Student Research Opportunities

Fowler School of Engineering

Student Research Opportunities

Fowler School of Engineering

»Prepared to Solve Problems

Here at Chapman University, students are encouraged to conduct research over their undergraduate years from day one. Undergraduate research can be tackled independently or in collaboration with other students. Faculty members may also recruit students to become Research Assistants (RAs) for their ongoing projects, which can span multiple semesters or even years. 

As an R2 institution (designated by the Carnegie Classification of Higher Education), Chapman provides multiple opportunities for students to explore their interests through original research. 

Fowler Engineering students conduct research on a wide range of topics, including:

  • Cybersecurity
  • Behavioral Health
  • Assistive technologies
  • Artificial intelligence/machine learning
  • Optical computing
  • Green computing
  • The mathematical foundations of computer science

Regardless of the subject, students can rest assured that their work will be celebrated by Fowler’s blooming research environment, enabling them to contribute to the broader scientific community.

What Does Research Look Like?

The Fowler School of Engineering supports students through our faculty, facilities, and unique funding opportunities, allowing them to acquire practical skills in operating equipment, engineering inquiry, and scholarly contribution. During their time at Chapman, students can simultaneously explore their intellectual curiosities and professional aspirations across disciplines by engaging with research through several avenues.

  • Faculty-Led Research: Conduct lab research with our faculty at spaces such as the Machine Learning and Affiliated Technology (MLAT) Lab, Materials Analysis Lab, and Optics and Photonics Lab. 
  • Grand Challenges Initiative (GCI): Engage with this unique, two-year cornerstone project integrated into the curriculum for all incoming first-year Fowler School of Engineering and Schmid College of Science and Technology majors. In small teams of 4-6 led by a research mentor, students tackle one of our world’s most pressing problems, from improving data security to developing new health technology.
  • Institute Research: Take advantage of the cutting-edge research centers on campus, such as the Center for Undergraduate Excellence (CUE), Institute for Quantum Studies (QS), and Institute for Earth, Computing, Human, and Observing (ECHO).

Machine Learning and Affiliated Technology (MLAT) LabGrand Challenges Initiative (GCI)Center for Undergraduate Excellence (CUE)
Nataniel Farzan
Computer Science '26
“It’s been exciting to get involved in research early in my college career. Dr. Emad Arasteh introduced me to system-level modeling and simulation. We’ve developed a visualization tool for identifying performance bottlenecks in simulations of deep neural networks. I am proud to be a part of the academic research community at Fowler.”

Independent Student Projects

In addition to guided research endeavors, we foster environments where students are empowered to carve their paths, engaging in self-driven research beyond the classroom. Through project design competitions and networking opportunities, students are encouraged to explore new ideas independently—whether in self-manufactured hydroponics farms or motion-capture video games designed among friends.

Chapman Make-a-Thon

Here at Fowler, we honor individual student creativity and innovation through events like our annual Make-A-Thon competition, which offers a space for students to showcase their independent research endeavors. In under ten minutes, students across all disciplines can present a personal design project to a panel of professionals for a chance to win cash prizes.

How Can I Get Involved?

Unsure where to start? Check out the most common ways students get involved. Students can reach out to researchsupport@chapman.edu for individualized guidance.

Additional Research Opportunities

Beyond the Lab

At Fowler, we provide numerous opportunities for students to get involved within Chapman’s academic community outside of the Fall and Spring semesters through additional undergraduate research opportunities. Some research projects have been recognized by other institutions, at conferences, in peer-reviewed journals, or have been showcased in the biannual Student Scholar Symposium.

Sergio Torres
Electrical Engineering, ‘23
SURF provided me insight into the research conducted throughout Chapman. I have engaged with and learned about all the different research efforts and attended professional development seminars to enhance some of my soft skills. It also allowed me to create friendships with students from local community colleges conducting research here.

Grants, Funding, and Additional Support

Fowler School of Engineering is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable research environment, recognizing that diverse perspectives drive innovation. We offer various grants and funding opportunities to support and empower all voices in engineering research.

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SPIRE Program

Students seeking internships or funded research across STEM need look no further than the Sustaining and Promoting Internships and Research Experiences (SPIRE) Program! This professional development opportunity allows students to explore engineering and complex systems, information and networks, physical sciences, and chemistry and biological sciences through the financial support of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research. The program offers various benefits to 25 SPIRE Fellows, including: 

  • A $700 stipend
  • Personalized support navigating research and/or internship opportunities in STEM
  • Monthly small group meetings with a mentor providing guidance and feedback
  • A professional development course taught by leading career advisors 
  • Access to the US Space Force’s Space Systems Command via field trip
Learn more about the brand new SPIRE program here.»

Research and Project Grants (iRAD, HireRight, Research Excellence, and more)

FSE offers core resources to support student projects and research activities for semester, academic year, and calendar year-long activities. Grant funds can be used for any purposes typically associated with research and/or project activities, including salary, materials, supplies, equipment, and contract services. Learn more and apply here.»

Travel Grants

The Fowler School of Engineering offers funding for students to share their scholarly work at a conference, professional meeting, or site external to Chapman University. Grants are also available to support travel to conduct research. Learn more and access the application here.»

Laptop Assistance Program

For Fowler engineers, computers are essential for conducting meaningful, effective research. This program helps ensure all students can access computers with the recommended resources and specifications. Learn more here.»