Undergraduate Student Scholars Program in the NIH Center for Molecular Studies in Digestive and Liver Diseases combines summer lectures and presentations with basic research experience in an expert investigator’s laboratory. Students attend weekly seminars on introductory topics in biomedical research and present their research at the end of the course, receiving a certificate of completion. The research program is individualized to each student and laboratory. Seminar and research experiences are supplemented by social events, fostering strong relationships among students, research laboratory members, and mentors. Applications are typically open for the following summer, with a deadline in early February. Accepted students must be eligible to work in the United States. While prior research experience is typical, it is not required, though a GPA greater than 3.5 is generally expected.

Funding Opportunities and Compensation

The Penn Computational Cognitive Neuroscience Lab is committed to fostering a diverse and positive lab climate, welcoming individuals of all backgrounds. While they may not always have funded open positions, they are committed to ensuring that money is not a barrier to research involvement. The lab can assist students in choosing and applying for funding awards.

Research for Credit

Independent Study can fulfill the research requirement in the Psychology major, particularly Independent Study in Learning and Memory. This option is typically available to Juniors and Seniors. Many related majors also offer research-for-credit or capstone courses.

Eligibility Requirements for Various Programs

Several programs have specific eligibility requirements:

General Eligibility: Full-time, regularly enrolled undergraduates in good standing from Penn’s four undergraduate schools, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, completing their first- or second-year of college.
Rising Juniors: Rising juniors who require a summer of intensive training with a faculty member prior to undertaking a more independent project.

Internal Grants

Association of Alumnae Rosemary D.
Class of 1971 Robert J.
College Alumni Society Undergraduate Research Grant: Students in the College should apply for this grant and will be considered for the Vagelos Grant as funds are available.

Engineering Specific Opportunities

The faculty-to-student ratio at Penn provides significant opportunities for undergraduate students to work in state-of-the-art research laboratories during the academic year and summer. The Engineering Dean’s Advisory Board (EDAB) has created a guide with step-by-step instructions and tips on securing undergraduate research positions.

Advancing Women in Engineering (AWE)

The Advancing Women in Engineering (AWE) initiative supports current undergraduate Penn Engineering students in conducting summer research at Penn Engineering. Applicants must submit a personal statement, resume, and a faculty recommendation letter by the specified deadline.

First Year Exposure to Research in STEM (FERS-SEAS)

The First Year Exposure to Research in STEM in the School of Engineering and Applied Science (FERS-SEAS) is a school-wide initiative designed to introduce first-year undergraduate students to research while providing strong mentoring and advising. The program aims to improve the experience, retention, and 4-year graduation rates for a cohort of students identified by the Penn First Plus Office-Pre-Freshman Program (PFP). A select group of P1P students are matched to a lab at the beginning of their first year, or at the latest, their sophomore year, to benefit from early peer and PI mentorship, exposure to research, and direct involvement in a research project.

National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering Research Center (ERC)

Launched in 2020, the National Science Foundation-funded Engineering Research Center (ERC) unites expertise in agronomy, agricultural engineering, communications, economics, environmental science, electrical and computer engineering, cyber systems, social science, and more to develop and deploy precision agriculture technologies to address global challenges in food, energy, and water security.

Laboratory for Research on the Structure of Matter (LRSM)

The LRSM has hosted NSF-REU programs since 1989, offering 10-week individual research projects with associated faculty. Funding is available for undergraduates through MRSEC and NSF-REU Site grants. The program runs from early June to August and accepts applications from well-qualified undergraduates, mainly juniors, but also sophomores and freshmen. Students are required to make an oral presentation of their research and submit a paper describing their research before completing the program. The program is restricted to US citizens and permanent residents.

National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR)

Penn State students have been accepted to present at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR), joining thousands of undergraduate researchers from across the country. NCUR, organized by The Council on Undergraduate Research, brings students from all disciplines together to share ideas, lead in a professional setting, and strengthen their communication and networking skills. The conference mirrors the collaborative world they’re preparing to enter.

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Undergraduate Research and Fellowships Mentoring empowers students to engage in inquiry and discovery by connecting them with research opportunities, guiding them through the research landscape, and supporting them in pursuing nationally and internationally competitive fellowships.

The Broader Impact of Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate research provides students with a unique opportunity to:

Develop Skills: Hone critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
Gain Experience: Acquire hands-on experience in their field of interest.
Network: Connect with faculty, peers, and professionals in their field.
Contribute to Knowledge: Make meaningful contributions to their field of study.
Enhance Career Prospects: Strengthen their resumes and increase their competitiveness for future opportunities.

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