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Northeastern University College of Science

There is no time like the present.

Through research, College of Science students develop a practical expertise and intellectual passion for their chosen field.

Stay Curious

Undergraduate researchers are better prepared for graduate school or professional employment because they have developed the skills and confidence to experiment. Student researchers discover that asking questions will lead to answers, and each answer leads to another question, another possibility, another opportunity. Undergraduate research allows students to dig deeply into the mysteries of their discipline and to discover themselves.

Finding Research Opportunities

Students can conduct their own individual research projects, work with a faculty member, pursue honors in the discipline , or be part of a group project.

• Review research opportunities with an academic advisor
• Check with individual professors  in areas of interest via email or in person to find out who might need assistance.
• Visit the  Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships  where you can search for research opportunities, connect with faculty mentors, and find fellowships and scholarships.
• Check out opportunities posted on the Student Employment website
• Discuss a research based co-op with your co-op advisor
• Find research opportunities available at Northeastern’s many research centers and labs
• Connect with Northeastern’s Engagement and Career Design office to explore career opportunities in research and explore internships and more

Research in the College of Science

Department-specific opportunities, physics research internship awards.

The physics department invites applications for several departmental internships to support the undergraduate physics research experience. The Internship Award is meant to support an internship in the research group of a Northeastern physics faculty member who is expected to cost-share the hourly wage at the 50 percent level. The award will be used to help provide a stipend for an otherwise unpaid research internship that amounts to no more than 20 hours of work per week, and probably less, as determined by the academic course load of the student in consultation with the faculty advisor and the department.

Eligibility:  undergraduate students in all physics degrees in years ranging from sophomore to senior with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Application deadlines for any calendar year:

• March 15th  for the Summer 2 and Fall semester period starting July 1st in that calendar year.
• November 15th  for the Spring and Summer 1 semester period starting January 1st in the following calendar year.

Application materials:  The following material needs to be submitted:

• Curriculum Vitae.
• Paragraph describing the research to be performed and the maximum number of working hours per week.
• Faculty letter of support including the 50 percent cost share commitment.

Please deliver application materials to the physics department administrative officer by the deadline date. Award decisions will be announced prior to each of the research internship periods noted above. Awards will be made in consultation with the faculty advisor and the chair of the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee and are contingent upon the availability of funds.

Undergraduate Research Award for Women in Physics

These awards will fund STEM research opportunities for women undergraduates majoring or minoring in physics at Northeastern. In particular, these awards are aimed at supporting women in their first research opportunities.

2-3 students will be selected to receive $2500 each. Students should identify a faculty sponsor to ensure there is someone committed to mentoring them. Applicants should be majoring or minoring in physics, but the proposed research (and mentor) can be outside of physics (but should be a STEM field). Applicants should be in their first, second, or third year as undergraduates at Northeastern.

Application Deadline:  March 15

Please deliver application materials to Assistant Professor Toyoko Orimoto ( [email protected] ) by the deadline date. Applicants should have:

• Good academic standing (minimum GPA 3.0).
• Paragraph describing the research you are interested in.
• A letter of recommendation from a Northeastern faculty member.

Questions regarding this award may also be directed to Assistant Professor Toyoko Orimoto ( [email protected] ).

Lawrence Research Fellowships

The department awards every year one or two Lawrence Research Fellowships intended to foster undergraduate research.  Students receive a $2,000 stipend for this award if a single award is made, or $1,000 if two awards are made. Interested students should seek a host research lab in the physics department in advance of the submission deadline. Eligibility:  Physics undergraduate students in years ranging from sophomore through senior year. Application Deadline:  March 15

Please submit nominations by email to the Undergraduate Physics Advisor, Professor Tim Sage ( [email protected] ) including:

• A two page research proposal
• A letter of support from the physics faculty advisor

Decisions will be made by April 1 for awards in support of research carried out during the spring, summer, or fall semester of the awarded year.  A student receiving an award is required to present preliminary results of his/her research in a poster submitted to the Northeastern University Spring EXPO.

Physics Research Co-op Fellowships

The physics department invites applications for several fellowships to support undergraduate physics research experience, including the Lawrence fellowship, the Physics Alumni Fellowship, and one or more departmental co-op fellowships.  Each $6,500 fellowship is to support a co-op internship in the research group of a Northeastern physics faculty member who is expected to cost-share $6,500.  The co-op can be on campus or at a national/international research institution collaborating with the faculty. Each fellowship could also be used to provide a stipend for an otherwise unpaid research co-op off campus.

