USING UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH AS A RECRUITING TOOL FOR GRADUATE STUDY

This paper focuses on using the undergraduate research experience as a recruiting tool for graduate study. One undergraduate Engineering Technology student researched the machining capability of a laser micro-machining center on piezoelectric materials. With high-precision cuts of 31 to 80 microns wide and 12 to 24 microns deep, the laser provides an outstanding opportunity in the field of transducer design. This student is in the process of completing his ET degree and is currently weighing the possibility of graduate study. Seventeen of the 22 graduate students in this program came through the undergraduate ranks at the same institution. The access to undergraduate research opportunities played a key role in the recruitment effort, and will continue in that vital function.