Undergraduate Research Opportunities

The SSoE Summer Undergraduate Research Internship (SURI) program consists of three project tracks: individual (12 weeks), team (12 weeks), and international (8-12 weeks). This is a highly competitive program, and students are encouraged to begin seeking a viable faculty mentor as soon as possible. Faculty mentors can be from any department or school across the University as long as they are qualified to mentor the engineering student in the proposed engineering-based project. If students are interested in a team project, the team should be formed as soon as possible so as to find a viable faculty mentor for the team.

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APPLY BY JANUARY 30, 2026

The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) invites high school and undergraduate students to conduct paid research improving care for injured military service members and advancing public health. This is a unique opportunity at the nation's only Federal health sciences University.

The USU Summer Scholars Program is highly competitive with a less than 5% acceptance rate.

Why Apply?

Interns join research teams across USU departments, receiving unique exposure to basic and clinical research, social/behavioral research, health policy, and research administration.

Collaborate Across Diverse Departments: Past students have explored Anatomy Physiology & Genetics, Surgery, Medicine, Radiology, Pathology, Psychiatry, Pharmacology, Microbiology, and Immunology.

Gain Professional Experience: Trainees attend scientific and professional development seminars, participate in field trips and laboratory experiments, and present their findings at the annual Summer Scholars symposium.

Example Projects: Past research has addressed topics such as "Identifying Alzheimer's-Associated proteins as Substrates of a Novel Protein Quality Control Pathway" and “Circulating Peripheral Blood Fibrocyte are Sensitive to Arbovirus Infection”.

Important: Housing and daily transportation not provided. Limited travel funds may be available on a case-by-case basis for those outside the DC area.

How to Apply: 3 Simple Steps

STEP 1: Confirm Eligibility

• U.S. Citizen
• At least 16 years old by June 7, 2026
• Academic Level: Rising high school sophomores to recent graduates, or college freshmen to rising seniors.
• Cannot have earned enough college credits to be considered a college senior.

STEP 2: Prepare Application Materials

Gather these documents to submit via Zintellect:

• Zintellect Profile
• Educational and Employment History
• Essay Questions (goals, experiences, and skills)
• Resume (PDF)
• Transcripts/Academic Records
• One Recommendation Letter

STEP 3: Submit Your Application Online

Recruitment is now open through January 30, 2026.

Undergraduate application: Apply here

High school application: Apply here

Applications will close at 3:00 PM Eastern Time Zone on January 30, 2026.

Students will conduct scientific and technical projects at national laboratories

The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science is now accepting applications for the Spring 2026 term for two undergraduate internship programs: the Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI) program and the Community College Internships (CCI) program. The application deadline is October 1, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EDT.

Through SULI and CCI, undergraduate students and recent graduates delve into science and technology careers at the DOE national laboratories. They gain new knowledge, skills, and professional experience to further their educational and career goals. Interns work directly with national laboratory scientists, engineers, and technical professionals. They assist these experts with science or technology projects that support the DOE mission, including new frontiers in artificial intelligence, quantum, nuclear energy and technology, critical minerals and materials, and fusion science and engineering.

SULI is open to full-time undergraduate students attending 4-year institutions and community colleges or recent graduates within two years of receiving their bachelor’s degree or associate degree. CCI is dedicated to supporting community college students. Both programs are stipend-based and offered three times annually in Fall, Spring, and Summer terms.

Two workshops are planned to introduce each program, including the application process and strategies for submitting a compliant application. 

• August 6, 2025, from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. EDT for CCI - Register on the CCI website
• August 14, 2025, from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. EDT for SULI - Register on the SULI website 

In addition to the workshops, the program office invites applicants and letter of recommendation writers to attend office hours. At these times, DOE staff members will answer administrative questions such as those pertaining to uploading transcripts, submitting letters of recommendation, and general inquiries. Office hours are scheduled on September 4th, 11th, 18th, and 24th from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. EDT. Registration (on the CCI and SULI webpages) is required for attendance.

SULI and CCI are managed by the Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS) in the Office of Science. More information can be found at https://science.osti.gov/wdts.

