UC Protégé Research Program celebrates fifth anniversary

The University of Cincinnati prides itself on being a tier-one research institution. Students in UC's College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) have access to impressive labs that address a wide range of topics like cell regeneration, drone path planning, nanotechnology and water treatment.

UC students don't have to wait until their upper-level courses to work in one of these labs. Thanks to the Protégé Undergraduate Research Program, which celebrates its fifth anniversary this summer, outstanding students can start working full time in research settings as early as their first year.

The Protégé Program started in 2013 when a pair of electrical engineering students were interested in researching in labs the summer after their first year at CEAS. Since then, the program has expanded to 20 students per year and included strategic industry and government partnerships. Students receive full-time pay, gain valuable lab experience and see what it's like to pursue a cooperative education (co-op) position or career in research.

"The Protégé Program is a very beneficial experience," says Matthew McKenzie, a chemical engineering student in the program. "I've learned what it's like to be a researcher. Now I know how to keep a lab notebook and how to use advanced lab equipment."

The program also fosters valuable relationships between professors and students. Students meet with their faculty adviser once a week and regularly work alongside both the professor and graduate students in the lab. As the summer progresses, students develop a wide skillset and advanced understanding in a particular field.

Bryan Keller, a second-year engineering student who participated in the program last year, is on a research co-op rotation, expanding on his Protégé work with biofuel extraction from trees.

"Getting to know a professor at a research level was really valuable," says Keller. "Now, on co-op, I know how to use all the technology in the lab without graduate students walking me through every step."

Students in the Protégé Program contribute to an existing research project defined by the faculty member or industry. Current topics include carbon dioxide conversion, onboard sense-and-avoid systems for drones, eco-friendly 3D printing and memory device systems. 

As engineering continues to shape the future, UC's Protégé Program empowers CEAS students to solve tomorrow's problems today.

Featured image at top: UC student Nathan Moorman works alongside his faculty mentor, UC professor Murali Sundaram. Photo/Corrie Stookey/CEAS Marketing