MatSE offers rich research opportunities for undergraduate students to complement and enhance their classroom experiences. Explore opportunities both in and out of the department below.
Nick Richardson - Undergraduate Research in EMS
Nick Richardson found an early research opportunity with Tawanda Zimudzi at Penn State's Materials Research Institute. Richardson's experience focused on a method that uses light to examine at interactions in batteries.
MatSE Undergraduate Research Opportunities
All MatSE students are encouraged to participate in undergraduate research during their time at Penn State. Students may participate during any semester, at any time, and may earn course credit or a stipend for their work. If you are interested in getting involved in research within the department, start by:
- Exploring the variety of Research Focus Areas available in our department and to learn about the types of research you could do.
- Researching our Research Groups to see the types of research is happening within MATSE. If there is something you are interested in, reach out to the faculty member to see if they are looking for an undergraduate student to join their group.
- Attending the MatSE Undergraduate Research Fair held in September. Research groups that attend this event are specifically looking for undergraduate students to join their group. Stop by this event to find a group that matches your interests. If you have any questions, reach out to advising@matse.psu.edu.
You may be able to receive credit for your research work. Ask your faculty advisor and work together to complete MATSE 496 – Independent Study – RESEARCH.
University-level Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP)
The Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) is an eight-week research program designed to interest talented undergraduate students from underrepresented groups in academic careers and to enhance their preparation for graduate study through intensive research experiences with faculty mentors. In addition to the research experience, the program includes professional development workshops, seminars, field trips, and social activities.
Undergraduate Research and Fellowship Mentoring
The Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowship Mentoring empowers Penn State students to engage deeply in inquiry, discovery, and personal growth. Through collaboration across Penn State’s colleges and campuses, they support students in two key areas of undergraduate research and fellowship mentoring.
Sustainable Physics REU
Three REU programs are available each with different research projects, all three share professional development focused on scientific communication and sustainable research practices.
External Research Opportunity
National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates
The National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by the NSF.
Research and Poster Exhibitions
Penn State Competitions
MatSE Undergraduate Poster Competition
Undergraduate students involved in independent research, industry projects, or other scholarly pursuits are encouraged to highlight their hard work by submitting a poster each spring to the annual MatSE Undergraduate Poster Competition.
Communication of Undergraduate Experiences (CUE)
The CUE, sponsored by the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS), provides an opportunity for undergraduate students in EMS to showcase their research, and connect and share their work with other students, faculty, staff, and the community.
College of Engineering Research Symposium (CERS)
CERS 2017 showcases the cutting-edge interdisciplinary and multi-disciplinary research that is being conducted at Penn State in paper and poster formats.
Environmental Chemistry and Microbiology Student Symposium (ECMSS)
ECMSS is an annual student run symposium held at Penn State’s University Park campus, which brings together graduate students, undergraduate students, and faculty members engaged in environmentally relevant research.
Pennsylvania State University’s Interdisciplinary Environmental Research Symposium (PIERS)
An annual student-run symposium held at Penn State’s University Park campus, bringing together graduate students, undergraduate students, and faculty members engaged in environmentally relevant research.
Penn State Undergraduate Exhibition
Penn State's annual Undergraduate Exhibition communicates and celebrates the participation of undergraduate students from across the University in research and creative endeavors.
External Competitions
Collegiate Inventors Competition
The Competition brings together the nation’s brightest college minds to showcase, recognize, and award their cutting-edge research and discovery.