Eligibility : undergraduate students in all physics degrees in years ranging from sophomore to junior with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Application deadlines for any calendar year: 

• March 15th  for the Summer 2 and Fall division A co-op period starting July 1st in that calendar year.
• November 15th  for the Spring and Summer 1 division B co-op period starting January 1st in the following calendar year.

Application material:   The following material needs to be submitted by, through the Northeastern University co-op online  NUCareers system :

• Curriculum Vitae
• Paragraph describing the coop research project
• Faculty letter of support including a $6,500 cost share commitment

Please consult with the physics co-op coordinator Steve Savitsky ( [email protected] ) for details on uploading the material on the NUCareers system.

Summer in the Lab?

Following are a list of resources for students seeking summer opportunities to conduct research or work in clinical settings:

• AAMC Summer Undergraduate Research Programs 
• The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 
• AMGEN Scholars Programs
• Brookhaven National Laboratory 
• Cold Spring Harbor Undergraduate Research Program
• Howard Hughes Medical Institute
• The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program in Genetics and Genomics
• Janelia Research Campus (Howard Hughes Institute) Undergraduate Scholars Program
• National Science Foundation Research 
• ORISE and ORAU Academic Fellowships and Scholarships, Research Experiences, and Internships
• Pathways to Science – Institute for Broadening Education 
• Summer Health Professions Education Program 
• Summer Medical and Dental Education Programs (SMDEP)
• Travelers Summer Research Fellowship (for pre-med students)
• Travelers Summer Research Fellowship Program for Premedical Students 
• Tufts Adventures in Veterinary Medicine  
• UMass Medical School Summer Undergraduate Research Program
• WebGuru Guide for Undergrad Research (REU)

Got Funding?

Following are a list of funding opportunities to explore for your research endeavors:

• The Office of the Provost at Northeastern
• Northeastern’s Undergraduate Research 
• The CaNCURE Co-op Program , which has been awarded funding by the National Institute of Cancer (NCI), supports NU undergraduates in six-month research co-ops in NCI-funded research labs (both on-campus and at other institutions).
• The Matz Co-op Program, generously funded by NU alumnus Robert Matz and his wife Eileen, supports NU undergraduates in six-month research co-ops in the labs of NU faculty who work in the area of biotechnology.
• The Schafer Co-op Research Fund, generously funded by NU alumnus Dr. Andrew Schafer, provides six-month co-op funding to students conducting laboratory medical research at NU under the guidance of a faculty mentor.
• MAA Undergraduate Research 
• UROP, University of California, Irvine.

Need support developing research and finding fellowship opportunities, check out Northeastern Office Undergraduate Research and Fellowship for more information

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Faculty & Research

Some of the world’s most influential academics call Northeastern home. They are attracted by the interdisciplinary collaboration and the increased focus, passion, and knowledge that students—as early as undergraduates—bring to the classroom from their global learning experiences.

Expert Faculty

Over the past five years, the university has appointed 250 tenured and tenure-track faculty members, with a focus on scholars who collaborate across disciplines. As a result, external awards for faculty research nearly doubled.

Northeastern is unlike other large research universities. You’ll have numerous opportunities to work hand-in-hand with faculty members to pursue research in cutting-edge fields such as nanotechnology, network science, biotechnology, and urban public policy. You’ll also have access to the very latest advances in your area of study and get the support and mentorship you need to succeed. It’s the best of both worlds—big opportunities at a large research powerhouse, and small, intimate research and classroom settings.

The University’s research support facilities provide the technology that faculty and students need to pursue their scientific and scholarly endeavors.

Did You Know?

Northeastern University has $180.4M in external research funding.

The Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships

At Northeastern we empower you to explore research opportunities beginning in your first year. Our research centers and institutes focus on interdisciplinary and translational research that meets societal needs in a variety of subject areas, including: Business, Computer and Information Science, Engineering and Technology, Health Sciences, Humanities and Arts, Law, Physical and Life Sciences, and Social Sciences.

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Northeastern Students Earn National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships

We are delighted to share news of those students who earned the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (NSF GRFP) this year, as well as those who received an Honorable Mention in the award process. The purpose of the NSF GRFP “is to help ensure the quality, vitality, and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States.” The fellowship provides three years of financial support in the form of an annual stipend of $37,000. Congratulations to our Husky awardees, as well as those students who were recognized with an Honorable Mention.

