UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
In addition to pursuing self-directed research, Villanova Engineering undergraduates students can conduct research with faculty through the College’s eight research centers or in a variety of specialized research areas.
Opportunities are also available through College-based research programs as well as Villanova’s Center for Research and Fellowships.
COLLEGE-BASED PROGRAMS
COE Undergraduate Research Scholars Program
The College of Engineering Undergraduate Research Scholars Program is designed to provide rising sophomores and juniors with opportunities to gain hands-on experience through state-of-the-art engineering research and to apply course knowledge to real-world problems. By participating in this program, students will develop valuable research and presentation skills, while contributing to cutting-edge research projects under the guidance of faculty investigators who are renowned experts in their fields.
Students will be selected to conduct research under the supervision of a full-time COE faculty mentor in the fall semester of the sophomore or junior year, with the ability to extend the project to the spring semester at the approval of the faculty and student. Students who are selected for participation in the program will be awarded a $1,500 stipend each semester. Undergraduate Research Scholars are expected to devote approximately 10 hours per week to their research project for 12 weeks each semester and will present their research and prepare a poster during the College’s Opportunities Fair and/or their respective department symposiums or Research Days.
Research for Credit or as an Hourly Employee
Opportunities exist for undergraduate students to conduct research for credit or pay on one of the many faculty-led research projects in the College of Engineering. To find an research opportunity that is right for you, speak with your advisor or contact a faculty member who is conducting research in your area of interest.
UNIVERSITY-LEVEL PROGRAMS
Villanova Match Research Program for First-Year Students
Offered through Villanova's Center for Research and Fellowships, this program provides motivated first-year students with the opportunity to pursue research in their first spring semester. Applicants do not need substantial experience and will serve as research assistants to faculty mentors.
If selected for the Match program, students will conduct research for 10 hours per week for 10 weeks, for which they are paid $1,000. In addition to conducting undergraduate research, Match grantees participate in professional development seminars during the spring semester.
Villanova Undergraduate Research Fellows Summer Program
The Villanova Undergraduate Research Fellows (VURF) Program is designed to provide financial support for student research during the summer.
The Undergraduate Research Advisory Board determines funding allocations to be awarded as stipends for student researchers as well as funding for supplies, travel and conference support.
Other Undergraduate Research Support
The Center for Research and Fellowships offers additional programs and resources for undergraduate students, including a student research symposium, an undergraduate research journal, and support for travel and conferences. The center can also recommend and assist you in applying to national and international research programs.