The MIT Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) gives undergraduates the chance to work with faculty in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (DMSE) on groundbreaking materials research.

First-Year UROP

No lab experience? No problem. First-year UROPs are designed for students who are new to research. Projects span a range of study areas, including archaeological materials, ceramics, and computational materials design.

To apply, click the button below and fill out the form.

How to Apply

1. Explore Your Interests

Think about the aspects of materials science that excite you most.

2. Submit an Application

Click the button below and fill out the form.

First-year students taking part in a UROP through Professor C. Cem Tasan’s research group test a new, environment-friendly method of processing scrap metals called roll bonding, in December 2023. Photo: Jason Sparapani

UROPs for Upperclassmen

Students can participate in UROPs throughout their time at MIT, gaining new skills and exploring the many facets of materials science and engineering.

Examples of past projects include:

  • Designing ultra-high strength stainless steel
  • Developing all-polymer batteries for wearable bioelectronic devices
  • Investigating fiber-optic performance in extreme conditions using advanced spectroscopy
  • Simulating heat-driven self-assembly of gold nanoparticles with toggled illumination
  • Exploring silicon carbide for quantum spin qubits with advanced electron microscopy
  • Using MRI to enhance clinical diagnostics
  • Understanding the rate of nucleation and growth in DNA-grafted nanoparticles

How to Apply

1. Explore Your Interests

Think about the areas of materials science that excite you most.

2. Find a Faculty Member

Browse DMSE faculty profiles and identify someone working in your area of interest.

3. Reach Out

Send the professor a short email introducing yourself and asking if they have UROP opportunities available.

4. Apply Online

Once a professor agrees to work with you, submit your application through the MIT UROP website.