Vertically Integrated Projects in Maryland Engineering
VIP Across Maryland ENGR Degree Credit Teams General Student Info Faculty Apply by April 24The VIP Program is the Next Revolution in Higher Education Research
Fall 2026 applications open on April 10th and close on April 24th. 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-Lithium Battery Materials
The world runs on batteries, and almost all of them depend on lithium — a resource that is scarce, geographically concentrated, and increasingly expensive. As solar and wind energy become a larger share of the electrical grid, the need for safe, affordable, and scalable energy storage has never been greater. The Beyond-Lithium Battery Materials VIP Team investigates the fundamental materials science of energy storage devices built around earth-abundant alternatives to lithium, with a focus on sodium (Na) and magnesium (Mg)
Beyond-Lithium Battery MaterialsBeyond 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 ProjectsIntegrating Sociology in Technology, Engineering, and Policy (INSTEP)
Whether you're interested in cities, infrastructure, public policy, engineering systems, or social justice, Integrating Sociology in Technology, Engineering and Policy (INSTEP) offers students an opportunity to critically engage with and help shape the future of mobility at UMD and beyond. INSTEP is an interdisciplinary project that critically examines the sociotechnical systems of transportation and infrastructure at the University of Maryland and their entanglements with surrounding communities.
Integrating Sociology in Technology, Engineering, and Policy (INSTEP)Mini-Breadboard Data Center
How can we make data centers more energy- and water-efficient and make AI more sustainable? To tackle this challenge, this team will design and build a miniature data-center cooling testbed that makes data center energy/water consumption as well as cooling challenges visible, measurable, and solvable.
Mini-Breadboard Data CenterSodium Fire Safety in Nuclear Power Plants
Liquid sodium is the primary heat transfer fluid in several types of nuclear reactors, including some small modular reactors that are built in factories and transported on trucks. This VIP team will characterize specific fire hazards associated with liquid sodium in the built environment, design small scale experiments, identify current knowledge or regulatory gaps, and more!
Sodium Fire Safety in Nuclear Power PlantsTestuGo: 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 TERPinesTop