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Undergraduate Research

Students working in Forsberg Lab

Two students work on game design

Research labs

Explore your options and take a deep dive into the visionary research being conducted at Baskin Engineering.

Two students in Daniel Kim lab

Find opportunities

Discover resources for finding your undergraduate research opportunity.

Student presenting research during DNA day events

Find funding

There are many options to help fund your undergraduate research, including external funding, funding for UC students, and departmental and college grants.

David Lee appointed Director of Research Pathways at Baskin Engineering

Portrait of David Lee

Assistant Professor of Computational Media David Lee will collaborate with Baskin Engineering leaders to expand undergraduate research opportunities, helping students build critical thinking and problem-solving skills while exploring potential career interests.

International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM)

UCSC undergraduates taking Biomolecular Engineering (BME) 188 A & B, Synthetic Biology Mentored Research, participate in a multi-disciplinary, collaborative research experience working on a project in synthetic biology. Working with one or more research faculty member(s), student teams will complete a substantial project. This includes multiple oral/written presentations, and a formal conference presentation at the annual iGEM Competition, which brings together student teams from around the world to present synthetic biology projects that aim to address 21st century societal challenges.

2022 iGEM team

Corporate Sponsored Senior Projects Program (CSSPP)

Corporate Sponsored Senior Projects Program participants

Baskin School of Engineering’s Corporate Sponsored Senior Projects Program (CSSPP) fosters deep and valuable relationships with the Silicon Valley business community through student, faculty and corporate engagement.

Dean’s Awards for research excellence

Each year, 10 notable undergraduate research projects are granted Baskin Engineering Dean’s Awards, which recognize exceptional achievement in engineering research. Each year’s projects demonstrate excellence in a range of fields, including synthetic biology, deep learning, microfluidics, and mathematical modeling.

Award recipients are determined by a committee of Baskin Engineering faculty, who take into consideration the quality, innovation, and creativity of students’ senior capstone or research projects.

Dean's Awards 2022-23 recipients

Experiential learning

Students working in slugworks

Slugworks is an open and inclusive student-focused collaborative space available to any UC Santa Cruz student—offering experiential learning opportunities to students from any background, with any level of technical experience.

QB3 Biotech Undergraduate Summer Internships program

The QB3 Biotech Undergraduate Summer Internships program is designed to give students work experience in the biotechnology field. The program connects students with paid internships at local biotech companies and UCSC labs. By working alongside experts in the field and utilizing advanced laboratory facilities, students build their technical and networking skills, preparing them for careers in biotech. 

Michael Xiong (B.S., Computer Science, ‘25) with the Amiga robot.

Featured research news

Student samples water from salt flats

Reimagined undergrad class teaches students entire DNA sequencing process using cutting-edge devices


UC Santa Cruz students used cutting-edge devices to extract, purify, and sequence DNA, identifying the microorganisms from samples gathered in the field—building valuable skills for their careers.

Marco Rolandi with student in the lab working with Ms. Blue bone

Innovative techniques aim for climate-safe restoration of Ms. Blue


The iconic blue whale skeleton at the UCSC Seymour Center needed repairs—undergraduate students in Marco Rolandi’s lab helped develop a bone-repair putty made of materials from the ocean.

Four students at the Sustainable Development

UCSC students behind bus tracking app selected as only U.S. team in Google Solution Challenge’s top 10

The competition, which invites thousands of students worldwide to compete, tasks students to come up with technical solutions that contribute to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development goals.


Tips for finding a research opportunity

Research opportunities abound for Baskin Engineering students. Programs include the world recognized UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, home to biomedical engineers who first assembled, and recently completed, the human genome. The school’s computer game design major is ranked nationally in the top 10 undergraduate degree programs. Students are working with faculty on advances in cyber-physical systems, security, and artificial intelligence — just a few of many exciting projects. Finding a research opportunity is a process that will take time and commitment – we’re here to help.

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What are you interested in?
What are your goals?
  • What do you hope to gain from undergraduate research?
  • Do you need a position to help you get a job after you graduate? To help you get into graduate school?
  • Do you need a paid position? Do you need academic credit? (You can’t get paid and get credit for a position.)
  • Does the position require transportation?
What are your resources?