Student Research and Innovations

At Carnegie Mellon, our mission is to investigate questions that will have a real impact on the world. As our undergraduates engage in research, we encourage them to think about the question, “why does this research matter?” This is a hallmark of Carnegie Mellon’s approach.

“I never imagined when I decided to go to CMU-Q that I would have three papers published before I graduated. I started researching this topic in my sophomore year and it has been a big part of my time at CMU-Q.”

Thang Bui-Nguyen

Computer Science Class of 2025

Framework of Learning

Students are encouraged to participate in research, and we have built a support framework for students to build their skills. Students in every major can engage in faculty-guided projects in their early years and pursue independent studies and senior thesis projects as they gain knowledge and experience.

SURA

The Summer Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship course is an opportunity for students to earn course credit while working on a faculty-led research project. SURA is for students in any major with little or no research experience, and is an excellent introduction to the research process.

QSIURP

The Qatar Student Initiated Undergraduate Research Program awards funding to undergraduates at CMU-Q for summer research in any field of study. It is designed to help qualified students develop research skills by working on projects that are driven by their interests. QSIURP projects often lead to a senior honors thesis.

College Honors

The requirements for College Honors vary by program, but all College Honors recipients must successfully complete a senior honors thesis under the guidance of a faculty advisor. For many of our College Honors recipients, the senior honors thesis is the entryway to graduate school and a career in research.

Meeting of the Minds

Meeting of the Minds began at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh in 1995 as a unique type of research symposium. We wanted to open up the world of research to the public, so the wider community can see the questions our students are asking. Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar has continued this tradition. Each year, students present their work to an audience of faculty, students, family, and members of the community, as well as a judging panel of industry experts and faculty members.

Majāl

CMU-Q’s peer-reviewed undergraduate journal, Majāl, guides students through the submission, reviewing, and revising process of academic journals. The journal publishes the broad range of undergraduate work that students produce at CMU-Q. Students who successfully publish in Majāl gain the experience of interacting and responding to disciplinary experts through a double-blind review and mentoring process.