Undergraduate Research & Honors
Analysis of the nesting structure of a contour dataset of the spine (nested contours are red). Nesting behaviour is an important cue for reconstruction of a shape model, which is useful in surgical planning and diagnosis. Contour datasets arise from segmentation of CT/MR images. (Johnstone, Shape Lab)Undergraduate research offers you the opportunity to dive more deeply into one of the research topics studied in the department's research labs. You will use knowledge from the classroom but also move beyond it and experience the joy of discovery. Research demands a curious and motivated student who can work independently. The department offers you the opportunity to work closely with a faculty member in their research lab, exploring exciting topics in computer science such as smartphone security, modeling the shape of the optic nerve head, and digital currency.
Why Research?
Undergraduate research has many benefits. The most important is the joy of discovery. Research also prepares you for graduate and professional school, and gives you a taste of what to expect at the graduate level. If you plan to go to work immediately after your undergraduate studies, research gives you in-depth knowledge and experience that distinguishes you from other candidates in a job search.
Where to Start
The first step in developing a research topic is to speak with a faculty member about their research, and explore possible topics for research with them. This exploration will be led by the present focus of the lab, your course background, and your particular interests.
There are three mechanisms for receiving course credit for this research:
Ready to Learn More?
Explore these pages, the department's research clusters and labs, and the faculty. If you have any questions, email us at