Engineering is science in action. Classroom instruction provides the conceptual knowledge base for students who are on their way to becoming professional engineers. However, the opportunity to apply those concepts to real-world problems and explorations through participation in research projects and student project teams provides a taste of what it is really like to be an engineer.

At Cornell, undergraduates team up with faculty members, researchers, and other students to actively explore their world. Along the way, they find mentors, friends, perhaps even future professional colleagues, and they learn that teamwork makes for successful research and design. Through these experiences, students often have opportunities to meet alumni, or other industry professionals, who support their work and can offer practical advice and assistance as they search for a job or apply to graduate schools after graduation.