Contact: Zhimin Huang, huangz@pitt.edu, Huang Lab

Keywords: Site-specific brain therapeutics, synthetic acoustic biomolecular actuators, real-time cell monitoring, therapeutic ultrasound, protein engineering

What to expect: Undergraduates in our lab will contribute to the development of site-specific brain therapeutics using focused ultrasound and engineered biomolecules to precisely control and monitor cellular activity. Projects may include protein engineering, synthetic acoustic biomolecular actuators, and real-time monitoring of endogenous processes in cells and neural circuits. Through hands-on experimentation and data analysis, students will gain exposure to therapeutic ultrasound, noninvasive neuromodulation, and translational neuroengineering.

Requirements: Have a strong interest in the intersection of bioengineering and neuroscience. Coursework in neuroscience, biochemistry, or synthetic biology is beneficial, and prior laboratory experience is a plus. We value curiosity, reliability, and a strong willingness to learn.

Positions: for credit, volunteer via ENGR1000

Looking for: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors

Interested? Undergraduate students interested in joining the lab should email Dr. Huang with a brief introduction and a current CV. Selected students will be invited to meet with lab members to discuss potential projects and expectations.

Contact: Marta Pecina, pecinam@upmc.edu, TNN Lab

Keywords: Depression, Neuroimaging, Neuromodulation, Placebo Effects.

What to expect: Undergraduate students in our lab will gain hands-on experience with neuroimaging data analysis, focusing on functional imaging data and neuromodulation studies. Students will work on data processing pipelines, learning computational tools and methods used to analyze brain activity patterns. Depending on interest and experience, students may also contribute to literature reviews, data visualization, and manuscript preparation.

Requirements: We welcome motivated bioengineering students who have completed introductory courses in programming (Python or R studio preferred) and biomedical data analysis. Prior experience with neuroimaging or computational neuroscience is beneficial but not required; we value curiosity, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn technical skills.

Positions: for pay, for credit, volunteer via ENGR1000

Looking for: Juniors, Seniors

Interested? Please, contact us at TNNLAB@pitt.edu.

Contact: J. Patrick Mayo, mayojp@pitt.edu, Mayo Lab

Keywords: brain, vision, eye movements, primate, clinical

What to expect: We are a neuroscience laboratory looking for motivated students with strong experience in any of the following: programming in Matlab or Python; continuous signal processing; or optical hobbies. These skills will be used to collect and analyze eye movement experiments and/or neuronal recordings studying visual perception. Attendance at weekly lab meetings and lab participation is encouraged. Please reach out if you have any questions. Clinical interactions readily available.

Requirements: Preferred interest in vision and programming experience.

Positions: for credit, volunteer via ENGR1000

Looking for: Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors

Interested? Email mayojp@pitt.edu

Contact: Setareh Kazemi Kheiri, skazemi@pitt.edu

Keywords: Human Factors Engineering, Forecasting, Machine Learning, Privacy Protection, Wearable Sensors

What to expect: The topic of research is modeling upper body fatigue using wearable sensors in dynamic order picking tasks, while preserving the privacy of workers. The students are expected to conduct data analysis and help in interpretation of the results. They need to also help in gathering literature, reviewing the papers and writing the paper.

Requirements: 

Desired major: Industrial Engineering, Bioengineering, Computer Science

Skills: basic statistics and probability, coding in R or Python, scientific paper writing

Positions: for credit, volunteer via ENGR1000

Looking for: Juniors, Seniors

Interested? Send an email with their resume and request a meeting

Contact: Carla Ng, carla.ng@pitt.edu, Ng Lab

Keywords: PFAS, Toxicity, Molecular Modeling, Environmental Impacts

What to expect: We have projects focused on predicting the environmental fate and toxicity of emerging chemicals using molecular models, measuring the accumulation of forever chemicals and other compounds in food, air, water, and soil, and developing water treatment solutions using sustainable materials.

Requirements: Best suited for students with backgrounds in chemistry, chemical engineering, bioengineering, or environmental engineering.

Positions: for pay, for credit, volunteer via ENGR1000

Looking for: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors

Interested? Reach out to Dr. Ng via email to set up a meeting.

Contact: M. Ravi Shankar, ravishm@pitt.edu

Keywords: Robotics, Biomedical, Biomimetics, Manufacturing

What to expect: We are seeking motivated students who can help us reimagine how we make robots that are soft and how to power them remotely, when they are implanted as a biomedical device. Our work is at the intersection of polymer chemistry, mechanical design, 3D printing and electrical engineering. We seek creativity with good hands. 

Requirements: Students from across SSoE – Bioengineering, Civil, Chemical, Electrical, Industrial, Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science are welcome to apply.

