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Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Students working together

 

What is Undergraduate Research?

 

As an undergraduate student in the Wm. Michael Barnes & '64 Department of Industrial
and Systems Engineering at Texas A&M University, you have the opportunity to prepare
for high-impact careers or graduate studies by participating in world-class research
alongside our faculty and graduate students.

 

Undergraduate research connects you directly with faculty mentors who can help you
discover your professional direction, solve real-world problems, and prepare
applications for top graduate school fellowships or industry leadership roles. Whether
you engage in research during the academic semester or through summer programs,
you can participate for academic credit (e.g., ISEN 291/491) or through paid research
positions—allowing you to find an opportunity that fits both your busy schedule and your
budget.

How Will Undergraduate Research Help My Career?

Participating in undergraduate research in Industrial and Systems Engineering gives
you a distinct edge in today’s competitive job and academic markets. It will help you:

  • Apply classroom theory to state-of-the-art projects in data science, advanced manufacturing, operations research, and human systems engineering.
  • Work closely with distinguished faculty members and graduate researchers who can offer career guidance, industry connections, and strong letters of recommendation.
  • Determine whether a career in industry & specialized engineering consulting, or advanced graduate studies (Master's or Ph.D.) is the right choice for you. Stand out to recruiters, top graduate programs, and fellowship committees by demonstrating independent problem-solving, critical thinking, and technical writing skills.
  • Receive official course credit toward your degree plan or earn monetary compensation while gaining direct experience.

 

How Do I Find Research Opportunities?

Ready to get involved? Direct research opportunities are available across our
department's state-of-the-art laboratories and research groups.

  • Learn about the breakthrough work happening across our four main disciplines—Advanced Manufacturing, Data Science, Health & Human Systems Engineering, and Operations Research—on our ISEN Research Fields Page.
  • Browse our ISEN Faculty Directory to identify professors whose research matches your interests, and contact them directly about open positions in their labs.
  • ISEN hosts numerous advanced computational and experimental laboratories. Working in a lab offers hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools, software, and hardware.
  • Not sure where to begin? Our ISEN Academic Advisors can help connect you with faculty, guide you through enrollment in research credit courses, and show you how research fits into your degree path.

More Research & Experiential Opportunities

In addition to direct laboratory research with ISEN faculty, the department and university offer established programs to elevate your engineering education:

  • ISEN Senior Capstone Design Program
    The Capstone Program partners senior engineering students with corporate sponsors and industry clients to tackle real-world system challenges. Students apply a top-down systems engineering design process to solve complex industry problems—ranging from facility layout and supply chain logistics to quality control and process optimization—providing invaluable hands-on experience before graduation.
  • Craig and Galen Brown Engineering Honors Program
    Designed for high-achieving engineering students seeking an enriched academic experience, the Engineering Honors Program offers smaller, specialized honors classes, undergraduate research tracks, exclusive industry networking opportunities, and close mentorship within a close-knit community of scholars.