Research Opportunities

Research Opportunities A number of opportunities exist on- and off-campus for students to engage in cutting-edge energy research. Examples include working in a GLBRC genetics lab (left) and in the field (right).

Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate students at the UW–Madison have the rare opportunity to work directly with faculty and staff who are on the cutting edge of clean energy research, and to learn by doing in laboratories all across campus.

Researchers on campus generally do not advertise openings for undergraduates (with the occasional exception of the UW Student Jobs Website) but the WISCIENCE program has this useful set of tips and resources for finding and contacting potential research mentors. Additionally, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education lists a number of undergraduate research programs on campus.

We also encourage students interested in energy research to find potential research mentors on our energy experts list, which includes over 100 faculty and scientists who conduct energy-related research at UW–Madison, and contacting potential mentors directly as recommended in this set of tips and rescources .

More on- and off-campus research opportunities are listed toward the bottom of this page.

Graduate Research

Prospective and current graduate students should contact their intended graduate program(s) with any inquiries about funding. For more information about financing your graduate education, visit the Graduate School.

If you looking for a potential research mentor, you can visit our energy experts list, which includes over 100 faculty and scientists who conduct energy-related research at UW–Madison.

 

Additional undergraduate and graduate research opportunities are listed below.

Formal Research Opportunities

Department of Energy Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship

Undergraduate | Off Campus | Fall, Spring, Summer

The Department of Energy’s Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship program provides undergraduate students the opportunity to partake in research experiences at one of 16 participating DOE laboratories. Students can apply for an internship in either the Spring, Summer or Fall Term. The DOE also lists several other internship opportunities on its Student Programs and Internships webpage.

GLBRC Summer Undergraduate Research Program at UW–Madison

Undergraduate | On Campus | Summer

Each summer, GLBRC hosts a group of undergraduate students to participate in the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program, designed to immerse students in research. Mentors guide students throughout the research process, from designing their experiments to presenting their findings on a poster. Students participate in professional development activities, build references for graduate school, and explore research as a potential career.

Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) - Michigan State

Undergraduate | Off Campus | Summer

Great Lakes Bioenergy (GLBRC) offers a summer undergraduate research program at Michigan State University for students to work in labs or field research sites alongside their mentors, participate in group meetings and activities, and attend seminars.