Hands-on experience in research can be gained by undergraduate students through participation in the work conducted in the world-class research labs of our faculty. Students pursue lab assistantship positions for many reasons: to explore research as a career option, to expand their hands-on experience in materials science and engineering techniques in real-world environments; to work side-by-side work with experienced researchers, or to pursue their curiosities and passions. Specific experience or course work generally is not a prerequisite for undergraduate research, rather curiosity, enthusiasm, and a commitment to critical thinking and doing what is required.