Undergraduate students are highly valued team members in the MSU Center for Biofilm Engineering and are fully integrated into the research process. Our undergraduates learn to design and implement experiments that will provide results relevant to industry and the science community—and they develop the skills that will broaden their career opportunities and make them more employable. For undergraduates who decide to pursue graduate degrees, their CBE research experience is often cited as a key component in being selected by their program of choice.

In the 2011-12 academic year, 49 undergraduates from 10 disciplines and programs participated in CBE research. 57% of the research undergraduates were female. Students from the following disciplines worked on CBE projects:
     Cell Biology and Neuroscience,
     Chemical and Biological Engineering,
     Chemistry & Biochemistry,
     Civil/Environmental Engineering,
     Ecology,
     Health & Human Development,
     Land Resources & Environmental Sciences,
     Mechanical and Industrial Engineering,
     Microbiology, and
     Nursing (Bridges).

The CBE encourages its undergrads to reach their highest potential. Many of our undergraduate researchers present their research to industry representatives and other scientists/engineers at conferences, author peer-reviewed publications, and win awards for their research. The CBE is one of very few research institutions in the nation that will train undergraduates in the use of advanced research equipment such as the confocal laser scanning microscope and the flow cytometer.

Undergraduate students who are interested in being considered for participation in the CBE may pick up an application form in the CBE Main Office, 366 EPS Building (see Tara Gunsch). In addition to the application form, you will be asked to supply a resume and a paragraph explaining why you would like to be involved with the work at the Center for Biofilm Engineering. It is helpful if you already know a CBE-associated faculty member who can recommend you, so please let us know! You may submit these materials to Tara Gunsch. CBE undergraduates are paid an hourly wage.

Undergraduate students may also participate in Center research activities and education through the Undergraduate Scholars Program.

Undergraduate Scholars Program (USP)

Engineering and science undergraduates at MSU-Bozeman may apply to participate in Center research projects in collaboration with Center faculty members through the USP. Participants in the USP receive an hourly wage and are required to register for research credits. A final report is required upon completion of the project.