Discovery Learning Research

Discovery learning allows you to conduct research in an area related to your interests with faculty, graduate students, and industry or government partners. Participating in discovery learning activities is beneficial if you’re considering an advanced degree or a career in academia.

Discovery Learning Apprenticeship (DLA)

Undergraduate engineering students in the Discovery Learning Apprenticeship Program earn hourly wages while engaging in research with college faculty and graduate students. Students learn hands-on techniques, gain insight to a field of study, and learn life skills such as time management, flexibility and how to be part of a team. Positions are announced in early April and applications are accepted through the end of April for apprenticeships during the following academic year.

CU Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (CU SPUR)

An exciting addition to the research opportunities available to undergraduate engineering students is the CU Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (CU SPUR). This program takes place over ten weeks each summer. Currently there is funding for up to 40 undergraduate engineering students to work in research labs. (The program is only available to CU Boulder Engineering Students). Similiar to the DLA program, students work for ten weeks for up to 30 hours per week over the summer. Positions are announced in early March followed by a two week application window. Students are notified in early April if they receive a position.

Other Opportunities

The UROP website provides great information for finding a faculty mentor and connecting with a faculty member, including what to discuss and a email template.

Find a faculty mentor    Connect with faculty member

Biological Sciences Initiative (BSI) Scholars is a funding and professional development program for current CU Boulder undergraduates. Eligible students conducting original STEM research are paid to work in a laboratory on the CU Boulder or CU Denver Anschutz Medical Campus. Students also attend seminars to enhance the research experience, and summarize their findings through a presentation at the end of the term.

Colorado Biomedical Engineering Society Student Chapter at the University of Colorado Boulder was founded in February 2012. It is one of over 100 student chapters nationwide who collaborate with and support the professional Biomedical Engineering Society. Our mission is to introduce students to the profession of biomedical engineering, expand their knowledge of tools and techniques used in the field, and develop members’ leadership and professional qualities through a variety of professional networking, social events, outreach events, and guest speakers.

Colorado Space Grant Consortium is a NASA program where students earn independent study or an hourly wage to work on real satellite missions.

You can earn course credit for research activities by initiating an independent study.

The National Science Foundation supports Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) with grants to faculty members throughout the college, providing students with stipends and, in some cases, assistance with housing and travel, as they work on research projects. Inquiries should be directed to your department, or you can look for summer REU opportunities at other universities via the NSF website for REU site locations.

Outstanding Research Mentors

CU Engineering Undergraduate Research Opportunities gives students first-hand experience to learn from seasoned professionals in the field. These outstanding research mentors have helped students grow their professional networks and shared insider knowledge and wisdom about research.

2023-2024 Discovery Learning Apprenticeship (DLA) 2024 CU Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR) Previous Undergrad Research Mentors
2023-2024 Discovery Learning Apprenticeship (DLA)