Undergraduate Research

We tackle important societal problems using mathematics.

By working with nationally recognized faculty and graduate students, Industrial Operations and Engineering undergraduate students get real-world research experience in fields like healthcare, aviation, finance, transportation and more.

Research Centers

U-M IOE is home to two exciting research centers led by our very own faculty members and graduate students.

  • Center for Ergonomics: The Center for Ergonomics is dedicated to gaining and sharing a better understanding of how tools, technologies and work practices affect health and performance and how they can be improved through human-centered design. Their research also advances basic knowledge about people’s psychological and physical abilities and limitations.
  • Center for Healthcare Engineering and Patient Safety: applies operations engineering principles to pursue a healthcare system that more equitably and sustainably serves patients, providers, and institutions.

U-M IOE SURE/SROP Projects

Please check back for information below about upcoming exciting IOE undergrad research opportunities.

The College of Engineering and the University of Michigan offer two programs SURE (Summer Undergraduate Research in Engineering) and SROP (Summer Research Opportunity Program) to provide undergraduate students with an opportunity to participate in summer research.  Read more about SURE criteria and selection here.

Undergraduate research symposium

Student pointing and talking next to research poster

Every year the U-M DEI IOE Committee hosts our annual research symposium exclusively to showcase undergraduate research. Students get to present their posters, see other student research, and network with faculty members. Read more about the 2023 symposium and see the winners.