Positions: for credit, volunteer via ENGR1000

Looking for: Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors

Interested? Please email me directly at ravishm@pitt.edu.

Contact: Christi Kolarcik, clk39@pitt.edu, Kolarcik Lab

Keywords: ALS, motor circuit, neural network connectivity

What to expect: Undergraduate students may contribute to small animal-based work focused on understanding the molecular, cellular, and systems level changes that occur with ALS. There may also be cell culture based work and a patient-based research study the complements this work.

Positions: for credit, volunteer via ENGR1000

Looking for: Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors

Interested? Send an email to me to set up a meeting to discuss further. 

Contact: Tamir S. Ibrahim, tsi2@pitt.edu, 7tbrp.pitt.edu

Keywords: 7T MRI, RF Coils, 3D Printing/Design, Image Processing

What to expect: The 7 Tesla Bioengineering Research Program (7TBRP) is looking for 1-2 undergraduate students to assist with processing structural MRI data to extract brain surface meshes with a goal of creating patient-specific brain .stl(s) to then be printed on our lab's 3D printers. They will also have the opportunity to assist in modeling and manufacturing MRI coil components, custom coil attachments and cover components, custom coil mounts to the MRI table, and/or TPU head pads.

Requirements: The 7TBRP recruits undergraduate students (sophomores, juniors, and seniors) for research volunteering or course credit. Interest in 3D printing, 7T MRI, and major in Bioengineering or Materials Science and Engineering is desirable.

Positions: for credit, volunteer via ENGR1000

Looking for: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors

Interested? Please reach out to Jeremy Berardo at jjb175@pitt.edu to apply.

Contact: Gelsy Torres-Oviedo, gelsyto@pitt.edu, SML Lab

Keywords: motor control and learning, biomechanics, neural control of walking, aging, stroke 

What to expect: The student may interact with human participants to collect walking experiment data. They will use Vicon Nexus software to process motion capture data from walking experiments. They will learn how to use MATLAB to process and analyze kinematic and muscle activity data. 

Requirements: 

• Able to commit at least 10 hours a week for at least 2 semesters.
• Willing to work in-person in the Schenley Place building lab to collect and process data.
• Open and honest communication.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively with a team of graduate and undergraduate students with different backgrounds.

Positions: for pay, for credit, volunteer via ENGR1000

Looking for: Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors

Interested? Send an email to Dr. Gelsy Torres-Oviedo (gelsyto@pitt.edu) with the following information:

• Your name and contact information
• Your major, GPA, and expected graduation date
• Courses taken and grades (or attach an unofficial transcript)
• A short essay (1-2 pages) on why you want to do research and some information on what kind of research you would like to do. For example, you like building things, programming, writing, electronics, any previous research experience or projects, any work or volunteer activities you have had. If you could do anything in biomedical engineering or another field, what would it be, (i.e. what would be the coolest project you could think of). Give us an idea of something scientific that you read about and thought was interesting.
• Which projects interest you and why as well as any comments or questions you have about the project(s)
• Name of some references and contact information
• Anything else you would like to tell the Sensorimotor Learning Laboratory about yourself

If you don't hear back in 2 weeks, please send a follow up email to Dr. Gelsy Torres-Oviedo and cc contactsml@pitt.edu

Contact: Lance Davidson, lad43@pitt.edu, Mech Morpho Lab

Keywords: Birth defects, mechanobiology, risks of environmental exposure, tissue self-assembly, developmental biomechanics

What to expect: micro device design and fabrication, computational modeling, optical imaging and image analysis, molecular, cell and developmental biology

Requirements: at least 10 hours per week for 1 semester

Positions: for pay, for credit, volunteer via ENGR1000

Looking for: Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors

Interested? Send the lab a CV and a 300 word document of three paragraphs stating who you are, why you are interested in the lab, and how a research experience would advance your educational/experience goals. (send to lad43@pitt.edu or cstucken@pitt.edu)

Contact: Tamer Ibrahim, tsi2@pitt.edu, 7T Bioengineering Research Program

Keywords: neuroimaging, magnetic resonance imaging, image processing, machine learning, Alzheimer's disease

What to expect: Undergraduate researchers are expected to gain experience in neuroimaging-related research and independence to work on a well-defined project under the guidance of a postdoc and junior faculty and contribute to conference abstracts and peer-reviewed publications.

