ENGINEERING STUDENT RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
In addition to pursuing self-directed research, Villanova Engineering undergraduates and graduate students have the opportunity to conduct research with faculty through the College’s seven research centers or in a variety of specialized research areas.
To find the research opportunity that is right for you, talk to your advisor or contact a faculty member who is conducting research in your area of interest.
Clare Boothe Luce Engineering Scholars Program
The Clare Boothe Luce Engineering Scholars Program (CBL-ESP) is a partnership program of Villanova’s College of Engineering and the Center for Research & Fellowships (CRF).
The goal of CBL-ESP is to inspire and prepare engineering undergraduates to obtain PhDs and pursue research-oriented careers in industry and academia.
First- and Second-Year undergraduates in the College are eligible to apply to CBL-ESP. The program features distinctive and sequential research experiences accompanied by intentional mentorship from faculty, alumnae and graduate students.
- First-Year Students
Your CBL-ESP experience begins with CRF’s Villanova Match Research Program for First Year Students (Match)*.
- Second-Year Students
Your CBL-ESP experience begins with CRF’s Villanova Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program (VURF)*.
*Information about eligibility requirements and CBL-ESP specific Match and VURF opportunities will be made available in the Spring 2023 term.
For more information, please email cbl-esp@villanova.edu.
CBL-ESP is supported by a grant from the Henry Luce Foundation’s Clare Boothe Luce Program and Villanova’s College of Engineering.
University and External Research Opportunities
You can learn more about undergraduate opportunities through the Center for Research and Fellowships. The Center can also recommend and assist you in applying to national and international research programs.
TESTIMONIALS
“Research is teaching me more than just information about the problem at hand, it is honing skills that I will one day need when I leave Villanova.”
—Evan Bowers, Mechanical Engineering
“The freshman year cybersecurity project piqued my interest in threats to fingerprinting technology. I took my idea for an improved device to my professor (who became my mentor) and the department funded my research!”
—Lauren Henderson, Computer Engineering
“Conducting research at the GIANT Innovation Campus in France furthered my professional development and communication skills, exposed me to research in an advanced field, and allowed me to experience a completely different culture.”
—Brent Studenroth, Mechanical Engineering
An all-encompassing approach to professional development
The Nova Network is Villanova's official social and professional network. Find Villanovans in your industry and local area, discuss career-related topics and access resources for your professional development.
Villanova Engineers are inspired to solve problems, think creatively, work collaboratively and innovate in every field.
STUDENT RESEARCH NEWS
Engineering Freshman Investigates State of Carbon Taxation
Through the Clare Booth Luce Engineering Scholars Program, Victoria Margenat ’24 ME is working with Dr. Aaron Wemhoff, associate professor of Mechanical Engineering and researcher in Villanova’s Center for Energy-Smart Electronic Systems (ES2), on analyzing carbon taxation strategies with a specific focus on reducing the environmental footprint of data centers.
Students Investigate the Use of Natural Materials to Treat Drinking Water Sources
A highlight of Villanova’s Chemical and Biological Engineering program is the department’s two-semester Senior Project Studio through which undergraduates can participate in an industry-sponsored or faculty-advised design or research project. This year, three teams are working with professors Dorothy Skaf and Vito Punzi to explore the use of natural materials to treat water for colloidal suspended solids removal.
Mechanical Engineering junior Tara Housen and Associate Professor Dr. Aaron Wemhoff are partnering with HVAC equipment design firm, Surna Inc., to advance efficiency in dehumidification technology in cannabis grow facilities, which is a major contributor to the growing industry’s substantial energy usage. This project does not focus on promoting cannabis use or advancing the cannabis industry, but rather identifying opportunities for energy and carbon savings.