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Undergraduate Research

A close-up of a student working in a lab.
College of Engineering (COEN), Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering (MBE), Gunes Uzer’s Mechanical Adaptations Lab, photo by Priscilla Grover

Program Overview

The Research experience in Mechanical & Biomedical Engineering is a semester-long (fall/spring) program that gives Mechanical Engineering students a professional research experience that is not readily available through the standard undergraduate curriculum. Students accepted into this program will work on a research project in a research laboratory, where students will learn new techniques and concepts, and be able to apply their formal engineering knowledge to real-world challenges. By taking this course, students will earn up to 3 credits either in ME 297 or ME 479. ME 479 will count as an upper-division elective. At the end of the research experience, students will submit a final report and will accomplish the following general learning objectives:

  • Form testable research hypotheses.
  • Perform experiments and/or analyze data to support a research project.
  • Present project updates and research findings to researchers in a professional manner using written and oral communication.

Research Experience Period

The Research period coincides each semester (fall, spring). Each credit corresponds to 45 hours of laboratory work. Up to 135 hours per semester. At the end of the ME 479 class, students will submit a final report and will present research findings at a research event. This is an unpaid internship that provides 3 credits for an upper-division elective. There is potential to be hired after the internship period in a paid position.

Application Process

This program has limited availability and is a competitive selection process that is open to all Boise State University undergraduate students. Interested students will apply prior to the semester start. These applications are recorded in a database and will be forwarded to your interested research labs for further consideration.

Application Materials

The following application materials need to be submitted no later than the deadlines specified here.

  • Application form (Research Internship Application Form)
  • Statement of purpose (no more than 1 page). Articulate your academic preparation, your interest in mechanical and biomedical engineering research, and please include information on why you want to work in a particular lab or labs.
  • Resume: Please include contact information for two references (prioritize past research or work experience if possible)
  • Unofficial transcript

Note: All application material should be submitted in PDF format only.

Our Students

Students in a research lab reviewing data on a computerA world of discovery

We’re proud to offer research experience to our undergraduate students that larger universities reserve for their Ph.D. candidates. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in major research activities, contribute to published papers, and apply research methods to real-world problems. Our faculty view student involvement in research as a part of the educational process and actively encourage it.

female and male student working in a lab

Recognizing our student researchers

The Excellence in Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (EURECA) is a newly instituted graduation cord that seeks to recognize Boise State students who have demonstrated commitment to development as a researcher or in creative work while pursuing their undergraduate degree.

This recognition will be replacing COEN’s Undergraduate Research Scholar Designation (URSD) moving forward.

Learn more and apply