Research labs
Explore your options and take a deep dive into the visionary research being conducted at Baskin Engineering.
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
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.
Corporate Sponsored Senior Projects Program (CSSPP)
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.
Experiential learning
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.
Featured research news
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.
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.
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. The world-recognized UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute provides a hands-on and immersive environment for students interested in genomics. You can join clubs and student groups to explore genomic research and collaborate on projects with your peers. Baskin Engineering is also home to a nationally ranked computer game design major, recognized as one of the top 10 undergraduate programs in the country. Undergraduates work with faculty on innovative projects in areas like cyber-physical systems, security, and artificial intelligence—just a few of the many ways to get involved and make an impact.
What are you interested in?
- What classes have engaged your imagination?
- What causes or topics are you passionate about?
- Explore research by impact areas:
- Research areas by department:
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? (Note: You can’t get paid and get credit for a position).
- Does the position require transportation?
What are your resources?
- Look at your professor’s research interests and ask about getting involved
- Get involved at Slugworks
- Look into the Corporate Sponsored Senior Project Program (CSSPP)
- Apply for the QB3 Summer Internship Program
- Search the UCSC Research Opportunities Database
- Explore Undergraduate Research Internships
- Search Pathways to Science (fill out the form for them to email you with opportunities)
- Academic Options & the Senior Exit Requirement
- Research Related Opportunities on Handshake
- Talk to other students, including graduate students, who are doing research and ask how they got started
- Go to office hours and ask your instructors about their work
- Visit your department’s or division’s academic adviser
- Visit the Career Success website
- Join a student organization
- Investigate other online resources, such as WebGURU, guide for undergraduate research
