Dean’s Research Awards - Engineering
Overview
The University of Alberta’s Faculty of Engineering has a proud history of research excellence. Through the Dean’s Research Awards (DRA), engineering undergraduate students have the opportunity to engage with an exceptional research community and gain valuable research experience. Students will work with an engineering faculty member to complete a research project, addressing real-world research and design challenges. Students receive a bursary to recognize their contribution upon successful completion of the DRA program.
Benefits
By participating in the Dean’s Research Awards, students are able to work directly with an engineering faculty member on a research project and gain valuable experience and mentorship. Students will benefit by developing research skills, exploring real-world research challenges that can expand on the knowledge they have gained in the classroom. Further, students will develop interpersonal and collaboration skills as they work closely with an experienced researcher.
Application Information
- For more information about the DRA program and additional fundings opportunities, such as NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards, students can explore the Undergraduate Student Research webpage.
- Curious about research project ideas? Explore the DRA Project Database!
- If you are interested in applying for the Dean’s Research Awards, follow the instructions from the Dean's Research Awards webpage.
Contact
Contact engg.dra@ualberta.ca for more information.
Program Details
Faculty/Unit:
Engineering
Academic Level:
Undergraduate
Credit Received:
Non-Credit
Payment:
Paid
Location:
North Campus
Format:
Various
Related Learning Types
Research-Based Learning
Eligibility Requirements
- The Dean’s Research Awards program is available to all full-time engineering students, beginning in their second year of study.
- Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.2 to participate in the program. GPA is calculated from the two most recent full terms of graded coursework.
- It is the student’s responsibility to find a Faculty of Engineering researcher who is willing to supervise them. Students should review professor websites, as well as the DRA Project Database, for prospective DRA projects.
Recognition + Compensation
- In recognition of their contribution, students receive a certificate and a bursary upon successful completion of the DRA program.
- The DRA program is a non-credit opportunity. Dean’s Research Awards will not be awarded to a project for which students are receiving academic credit.
Duration, Format + Location
- Students are required to complete a total of 40 hours of research work towards a DRA project over the course of the term. Students are able to work on a project for the duration of the Fall or Winter semester, or they can extend their project across both terms for a dual-term project duration.
- The Dean’s Research Awards must be held during a Fall/Winter academic term and cannot be conducted during a co-op work term.
- Students present the results of their DRA project at the end of the term. This typically includes an in-person poster presentation competition in early December or April, depending on if the project is completed during the Fall or Winter semester.