Department of Biological Systems Engineering

Undergraduate Research

The Biological Systems Engineering Department was named a University Exemplary Department in 2004 for effectively linking research and scholarship with teaching, with particular concentration on innovative undergraduate programs.  

The department conducts the National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduate programs, which teaches students about the research process and encourages them to pursue graduate studies.  Applications are invited from qualified and motivated undergraduate students (rising sophomores, juniors and seniors) from all U.S. colleges/universities to participate in a novel, interdisciplinary, 10-week summer research program at Virginia Tech.  The research program is funded through the National Science Foundation – Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF REU) program.

The department also hires many of its students to work in its research laboratories.  Faculty members put student understanding of the project before completion of the work, making it a chance for students to get valuable real-world experience to complement their academic education.