NSF GRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM AWARDEES

Nathan Carmichael COE PhD’27 , Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Institution: Case Western Reserve University NSF GRFP Field of Graduate Study: Engineering – Mechanical Engineering

Bianca Corjuc COS’19 , Behavioral Neuroscience Graduate Institution: Columbia University NSF GRFP Field of Graduate Study: Life Sciences – Cell Biology

Mitch Dobbs COS PhD’28 , Psychology Undergraduate Institution: The Pennsylvania State University NSF GRFP Field of Graduate Study: Psychology – Cognitive Psychology

Julie Dobkin COS’21 , Cell and Molecular Biology, minor in Behavioral Neuroscience Graduate Institution: Columbia University NSF GRFP Field of Graduate Study: Life Sciences – Other (specify) – Biological Sciences

Shalom Fadullon COE PhD’27 , Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Institution: University of Delaware NSF GRFP Field of Graduate Study: Engineering – Chemical Engineering

Meghan Ford COS PhD’27 , Marine & Environmental Sciences Undergraduate Institution: University of North Carolina Wilmington NSF GRFP Field of Graduate Study: Life Sciences – Ecology

Eden Gordon COE’23 , Bioengineering, minor in Mathematics Graduate Institution: University of Virginia NSF GRFP Field of Graduate Study: Engineering – Biomedical Engineering

Jonathan Gray COE’16 , Mechanical Engineering Graduate Institution: University of California-Los Angeles NSF GRFP Field of Graduate Study: Engineering – Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering

Merrily LeBlanc CSSH PhD’24 , Sociology Undergraduate Institution: Stony Brook University NSF GRFP Field of Graduate Study: Social Sciences – Sociology

Kathryn Lee COE PhD’28 , Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Institution: Vanderbilt University NSF GRFP Field of Graduate Study: Engineering – Mechanical Engineering

Forrest Miller COS PhD’28 , Mathematics Undergraduate Institution: Worcester Polytechnic Institute NSF GRFP Field of Graduate Study: Mathematical Sciences – Computational Mathematics

Diego Rivera Khoury PhD’28 , Computer Science Undergraduate Institution: University of Puerto Rico NSF GRFP Field of Graduate Study: Comp/IS/Eng – Data Science, Data Mining, Information Retrieval and Databases

Paul Savoca COS’19 , Pyschology, minor in Political Science Graduate Institution: University of California-Los Angeles NSF GRFP Field of Graduate Study: Psychology – Developmental Psychology

Gates Schneider COS’20 , Behavioral Neuroscience, minor in Musical Theatre Graduate Institution: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill NSF GRFP Field of Graduate Study: Life Sciences – Neurosciences

Josephine Slaathaug COS’22 , Marine Biology, minor in Environmental Studies Undergraduate Institution: Northeastern University Graduate Institution: To Be Announced NSF GRFP Field of Graduate Study: Geosciences – Marine Biology

Stanley Wu Khoury’22 , Computer Science, minor in Mathematics Graduate Institution: University of Chicago NSF GRFP Field of Graduate Study: Comp/IS/Eng – Machine Learning

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Lina Abu-Absi COE’23 , Chemical Engineering/Biochemistry Biochemical Engineering Graduate Institution: Northeastern University

Ryan Brady COE’22 , Chemical Engineering/Biochemistry Graduate Institution: University of Washington

Yaen Chen COS’22 , Behavioral Neuroscience Graduate Institution: University of California-San Francisco

Joseph Deluisi COS’19 , Behavioral Neuroscience Graduate Institution: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Julia Estrin COE’21 , Electrical and Computer Engineering Graduate Institution: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Lesllie Hassanein COS’21 , Behavioral Neuroscience Graduate Institution: Emory University

Joy Horng COS’17 , Chemistry Graduate Institution: Harvard University Medical School

Helena Kolon COS’21 , Biochemistry Graduate Institution: To Be Announced

Rachel Loo COE’22 , Chemical Engineering Graduate Institution: Georgia Institute of Technology

Lauren MacDonald COS’22 , Environmental Geology/Chemistry Graduate Institution: The Pennsylvania State University

Ella Messner COS’24 , Biology/Mathematics Graduate Institution: To Be Announced

Jack Nedell COS’22 , Physics Graduate Institution: Cornell University

Trent Pottala COS’20 , Behavioral Neuroscience Graduate Institution: Harvard University

