expand your research skills
TCE UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH PROGRAM
The TCE Undergrad Research Program is open to freshman, sophomore, and junior engineering students and is designed to support undergraduate engineering students who want to start a new undergraduate research experience (i.e., the student must not have had a previous paid research experience with their prospective faculty mentor). Student applicants are required to seek out a faculty mentor and ask them to provide a letter of support indicating that they will provide guidance in choosing a research topic, conducting the project, and creating a research poster. Students may choose a faculty mentor from another college besides engineering but must submit a short statement on their application about how this work will enhance their engineering education.
Check out this list of several TCE faculty that have indicated their interest in supporting new students as part of this program. While students are not limited to these faculty, this list could serve as a resource for students who are seeking a mentor.
The program will begin October 12, 2026 and run through April 2027. Student participants will:
- Be paid $15 per hour for up to 140 hours during the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters
- Be expected to commit to at least 6 hours per week up to a maximum of 10 hours per week
- Receive a budget of $1000 for materials and supplies to support the project (funds not spent can be used to pay for additional work hours beyond 140)
- Be required to attend 3 professional development seminars during the period of the program
- Be required to display a poster at the UTK EUReCA Conference in April of 2027
Please complete the following application by October 2, 2026 to be considered. Each student can only submit one application. Decisions will be communicated by October 9. For additional information, please reach out to Scott Cousino, Program Manager in the Engineering Professional Practice Office.