Student Research

Student Research at Florida Tech

Students at Florida Tech engage in research and discovery at every stage of their academic journey, from undergraduate through doctoral study. Working alongside faculty mentors, they contribute to active projects and pursue both collaborative and independent research across disciplines.

Supported by specialized laboratories, research centers, advanced equipment and prototyping facilities, students gain hands-on experience in research design, data-driven investigation and practical problem-solving. Faculty and staff foster a collaborative, supportive environment where students play meaningful roles in the creation and advancement of new knowledge.

A student works in a cleanroom assembling a particle detector for CERN.

Undergraduate Opportunities

Undergraduate students access research opportunities not typically available at this level.

Many work directly with faculty in active research labs, contributing to real-world investigations and, in some cases, peer-reviewed publications.

A student presents his research at the student design showcase.

Research is Built In

Each undergraduate major includes hands-on, project-based learning and senior design.

Students apply their knowledge to real-world challenges and present projects at the annual Northrop Grumman Senior Design Showcase.

Graduate students meeting with a faculty member in a lab

Graduate-Level Research

Graduate students engage in collaborative, applied research at an advanced level.

Working closely with faculty mentors, student build advanced expertise through lab, thesis and dissertation research.

Resources for Student Researchers

Guided Undergraduate Research Unit (GURU)

Undergraduate research has significant benefits for all students; these experiences demonstrably improve undergraduate experience for students and across the curriculum. The GURU Program supports undergraduate work in basic, translational and applied sciences, media, aeronautics, social sciences, physical and life sciences, engineering, liberal arts, humanities.

Undergraduate students funded by this program:

Conduct original research or creative works, under the direction of a faculty mentor;
Commit at least 10 hours per week for the duration of the project
Submit weekly progress reports, verified by faculty mentors, including hours committed and tasks completed.

Students from all disciplines are encouraged to apply to any open posts. To be eligible for this opportunity, an applicant must be considered a full-time undergraduate student during the current academic year the project is active. For questions regarding the Guided Undergraduate Research Unit, please reach out to ucas@fit.edu.

Research Listserv Emails

Students interested in expanding their involvement in research at Florida Tech are encouraged to subscribe to the Student-Research listserv. This moderated forum shares a wide range of announcements, opportunities and resources for students seeking to engage in research and scholarly activities. To join the listserv, please follow the instructions provided at the link below.

Graduate Student Assistant (GSA) Employment & Contracts

Graduate Student Assistantships (GSAs) provide full-time, degree-seeking graduate students with opportunities to gain professional experience through teaching, research and other academic support activities. Working closely with faculty and academic units, graduate assistants contribute to instruction, research projects and scholarly initiatives while advancing their graduate education. Assistantships are awarded competitively based on academic qualifications and available funding.

Grad Student Assist Employment/Contract

NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)

The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) supports outstanding students pursuing research-based graduate degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). In addition to providing financial support for graduate study, the fellowship recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional promise as future researchers, innovators and leaders in their fields.

NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program

L3Harris Student Design Center

The L3Harris Student Design Center is an 11,500-square-foot facility equipped with the tools, machinery and materials students use to bring ideas to life. Known for its role in senior research and design projects, the center is open to all Florida Tech students.

Student researchers use the space to design and build custom equipment, develop proof-of-concept models and construct working prototypes, with access to training that supports safe and effective use of its resources.

Learn more about the Student Design Center

Hands-on Engineering and Design

Students design and build systems for real-world research, from robotic marine vehicles to advanced aerospace technologies.

“Everybody can come here and learn how to do the 3D printing, build mechanisms and work with electronics—and they do amazing work.”

—Stephen Wood, Ph.D. - Professor, Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences

Student-Driven Research

Florida Tech students play a central role in developing research that is translated into real-world, operational applications.

"We have built our entire infrastructure with the immensely talented graduate and undergraduate students at Florida Tech. Their efforts have led to us delivering practical and operational real-world solutions that make us among the global leaders in machine learning at the edge."

—Adrian Peter, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Mathematics and Systems Engineering

Research Backed by Competitive Funding

Graduate students pursue independent research supported by competitive funding, including federal grants.

"It's such a privilege and an honor to be able to do this research…to be someone who helps to look at the stars and figure out what’s going on out there. I’m so proud to help further the scientific community in astronomy and astrophysics."

— Lauren Hoffman, Ph.D. student