If your student is ready for a challenge, likes working beyond the traditional boundaries of coursework, and wants to participate in something “hands-on,” then undergraduate research is a must. Georgia Tech is a leading research university and provides extraordinary opportunities for students to enter the exciting world of discovery and innovation.

Opportunities for research experience are available year-round, either for course credit or for pay. Research classes for credit count toward free electives in most majors and discipline-specific electives in others. Faculty mentors may hire students as research assistants, or students may receive funding through the President’s Undergraduate Research Award (PURA) http://urop.gatech.edu/pura. Options for research also include full-time summer experiences, both on- and off-campus, and international research.

While open to all students, students planning to pursue graduate degrees or a future career in research and development industries should consider a more robust research experience: the Research Option http://urop.gatech.edu/research-option. It is an excellent way to gain valuable skills and experience into applied or basic research, thus bolstering their graduate school preparation.

To take the student research initiative even further, the Institute has placed an increasing emphasis on students thinking and acting innovatively, hence the creation of the InVenture Prize Competition http://www.inventureprize.gatech.edu. Starting with the student’s own idea, faculty mentors help lead students through a process that culminates in a final, on-stage competition which is broadcast live on public television.

Student interested in innovation and research can tap into a network aimed at providing strategic, student perspectives on how to get involved. The Undergraduate Research Ambassadors (URA) seek to inspire undergraduates to seek out research opportunities, and strive to bridge the gap between faculty and students as well as to expose students to applications of research in academic, professional and industry settings. Visit here to learn about who your ambassadors are for the 2018-2019 academic year.

For additional information, visit the UROP website at www.urop.gatech.edu. Student may also follow us on Facebook or contact us at urop@gatech.edu. The Student Innovation website at innovation.cae.gatech.edu. Student may also follow us on Facebook (InnovationGT), Instagram (@studentinnovationgt), Twitter (@innovatorsGT), or contact us at studentinnovation@gatech.edu. Videos of previous InVenture Prize competitions can be viewed on YouTube at Inventure Prize at Georgia Tech.