Innovative Research
Scott Phillips conducts materials research to improve recycling practices and outcomes. Take a look. Video Transcript
College of Engineering
Research Affairs
Engaging intellectual explorers in many of the world’s most complex challenges
Here you can learn about college research at the largest public university and top-ranked engineering college in Idaho.
A sampling of College of Engineering research includes cybersecurity, microelectronics, biomedical engineering, new materials development, environmentally sustainable batteries, resilient public infrastructure, organizational performance, workforce development, and engineering and computer science education. We partner with non-profits, industry, government, and universities across the country and around the world. At the same time, we serve the state to build a vibrant local community and region. Undergraduate and graduate students engage in our labs, and research outcomes inform the classroom experience.
Rapid Research Growth at the College of Engineering
The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education designates Boise State University as an “R2” research institution. This means that faculty participate in high research activity, while also actively engaging with students and teaching.
College of Engineering culture prompts deep questioning, the interdisciplinary pursuit of complex problems, and needed, impactful studies. We see growth in hiring with over 100 full-time faculty members. College research awards have more than tripled over the past 10 years through 2022, and research activity expenditures have more than doubled in the past 5 years to $16.4 million.
Undergraduate and Graduate
Student Research
Many College of Engineering students contribute as researchers, often with nationally or internationally recognized collaborators. Opportunity is abundant. In fact, 80% of our undergraduate students graduate having had some research, laboratory, or internship experience.
We welcome inquiries.
Undergraduate Students
Engage in our research labs or through the Office of Undergraduate Research to extend classroom learning and open advanced education and workforce paths. Many students also apply for the Excellence in Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity.
Summer Research. The college regularly hosts students from across the country each summer with funding from the National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates program (NSF REU). The program pays for most student costs. We currently offer summer research REU in computer science and materials science. Learn about current computer science offerings here. Programs in materials science address advanced manufacturing for a sustainable energy future, and materials for society.
Graduate Students
Engage through Ph.D., Master’s, and certificate programs at the highest-ranked graduate engineering program in Idaho. See our graduate student program overview and graduate brochure to learn about our offerings, including numerous interdisciplinary research opportunities.
For example, Biomedical Engineering Ph.D. students study with engineers, biologists, and kinesiologists from three Boise State colleges.
You can also learn about fellowship programs, curricular opportunities, and undergraduate mentorship through offerings from the university Institute for Inclusive and Transformative Scholarship.
Research At A Glance
Explore our concise College of Engineering research directory to learn about wide-ranging research across seven scientific disciplines. We welcome research inquiries and collaboration from potential students, academic institutions, and organizations of all types and sizes.
COME ON IN
See the kind of research we do at the Boise State College of Engineering by looking at these university and college sources that entirely or frequently showcase faculty and student work.
College of Engineering Research Giving
Funders help our researchers do their work. We welcome contributions of all amounts to research, scholarships, and other college initiatives.