Requirements: Our lab recruits undergraduate students (sophomores, juniors, and seniors) either for research volunteering, course credit, or a paid position. Interest in image processing, machine learning, and a major in Bioengineering are desirable.

Positions: for pay, for credit, volunteer via ENGR1000

Looking for: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors

Interested? Please send an email to tsi2@pitt.edu to set up a meeting

Contact: Dr. Juan Jose Mendoza Arenas, jum151@pitt.edu, JJMA Lab Site

Keywords: Quantum transport, superconductivity, magnetism, tensor networks, quantum computing

What to expect: Undergraduate students can expect to collaborate with graduate students and the PI for simulating static and dynamical properties of strongly correlated quantum systems using sophisticated computational methods. Students will receive training on basics of tensor network theory and quantum computing, and will learn how to use them for simulating models of quantum materials.

Requirements: This opportunity is for Pitt students. Skills on programming (MATLAB, Python, Julia) are required.

Positions: for pay, for credit, volunteer via ENGR1000

Looking for: Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors

Interested? Interested students should contact Dr. Juan José Mendoza Arenas by email

Contact: Tatsuya Sakurahara, tsakurahara@pitt.edu, RARE Lab

Keywords: Risk Analysis, Reliability Engineering, Machine Learning, Nuclear Safety, Statistical Computing

What to expect: The research topic will be decided based on discussions with each student. Potential topics include (i) coding and executing systems simulations on a supercomputing cluster, (ii) conducting literature reviews on the risk and reliability analysis of energy systems, and (iii) exploring applications of AI and machine learning techniques to advance risk analysis methodologies.

Requirements: This opportunity is available to Pitt students only. 

1. Intellectual curiosity to learn and combine multidisciplinary theories, methods, and tools to analyze complex systems.
2. Programming skills (beginner to intermediate level or higher in any popular language, e.g., Python, C/C++, JavaScript).
3. A basic understanding of probability and statistics (e.g., ENGR 0020 at Pitt or equivalent) is helpful but not required.
4. Strong teamwork and leadership abilities, as research in risk and reliability analysis is inherently multidisciplinary, requiring collaborative problem-solving and the ability to work effectively within diverse teams. 

Positions: for pay, for credit, volunteer via ENGR1000

Looking for: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors

Interested? Please contact Dr. Sakurahara via email (tsakurahara@pitt.edu) with the subject line “Prospective Undergraduate Researcher.” Include (1) your CV, (2) a copy/screenshot of your transcripts, and (3) a brief description of why you are interested in joining our research lab (200 words or less). 

Contact: Nathan Youngblood, nay32@pitt.edu, Youngblood Photonics Lab at Pitt

Keywords: integrated photonics, phase-change materials, 2D materials, optical computing

What to expect: Undergraduate students in our lab can expect to assist graduate students in automating measurements, interfacing to equipment, designing PCBs, or building experimental setups.

Requirements: We are looking for students in ECE, Physics, and MechE. Basic knowledge of Python is important for much of the lab automation and data analysis. 3D printing or PCB design experience is a plus.

Positions: for pay, for credit, volunteer via ENGR1000

Looking for: Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors

Interested? Please feel free to send Dr. Youngblood an email to set up a meeting if interested.

Contact: Paul Leu, pleu@pitt.edu, Laboratory for Advanced Materials at Pittsburgh (LAMP)

Keywords: solar, nanofabrication, materials, data science, recycling

What to expect: Do simulations or experiments related to nanomaterials. 

Positions: for pay

Looking for: Juniors, Seniors

Interested? Email me at pleu@pitt.edu.

Contact: Alan George, alan.george@pitt.edu, NSF SHREC Center

Keywords: Space Engineering, High-Performance Computing 

What to expect: SHREC research focuses upon a wide variety of research topics (mainly in ECE, but also MechE and Physics) in two strategic areas -- space engineering and high-performance computing. Strong undergrads with 10 hours per week available can expect to study and work alongside graduate students on one of these exciting research projects. 

Requirements: Completion of sophomore program in ECE (EE or CoE major), since we mainly focus upon ECE topics, but we also have a few options for MechE and Physics students. 

Positions: for pay, for credit, volunteer via ENGR1000

Looking for: Juniors, Seniors

Interested? Email Dr. George, sharing your resume and transcript.

