About Student Research
At Cal Poly, student research begins early. Undergraduates work with faculty on projects that build technical depth, strengthen problem-solving and open doors to future study or industry roles.
Applied Research
Research with a Purpose
Student research in our college connects engineering theory with pressing questions in health, energy, materials, computing and more. Students contribute to active projects while learning how research moves from idea to testing to results.
Faculty Mentorship Matters
Learn Alongside Experts
What sets Cal Poly apart is how closely students work with faculty. Instead of waiting until graduate school, undergraduates often join research teams, contribute to ongoing studies and build experience through direct faculty mentorship.
Research Opportunities
Students can get involved through summer research, multi-year project teams and paid research assistant roles tied to faculty-led work across the college.
Summer Research
Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) allows students to spend eight weeks on a funded or externally supported faculty-guided research project and present their work at the annual symposium.
EMPOWER
EMPOWER gives students the chance to design assistive technology that responds to real needs. Through ongoing projects, students build technical skills while creating devices intended to improve daily life.
Cybersecurity Programs
Students explore cybersecurity through programs that connect computing, engineering and applied research. Opportunities focus on building technical skills while preparing students for roles in a rapidly growing field.