Vertically Integrated Projects in Maryland Engineering
VIP Across Maryland ENGR Degree Credit Teams General Student Info Faculty Apply by Nov. 18The VIP Program is the Next Revolution in Higher Education Research
Spring 2026 applications open on November 4th and close on November 18th. Apply here!
Maryland Engineering has partnered with the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) to expand Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) across campus and grow our interdisciplinary undergraduate research and exploration opportunities! Learn more about this exciting partnership on the OUR VIP website and explore student and faculty resources!
The VIP Model for Experiential Learning creates long-term, large-scale projects that unite undergraduate education and faculty research, innovation, design, and entrepreneurship through multidisciplinary teams. "Vertically Integrated" refers to VIP team compositions, which typically include sophomores, juniors, seniors, graduate students, post-docs, and faculty.
Originally created at Georgia Tech and Purdue University, VIP has been making an impact for over 20 years at universities across the globe. Launched in 2024 with four engineering sponsorted teams, there are now fourteen teams across disciplines for students to choose from.
OUR VIP WebsiteEngineering Student Information
How does this program fulfill degree requirements?
We are working with departments to determine specific degree applicability. Many majors, including those in engineering, may be able to count VIP courses at the 300-400 level towards technical elective requirements by combining. Please discuss with your departmental advisor to determine how this may count this experience towards your degree.
Specific degree applicability will be added to this webpage as it is confirmed by departments.
Engineering Student Testamonials
| "This semester I loved my experience in a VIP program. It was great learning from my peers and getting to teach as well. It was particularly rewarding the days that I could see us all functioning as a unit. We communicated well and were able to even teach and learn from each other outside of just the class hours. I think I learned much more about advanced manufacturing techniques and design in general this semester. When we did our first test of the old tunnel design, creating a profile of the airflow together as a team. We each chose roles that fit our strengths and then were able to switch and try something else outside of our comfort zones. I think something that was helpful that people would do is offer to take a lead on something that others weren’t as certain about even if it was not for their sub group. This showed me that we all understand the work that we are each doing and it is easy to ask for help because most likely someone will know how to do something if you do not. I think anyone interested in a VIP program should do it because I have learned so much about our project, the people in our group, and different majors." - Anna Dyson (ENME) |
Beyond Co-Intelligence
What happens when humans and artificial intelligences team up to think, create, and solve problems together? This VIP invites researchers to explore the cognitive, technical, and social dimensions of building high-performing human-AI teams.
Beyond Co-IntelligenceEngineering on the Edge of Space
Design, build, and fly experiments to the Edge of Space using weather balloons and rockets, aiming for high altitudes and meaningful data. Join us in our space engineering adventures and inspire the next generation through exciting outreach activities.
Edge of SpaceExoskeleton Explorers: Arthropod-Inspired 3D Printed Robots
Explore bio-inspired design with arthropods, including spiders, crabs, insects, and isopods! This VIP will utilize the BAM Laboratory's 3D printing facilities to focus on macro- to micro-scale fabrication technology, select specific features students can additively manufacture, and integrate microhydraulics to build compliant structures such as micro-grippers and invertebrate-inspired metamaterials.
Exoskeleton ExplorersGo with the Flow! Empowering Hands-on Fluid Dynamics Education
Formerly known as the Hands-On At-Home Fluids Projects, this team will help you revamp your fluid dynamics learning with personal, hands-on kits that bring the lab experience home. Dive into creative exploration and gain a deeper understanding with affordable, individual kits perfect for enthusiasts of remote-controlled vehicles and model design!
Fluids ProjectsTestuGo: A Bluetooth Navigation & Exploration App
Formerly known as TerpTrails. Create a real-time location-based app to guide students and visitors with tours, event alerts, and personalized follow-ups based on their interests. Current goals include developing the prototype, exploring sensor tech, designing data collection, and conducting field tests, with students encouraged to innovate future use cases.
TestuGo3D-Printed Video Game-Playing Soft Robots
Soft robots, made from flexible materials and fluidic systems, offer safe human-robot interactions but face control challenges. Sochol's BAM Lab aims to make 3D-printed soft robots more accessible by using affordable printers to create robots that can even play video games.
3D-Printed Video GameWind TERPines
Design a wind turbine, research a wind farm, and build awareness for the growing field of wind energy! The VIP will apply as a team for the Department of Energy Collegiate Wind Competition and make connections with K-12 students, members of industry, and government research to explore the benefits of wind.
Wind TERPinesBaby Brains
Are you interested in cognitive neuroscience, particularly related to the first decade of life? This team will assist with data collection and analysis for NIH's largest long-term study of early brain and child development in the United States.
Baby BrainsBiosensors
Our research focuses on the design of nucleotide-based biosensors and point-of-care diagnostics for human and environmental health-related challenges. Students conduct research in the field of synthetic biology, which is an interdisciplinary field at the interface of engineering and biology. Students work in small teams to design, build, and test biosensors using molecular biology laboratory techniques. This research group actively collaborates and is co-located with a connected undergraduate research group - FIRE Molecular Diagnostics.
Biosensors<desc> lab (Digital Editing and Scholarly Communication Lab)
How do we disseminate primary sources (documents and other artifacts from the past) digitally? The projects at <desc> lab focus on this question through software development towards complex UI and reading environments using front-end technologies for the web.
labQuantum Machine Learning
Gain hands-on research experience in quantum machine learning, research presentation skills, as well as workforce-ready expertise in AI and quantum technologies. Join national and global collaborations on cutting edge technologies!
Quantum Machine LearningResearching Innovative Tools for Meaningful Digital Engagement
Interested in tackling the flood of information and distractions from mobile devices and social media that challenge our engagement with important information? Join the Digital Engagement Lab to design, build, and test innovative tools for communicating multimedia to diverse audiences. Students from all majors including computer and data science, communication, journalism, business, education, psychology, and statistics research cutting-edge solutions using AI, machine learning, data visualizations, and mobile apps.
Researching Innovative ToolsResearch/Research
How do undergraduate students come to see themselves as researchers? What shapes their experiences, builds their confidence, and helps them navigate challenges? In Research/Research, we use qualitative and mixed methods research, including AI-supported analysis, to study student experiences and better understand best practices.
Research/ResearchWood Vault
Interested in learning about innovative efforts to combat climate change and preserve carbon? This team will research Wood Harvesting and Storage (WHS), a low-cost, distributed and scalable carbon sequestration technology with the potential to recapture our fossil fuel emissions.
Wood VaultTop