Recha Reid 
Program & Operations Manager, Student Innovation Program
Allyson Tant 
Program & Operations Manager, Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program

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 and explorations in innovation are a must. 

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. This thesis-based program provides an opportunity to get first-hand experience in substantive research, culminating in the production of a thesis paper. It is an excellent way to gain valuable skills and experience into applied or basic research, thus bolstering their graduate school preparation. In addition, many scientific and technical firms favor graduates possessing these practical skills. 

To take the student research initiative even further, the Institute has placed an increasing emphasis on students thinking and acting innovatively. We invite students to create their own careers by developing key skills large existing companies seek as part of the new workforce – the ability to think creatively about solving problems, work successfully in teams, resolve problems from different perspectives, critical thinking skills, and to communicate effectively to a broad audience. In addition, undergraduate students can participate in 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. 

Students interested in innovation and research can tap into a couple of networks aimed at providing strategic, student perspectives on how to get involved.The Innovation Coaches will work individually with student and student teams to enhance their entrepreneurial skills and to help them tap into the many innovation opportunities across Georgia Tech and Atlanta. The Undergraduate Research Ambassadors (URA) inspire undergraduates to seek out research opportunities at Georgia Tech. Students can meet with ambassadors during weekly office hours beginning Monday, August 26. In addition, ambassadors host coffee talks, panel discussions and other workshops. Visit hereto learn about who your ambassadors are for the 2019-2020 academic year. The first event will be the URA Open House on Tuesday, August 27, from 5 - 6 p.m. in the Clough Commons, Clough Lounge (205Q). 

For additional information visit:

The UROP website at www.urop.gatech.edu. Student may also follow us on Facebook (@GTUROP), Twitter (@GTUROP) or contact us at urop@gatech.edu.

The Student Innovation website at innovation.cae.gatech.edu. Student may also follow us on Facebook (@GTInnovation), 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. You can also check out our website at inventureprize.gatech.eduand follow us on Facebook (@inventureprize), Instagram (@gtinventure), and Twitter (@inventureprize).