Development of a Support Program to Enhance the Experience of Undergraduate Engineering Summer Research Students

The University of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering offers strong support for undergraduate students to participate in experiential opportunities outside of the classroom, in particular summer research. The Undergraduate Summer Research Program (USRP) was created to promote development of ‘success skills’ that enhance students’ research experience and build community through weekly sessions led by faculty experts. The experience culminates with research outcome dissemination at the annual Undergraduate Engineering Research Day. Since 2020, the USRP has evolved to in-person and seen a steady increase in student participation. Anonymous participant survey data indicates greatest appeal for students having just completed their second year of study. Engagement has been observed to change post-COVID as specific in-person departmental activities have resumed. Students participating regularly find positive support for their research experience and demonstrate success in dissemination, indicating sessions are helpful and interesting. There is also appreciation for peer-community from across the engineering disciplines. Four summers of USRP execution allow for shared recommendations in creating such a program.