research

UNDERGRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES

Undergraduate ResearchOpportunities for undergraduates to conduct research in engineering, the applied sciences, and in related fields abound at Harvard.

As part of your coursework, or perhaps as part of individual research opportunities working with professors, you will have the chance to undertake some extraordinary projects covering topics ranging from bioengineering to cryptography to environmental engineering.

We encourage undergraduates from all relevant concentrations to tackle projects during the academic year and/or over the summer. Keep in mind, many students also pursue research at private companies and labs as well as at government institutions like the National Institutes of Health.

Below are a list of resources that provide detailed information about available opportunities (including funding sources) for Harvard undergraduates.

If you have any questions, please contact or stop by the Academic Office, located in Pierce Hall, 110.

research @ SEAS

To learn more about the types of research and projects faculty and graduate students are involved with, visit the various research sections of the site:

Applied Mathematics
Applied Physics (including materials science)
Bioengineering
Computer Science
Electrical Engineering
Enviro. Sciences & Eng.
Mechanical Engineering

You can also view faculty members based upon their research area/s online or as a PDF. Feel free to contact faculty directly about potential opportunities or email the Academic Office.

Opportunities

Program for Research in Science and Engineering

In the Summer of 2006, the Program for Research in Science and Engineering (PRISE), a 10-week summer residential community of undergraduates participating in research affiliated with Harvard Faculty, drawn from the entire Harvard undergraduate population, will debut. The Program seeks to create a diverse group of Fellows including but not limited to women and underrepresented minorities who are inspired by and are committed to pursuing excellence in scientific research.

PRISE will offer free on-campus housing and community programming to accepted participants. Any continuing Harvard undergraduate (current freshmen, sophomores, and juniors) in good standing conducting research with Harvard-affiliated Faculty over the summer in the Cambridge-Boston-Longwood area is eligible to apply for the Program.

Research Experience for Undergraduates

The Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program is primarily intended to provide research opportunities for undergraduates from across the country. Harvard undergraduates are also eligible to apply. Research opportunities, focused on materials research and nanoscale science and engineering, are available for students each summer. Accepted participants receive a stipend and housing on campus.

Research at Harvard College/FAS

Harvard College offers an extensive database for current students (requires ID and pin) that covers research and funding opportunities in engineering and applied sciences and related fields such as chemistry, mathematics and biology.

Student Employment

Undergraduates may pursue research through dedicated programs offered throughout the year. Local opportunities are available through the Student Employment Office and the Office of Career Services (OCS) offers students the chance to travel and pursue research abroad over the summer. Hundreds of students are also involved in the ongoing research of the University and its hospitals. Students may also choose to participate in research through term-time or summer employment.