Contact: Heng Ban, heng.ban@pitt.edu, Multiscale Thermophysics Laboratory Website

Keywords: Multi-scale material thermal properties characterization; experimental technique development; heat transfer analytical modeling; nuclear engineering applications

What to expect: Undergraduate students can expect to participate in data acquisition and analysis for various optical (laser-based) and electrothermal experimental techniques. The student will work closely with a current graduate student mentor who will provide the necessary training and background knowledge to perform experiments effectively. The student will also learn the analytical modeling and data analysis methods employed for these techniques so they can assess and interpret results.

Requirements: Desired Mechanical Engineering or Materials Science major; other majors will be considered based on an individual’s experience and course work.

Preferred course prerequisites: differential equations, heat transfer. Experience with Matlab and/or Python required. Previous hands-on experience in a laboratory setting is not required, but is helpful. 

Positions: for pay, for credit

Looking for: Juniors, Seniors

Interested? If interested, students should contact Dr. Heng Ban (heng.ban@pitt.edu) and Dr. Alison Hake (aeh166@pitt.edu) to set up a meeting to discuss the specific project. Please also include a brief description of your research-related experiences, research interests, and future goals (e.g., grad school).

Contact: Takashi Kozai, tdk18@pitt.edu, BIONIC Lab Website

Keywords: Neural Interface, Brain Computer Interface, neuromodulation, neurodegenerative disease, brain injury

What to expect: signal processing, mouse experiments, electrophysiology, optical imaging

Requirements: at least 10hr/wk for 1 semester

Positions: for pay, for credit, volunteer

Looking for: Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors

Interested? Please send the lab a resume and a one-page letter stating why you are interested in joining the lab, and what you hope to gain from the experience. (to TDK18@pitt.edu)

Contact: Partha Roy, par19@pitt.edu, Cell Migration Lab Website

Keywords: cancer, cell migration, cell signaling, immunology, metastasis, ALS

What to expect: Undergraduate researchers are expected to gain experience in cell/cancer biology-related research and independence to work on a well-defined project under the guidance of a grad student/post-doc and contribute to publications.

Requirements: Our lab recruits undergraduate students (sophomore, junior and senior) either for research volunteering, or course credit or paid position. Cell Biology courses, some wet lab skills, major in Bioengineering/Biology/Molecular Biology are desirable.

Positions: For pay, for credit, volunteer

Looking for: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors

Interested? Please send an email to par19@pitt.edu to set up a meeting.

Contact: Jonathan Vande Geest, jpv20@pitt.edu, STB Lab Website

Keywords: Tissue engineering, 3d printing, cell mechanobiology, computational biomechanics

What to expect: Undergraduate student researchers in the STBL will work on clinically translatable projects in ocular, vascular, and neural bioengineering . Students have the potential to gain a variety of skills through their STBL experience including but not limited to 3D printing, cell mechanobiology, intravital multiphoton imaging, image processing, tissue biomechanics, and finite element modeling. Current active research areas within the STBL include vascular tissue engineering, glaucoma mechanobiology, idiopathic vocal fold paralysis, and medical device design and optimization.

Requirements: An undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 and a willingness to work at least 12 hrs/week during all remaining semesters of your undergrad and at least 30 hours/week during each summer of your undergrad. 1 summer internships/co-ops are an option for freshman and sophomores. The STBL seeks undergraduate students that have a willingness to commit to a long term (through undergraduate years) relationship with the laboratory for mutual benefit. 

Positions: For pay

Looking for: Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors

Interested? Send a 1/2 page statement of interest (including a confirmation of a willingness to work at least 12 hrs/week during the semester and at least 30 hours/week during each summer of your undergrad), your most recent unofficial transcripts, your resume/CV to jpv20@pitt.edu

Contact: Kang Kim, kangkim@pitt.edu, Multi-modality Biomedical Ultrasound Imaging Lab Website

Keywords: Ultrasound technology, Ultrasound imaging, Ultrasound device, Multimodality imaging 

What to expect: Motivated students will have the opportunity to participate in the research activities of soft tissue modeling, signal and image processing algorithms development, device design and 3D printing, in vivo ultrasound scan on animal or human subjects, excised sample preparations. 

Requirements: Experiences with MATLAB or Python, 3D printing, animal handling will benefit but not require.

Positions: for credit, volunteer

Looking for: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors

Interested? Send email to Dr. Kang Kim, kangkim@pitt.edu.