Student research
Be part of research that can only happen here
At University of Michigan Engineering, students join a research ecosystem built for big ideas — one that brings together renowned faculty, advanced labs and facilities, and the resources to take on challenges at a global scale.
With faculty that includes 34 National Academy of Engineering members, students work alongside leading researchers and become key contributors to discovery at every level, from undergraduate exploration to PhD research.
We focus our engineering research efforts around major societal challenges and initiatives, including artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced manufacturing and materials, energy, shipbuilding and transportation, precision health and resilient infrastructure.
Graduate student research
As a student you could leave your mark on a major ongoing research project, and help track global storm systems, design autonomous cars, influence nuclear nonproliferation and more.
We also work with partners across the university to push the frontiers in fields like biointerfaces, energy and sustainability, translational medical technology and revolutionary materials research.
Considering a PhD? Find out why you should get one at Michigan.
Find faculty
Connect with the people who will become your advisors and collaborators. If you aren’t sure where to start, check out the Michigan Research Expert website where you can find faculty, organizations and fields of research that align with your interests.
Department faculty directories
- Aerospace Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Industrial and Operations Engineering
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
- Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences
- Robotics
Michigan experts
Looking for someone specific? Search for Faculty by name in Michigan Experts.
Undergraduate opportunities
Want to dig deeper in your field or make your graduate school application pop? Get involved in research as an undergraduate. Check with your department to find out about undergraduate research opportunities, or get involved in a college- or university-wide program.
Faculty-led research for student teams
Follow your curiosity and build your technical and professional skills by working on an innovative, faculty-led research project through the Multidisciplinary Design Program. Faculty Research Student Teams (FRST) participants receive guidance from faculty Primary Investigators and have a chance to get their work published, contribute to patents, or even start their own ventures.
Summer research for undergraduate students
The Summer Undergraduate Research in Engineering (SURE) program brings a breadth of students to the College of Engineering by offering graduate-level research experience to all rising undergraduate students. You will have the opportunity to participate in full-time summer research with some of the country’s leading faculty in a wide range of engineering disciplines. This program gives you the chance to explore and discover your interests and potential in pursuing research at the Masters or Ph.D. level in graduate school.
Research to prepare you for graduate studies
The U-M Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP) creates research opportunities for students who are underrepresented in their field of study. You’ll have the opportunity to conduct intensive research across a variety of disciplines. The goal is to prepare students for advanced studies in a PhD-granting program.
Research opportunities for first- and second-year students
Our award-winning Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) pairs first- and second-year students with U-M faculty and research scientists to create research partnerships. All schools and colleges at U-M actively participate in UROP, so your research possibilities span the breadth of the entire university.