Undergraduate Research Immersion Program @ENGR
The Undergraduate Research Immersion Program (URIP) is an initiative of the Clark School of Engineering designed to encourage undergraduate engineering students to engage in research on campus.
Typical activities include an introduction to theoretical or experimental research, shadowing graduate students in the lab to learn about research topics and techniques, and attending group meetings to learn more about current faculty projects.
Expectations
Selected students will be expected to spend approximately five hours per week in a lab over an eight-week period.
Students will receive a stipend of $600. They cannot receive academic credit for participating in this program.
Eligibility
You must meet the following requirements to be considered:
- Undergraduate engineering major
- Second-year student or beyond
- A GPA at UMD of 3.5 or greater
- Have an eligible engineering faculty research advisor:
- You may work with any faculty member affiliated with an engineering department, including assistant, associate, or full professors; assistant, associate, or (full) research scientists and professors; or lecturers and instructional faculty.
- You must secure your research advisor independently before applying
Apply
Required documents
- Resume
- UMD transcript
- Statement of interest, up to 500 characters in length
Deadlines
- September 15: Fall cycle
- February 15: Spring cycle
Frequently Asked Questions
I am not an engineering student. Can I apply?
No. The program is exclusively open to students who are currently majoring in engineering.
I am an engineering student, but I would like to work with a research advisor who is not in engineering. Can I apply?
No. Your research advisor must be formally affiliated with engineering.
Does my research advisor need to be in the same department as me?
No. You may choose any faculty member within engineering.
Can I find a research advisor after I am awarded the fellowship?
No. You must secure a research advisor before applying.
On the application form, you should not list the name of an advisor you merely hope to work with. Instead, you must enter the name of an advisor whom you have already contacted and who has officially agreed to advise you should you receive the URIP fellowship.
Can someone in the school help me find a research advisor?
No. You must find a research advisor independently, as you are the best positioned to know which specific research directions that interest you.
How can I find a research advisor?
The simplest approach is to email potential advisors with your resume and ask if they would be willing to supervise you if you are selected for the program. You may also visit advisors in their offices. If a potential advisor is one of your current instructors, you can make your request before or after class at the start of the semester, or during their scheduled office hours.
If my previous application was rejected, should I apply again?
Yes. You are absolutely encouraged to apply every semester as long as you remain eligible. These fellowships are very competitive, and it is unavoidable that many excellent students are not selected every cycle.
I am a new transfer student. Can I apply if I had a GPA >3.5 at my previous institution?
No. You cannot apply yet. You must complete at least one semester at UMD and achieve a UMD GPA >3.5 to become eligible.
I have already been awarded a URIP Fellowship. Can I apply for another one?
Maybe. Generally, students are only eligible for one award. The only exception is if you have a GPA >3.9 and are applying to work with a different research advisor.
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