Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate research can be a very fulfilling and exciting part of a biomedical engineering education. BME students have the opportunity to participate in a number of research experiences both within the department and across the University. Research can be carried out during the academic year or during the summer months as part of the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program.

To initiate a new research opportunity, we suggest that students first identify a research area of interest by visiting our research page.

To become involved in research, contact a professor in a research area that interests you and set up an appointment to meet and discuss the research. Some specific research positions are posted on the Penn State Research Opportunities for Undergraduates website. Depending on your research interests, you may want to consider research in other engineering departments and Penn State Colleges (e.g., Science and Biobehavioral Health).

Research experiences may be used to complete an undergraduate thesis or independent study (BME 496) or may be considered part-time employment (research assistant for up to 15 hours/week.)

Undergraduate research is an important component of the honors program, where this research leads to a thesis. However, any biomedical engineering student can write a senior thesis and receive course credits for his or her work. Students who carry out undergraduate research are encouraged to focus their work toward a biomedical engineering senior thesis.

Undergraduate Honors Program biomedical engineering research areas
 
 

About

The Department of Biomedical Engineering administers the undergraduate major in biomedical engineering, and is a part of the university-wide Intercollege Graduate Degree Program, offering both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Bioengineering. Our work combines traditional engineering principles with medicine and technology for the betterment of human health and society. 

Department of Biomedical Engineering

122 Chemical and Biomedical Engineering Building

The Pennsylvania State University

University Park, PA 16802-4400

Phone: 814-863-6614

Email: bme@engr.psu.edu