Students in lab

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 2022-23 academic year, 45 undergraduates from 9 disciplines and programs participated in CBE research. 75% of the research undergraduates were female. Students from the following disciplines worked on CBE projects:

  • Chemical & Biological Engineering
  • Chemistry & Biochemistry                          
  • Civil Engineering
  • Directed Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Ecology
  • Land Resources and Environmental Sciences
  • Mathematical Sciences
  • Mechanical & Industrial Engineering
  • Microbiology & Cell Biology 

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.

Would you like to join the Center for Biofilm Engineering? If so, go to the faculty page and review our list of faculty. Find a faculty member whose research best suites your field. Then, email the faculty member directly with a resume and a cover letter that details your interest.

If you are willing to work for course credit or volunteer in one of our labs, please include this in your cover letter. If you have questions, do not hesitate to reach out to Sarah at sarah.huth@montana.edu.

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

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.