Discover, Create and Lead at Embry‑Riddle

At Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University, undergraduate research is a cornerstone of the academic experience. Undergradautes in all disciplines have the opportunity to participate in research under faculty mentorship and collaborate with industry leaders through select programs.

Whether your interests lie in aerospace engineering, aviation safety, business analytics, cybersecurity, human factors psychology, space physics or one of many fields addressed in programs we offer, the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program provides a platform for exploration and innovation across all colleges and disciplines.

Research opportunities are designed to be flexible and accessible so that you can engage in meaningful research regardless of your location. Students receive comprehensive support, including faculty mentorship and access to competitive funding opportunities such as Ignite Grants, Eagle Prize and Spark Travel Grants. Collectively, these programs award over $100,000 annually to support student research endeavors.

In a culture that values scholarly achievement, students thrive by engaging in activities such as presenting at campus research events like Discovery Day/URI Discovery, collaborating on projects backed by NASA or tackling issues that are important on a national scale.

As an Embry‑Riddle student, you are not just preparing for the future — you are creating it.

Student tests virtual reality headset in virtual reality lab

Fuel Your Curiosity. Launch Your Career.

At Embry‑Riddle, research begins with your curiosity and evolves into real-world impact. As a research scholar, you'll refine critical-thinking skills, enhance ethical decision making and develop communication strategies to present your work to diverse audiences.

Through this program, you can:

  • Join faculty-led projects or propose a project under faculty mentorship
  • Apply for funding opportunities
  • Present, publish and possibly compete nationally or internationally, with travel support varying by campus 
  • Build professional networks with faculty mentors, industry leaders and fellow scholars
  • Gain a competitive edge for graduate school, internships and employment
  • Earn a Research Scholar Notation on your official academic transcript

 

Students with a wind tunnel experiment

Research Mentor

We believe that students reach their full potential when working closely with our expert faculty. As a participant in the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program, you may have opportunities for faculty membership.

Mentor support includes: 

  • Designing and guiding research projects
  • Facilitating professional networking opportunities
  • Assisting students in the pursuit of their career goals

Student working in the Wide Lab

Gaining Recognition through a Transcript Notation

Upon successfully finishing the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program, you will receive a Research Scholar Notation on your official academic transcript, acknowledging your significant contributions to research and academic work.

To earn the notation, you must:

  • Participate in research under faculty mentorship for at least two academic terms, including summer sessions 
  • Share findings through three or more scholarly outlets, including at least one Embry‑Riddle institutional event such as Discovery Day
  • Complete approved training in research ethics, methods and communication via RSCH 202, CITI certification, faculty-led Research Scholars Workshops or course-based components
  • Receive a formal endorsement from a research mentor
  • Submit a written reflection on the personal and professional impact of your research
  • Include your research accomplishments in a formal resume or academic

Share Your Work at Discovery Day/URI Discovery Day and Beyond

Embry‑Riddle encourages students from all campuses to engage in research across various formats, including classroom projects, independent studies, research internships, lab-based work and student organizations.

Each project is eligible to apply for funding through several competitive sources; however, funding is not guaranteed.

Our scholars’ projects reflect the depth and diversity of research across Embry‑Riddle, with hands-on work in aerospace, aviation safety, artificial intelligence, business, cybersecurity, psychology and more.

These impactful studies highlight how faculty-mentored research empowers undergraduates to explore real-world challenges and develop skills that extend beyond the classroom.

Additionally, research teams may compete in regional or national competitions, such as the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Design-Build-Fly, Human Lander Challenge and VEX Robotics. Please note that funding for participation in these competitions varies and is not guaranteed.

We are proud of our students’ creativity, talent and success and believe that everyone has the power and potential to lead changes in their field. You can be next.

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Daytona Beach

Worldwide & Online

Still Have Questions?

To learn more about the application process and the program itself, contact the campus representative listed below.

Daytona Beach

Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR-DB)
Dr. Mihhail Berezovski
Director, Office of Undergraduate Research
berezovm@erau.edu

Prescott

Undergraduate Research Institute (URI-PC)
Dr. Anne Boettcher
Assistant Dean of Research, Undergraduate Research Institute
boettcha@erau.edu

Worldwide

Research Scholars Program-Worldwide (RSP-WW)
Dr. Brent Terwilliger
Associate Dean for Research
terwillb@erau.edu

Pathways to Student Success-Worldwide (PATHWAYS-WW)

Dr. Christina M. Frederick
Senior Research Fellow
frederic@erau.edu