New Program Expands Access to Undergraduate Engineering Research

Non-Dartmouth undergraduates from schools without active research programs have a chance to engage in high-impact engineering research at Dartmouth. (Photo by Haley Tucker)

Aimed at expanding the STEM pipeline, Dartmouth Engineering Summer Research Experience is open to any science and engineering major from a non-research institution, including those from historically underserved schools and first-generation college students. The 2025 program will run from June 22 to August 9. Applications are due April 15. 

"We are excited to create this new opportunity for students to collaborate with Dartmouth faculty and students and be a part of research that will someday have a big societal impact," said Wesley Marrero, professor at Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth and a co-coordinator of the program.

Participants will work closely with Dartmouth faculty and students to gain valuable research experience and mentoring support. The program is expected to admit two students for its inaugural cohort, with a majority of the costs and housing fully funded. Students will be responsible for airfare or travel costs, other living expenses, and health insurance.

The program builds on Dartmouth Engineering's Research Experience for Undergraduates, a National Science Foundation-funded initiative that focuses on materials science, by offering research opportunities across a broader range of engineering disciplines. Both are aimed at strengthening the graduate research pipeline to address a growing national need for industry-ready STEM professionals in the US workforce.

"Through this program, we hope more students can discover both the value and joys of research, while gaining skills for a variety of STEM careers," said Colin Meyer, another Dartmouth Engineering professor and program co-coordinator.

Funded by Dartmouth NEXT, a $100 million university-wide initiative to expand STEM access, the new program is part of Dartmouth Engineering's ongoing efforts to increase opportunities for more students at all levels to engage with science and engineering fields. Current Dartmouth undergraduates have numerous opportunities to engage in research through the First-Year Research in Engineering Experience, WISP, and others, as well as mentoring and support through programs like Dartmouth Emerging Engineers and Undergraduate Advising and Research.

For more information, please visit the Dartmouth Engineering Summer Research Experience page.