Looking for an alternative to internships?
Looking for something special on your resume?
Looking to gain new knowledge and expertise?
Purpose
The Graduate Research and Mentoring Program (GRMP) trains graduate students in scholarly research and leadership through mentoring and creative scholarship opportunities. It prepares students to become effective problem solvers and communicators, strengthening their competitiveness for academic and industry positions.
Program Structure
Students begin with a paid summer research internship in the teuscher.:Lab, working on a specific project in next-generation computing models and architectures.
During fall and winter terms, students enroll in ECE 563 and ECE 564 “Grad School Essentials: A Crash Course in Scholarly Skills” seminar, a seminar designed to develop core scholarly competencies.
Students continue their research and complete an M.S. thesis over subsequent terms. Note that GRA funding is guaranteed only for the summer; additional funding depends on availability.
Eligibility
The program accepts PSU graduate students from ECE, CS, Physics, and Systems Science who have completed at least two terms at PSU.
Strong candidates demonstrate outstanding academic credentials and work ethic, intellectual curiosity, interest in cutting-edge interdisciplinary research, solid programming skills, creativity, vision, and high motivation.
Why Consider an M.S. Thesis?
An M.S. thesis strengthens your academic profile by demonstrating original research capability, deepening subject expertise, and providing material for publication. It typically improves competitiveness for PhD programs and industry positions. Working closely with a faculty mentor offers direct feedback on your work, access to recommendation letters, and exposure to how research is conducted at a professional level. The thesis itself serves as evidence of your ability to manage a significant project, communicate complex ideas in writing, and tackle novel problems independently.
Application for the Summer 2026 Program
- Application form: https://portlandstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aY8UbgmjcAQIUvz
- Application deadline: Sun, May 10, 2026, 11:59pm. Apply early.
FAQs
Q: How long is the internship? A: You should be able to dedicate 10-12 weeks full-rime. The start is flexible. Note that you cannot work another job or do another internship in parallel.
Q: Is this internship in person? A: Yes, you must be able to work in the lab on a daily basis in person.
Q: What does “paid” mean? A: Selected students will receive a GRA appointment.
Q: What project would I work on if I were selected? A: You could either work on an individual research project or get involved in one of our various ongoing projects.
Q: Can I apply if I am not currently enrolled as a student at PSU. A: No, only PSU students are eligible.
Contact
Got questions? Holler! Christof Teuscher