Undergraduate Student Research
Undergraduate research in engineering opens the door to discovery. Students work alongside leading researchers on real-world challenges, from developing affordable solar energy to creating materials that resist bacteria. In this research-intensive environment, faculty members are both teachers and innovators, guiding students through research-based courses, summer projects and hands-on learning. These experiences turn theory into practice, encouraging students to test ideas, question assumptions and explore the unknown. Through active projects and collaborative teams, undergraduates build technical and problem-solving skills, gain confidence and prepare for graduate studies or careers in innovation-driven fields. They learn what it means to engineer new knowledge—one idea at a time.
Research Areas
EURI
The Engineering Undergraduate Research Initiative (EURI) helps students grow academically and professionally through meaningful research experiences. EURI connects undergraduate and co-op students with hands-on, research-based learning opportunities across the Faculty of Engineering. Contact EURI@ualberta.ca with questions about upcoming EURI events.
NSERC + USRA Awards
NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA )positions offer hands-on learning, mentorship, and a chance to explore the world of academic discovery — giving students time to prepare strong proposals and connect with potential supervisors.
Dean's Research Awards
Twice a year, the Dean’s Research Awards give top undergraduate engineering students the chance to gain meaningful hands-on research experience with leading faculty mentors. The program recognizes academic talent, builds research confidence, and offers students a supported pathway into discovery, innovation, and future graduate study.
Finding Research Opportunities
Exploring research as an undergraduate engineer is easier than you think. Start by identifying topics that spark an interest and talk to professors whose courses you enjoy—they’re often eager to involve students in their projects.
Browse the Dean’s Research Awards listings for ideas and ongoing projects, or check campusBRIDGE for paid research positions available to both co-op and traditional students.
Visit the Undergraduate Research Initiative website to discover research opportunities across the University of Alberta and learn how to get started.