Benefits of Undergraduate Research

Whether you choose to go to graduate school, launch your own start-up or start working in your chosen profession, UROC gives you the opportunity to gain experience beyond the classroom and develop necessary skills to succeed. Specifically, you will:

Solve real-word problems.
Develop close relationships with faculty and their research teams.
Become an expert in a topic that is of interest to you.
Learn about the research process from data analysis to publishing your results.

Great Connections

"I was mentored by Robert Stote on his research project which investigated the use of a protein known as colicin-E7 in preventing urinary tract infection for females serving in the United States Army. I look back and realize how fortunate I was as a rising sophomore student to have real work experience under my belt. Not only was I able to learn new lab skills and techniques, but was able to also create great connections, gain interview experience, and have two opportunities at the end of the summer to present the research I had worked on for the 10 weeks of my co-op."

Meghan Halpin, Immersive Scholar

Biology & Psychology

Incredibly Rewarding

"I was thrilled to work with Lowell Association for the Blind as I did not have much experience working with adults or with blind or visually impaired individuals. I eventually want to get a master's degree in social work, so I found this line of service to be incredibly rewarding both personally and professionally for me, setting me up for my future and building crucial skills while also helping people. Through my time at LAB, I have not at all been disappointed. The staff and participants are so welcoming and make me feel like I have always been working here. I find myself challenged to put myself in other's shoes, to try and understand how their experiences differ from mine and what I can do as a staff member and as a person to make those around me feel welcomed and supported."

Derek Lynch, Immersive Scholar

Political Science & Sociology

UMass Lowell student Aisling McEleney poses in front of a landscape view of a city

Gaining Exposure

“Prior to my co-op experience as an engineering intern at Nonspec, I never pictured myself starting my own company or being my own boss. I had already decided that the business side of things was better taken care of by someone else, and that I would rather stick to tinkering with hardware. After completing this co-op and gaining exposure to both the engineering and business components of a start-up, I have learned that engineering and business are not mutually exclusive, and that I like dealing with the business side of the company more than I anticipated. I have since adjusted my career goals and decided that someday, I would like to own my own biomedical engineering-based company."

Aisling McEleney, Immersive Scholar

Biomedical Engineering

Plastics engineering major Justin Carbone works on an extruder during a development trial

Supportive Environment

"Working in the Plastics Engineering Department, I was able to gain hands-on laboratory experience which has brought significance and increased understanding to my labs and classes. It was especially rewarding to contribute and be a part of a culture at the university which strives to be at the forefront of emerging technologies and solutions. My projects included a study on the compatibility of plastic packaging materials with cosmetic products, as well as an assessment of the feasibility of recycling a medical device. Being someone that had no prior engineering or research experience, I can't think of a more supportive environment (working under the direction of professors and graduate research assistants) to explore your future career path! You'll leave the program not only with the money you earn, but a strengthened resume and connections with new people on campus!"

Become a Scholar