Jacqueline Smith COS’24 , Chemistry Graduate Institution: To Be Announced

Mya Darsan COS PhD’28 , Marine and Environmental Sciences Undergraduate Institution: University at Albany

Emily Trytten COS PhD’27 , Marine and Environmental Sciences Undergraduate Institution: University of California, San Diego

Camille Rumberger COS PhD’27 , Marine and Environmental Sciences Undergraduate Institution: University of California, Davis

Michael McPhee COS PhD’27 , Psychology Undergraduate Institution: Williams College

Academic Catalog 2023-2024

Research and creative activity.

Northeastern University’s thriving culture of scholarly and creative innovation provides students with many opportunities to create and disseminate new knowledge, practices, and solutions to pressing global challenges. Research and creative endeavors are key components of Northeastern’s experiential learning model. Experiences can range from laboratory bench work to the analysis of Big Data to archival research to collaborative theatre productions. This work can take place in a variety of contexts and formats,  including the following:

• Courses, which generally fulfill major elective requirements
• Labs or centers 
• Research or creative-based co-ops or internships
• Community-based research or creative endeavor
• Research or creative-based activity as the option for work-study work
• Research or creative endeavor as a service activity
• Junior/senior honors projects

The Undergraduate Research and Fellowships office, along with other offices and programs on campus, support students through workshops, mentoring, and consultation on applications for distinguished fellowships and advanced study; funding through the universitywide Project-Based Exploration for the Advancement of Knowledge, or PEAK Experiences Awards; and much more. Northeastern undergraduates are an important part of Northeastern’s culture of research and creative practice, and they frequently present their findings at national and international conferences; in scholarly journals; and at the university’s annual Research, Innovation, and Scholarship Expo. We believe that the best answers—and the best questions—are born out of bringing diverse perspectives, experiences, and knowledge into conversation with one another. Therefore, we believe that a diverse and inclusive community of researchers, creative practitioners, and fellowship applicants not only fosters innovation and creativity but is a precondition of the excellence for which we strive.

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Undergraduate Research Opportunities

• Honors in the Discipline

Khoury College encourages undergraduates to get involved in research early to cultivate hands-on experience and cross-disciplinary exploration in computer science (CS). Whether for course credit or as part of a paid experience—funded through the National Science Foundation or National Institutes of Health— research projects offer a chance to self-direct your learning with challenging work that enhances your education, refines your aspirations, and makes meaningful contributions to a brighter future.

Khoury College students and faculty engage in research across a diverse range of areas , which means the only limit to what you can pursue is your own goals and interests. Explore different groups and topics, attend research talks and colloquia, discuss ideas with your advisor, and don’t be afraid to reach out to faculty and other student researchers for details and advice. Even with minimal experience, your intellectual curiosity and willingness to learn are assets to any team.

Get ready to gain invaluable experience, insight, and credentials that are essential for graduate program applications and research-driven careers.

FEATURED RESEARCH

CS 3950 Introduction to Computer Science Research is an elective seminar designed to provide a comprehensive overview to research in the fields and subfields of CS, data science, and cybersecurity. From shadowing faculty to learning the ins and outs of research writing, you’ll develop capability and confidence in research settings that will pay dividends throughout your academic journey.

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Student Research

Student research programs.

Mills College at Northeastern offers a range of undergraduate student research programs that provide unique experiential learning opportunities for students in collaboration with faculty mentors. These experiences prepare students for advanced study in their field and critical professional skills that can be applied to any future career path.

Dr. Christie Chung directs the Cognition Laboratory at Mills College at Northeastern. Dr. Chung and her research assistants design behavioral experiments to examine the underlying cognitive mechanisms that constitute age-related changes in memory. Current research studies examine the effects of age, culture, weight consciousness, and circadian arousal on emotional and flash bulb memory.  

Mission  

The mission of the Jill Barrett Undergraduate Research Program in Biology at Mills College at Northeastern is to encourage professional advancement of students in the biological sciences by providing research experiences to undergraduate students.

Mentored research opportunities

The research experience and professional development of students is fostered through close mentorship by faculty supervisors, interactions with fellow Barrett participants past and present, and interactions with other collaborators. Barrett students engage in research projects that aim to provide insights into unanswered questions in biology. In the process, participants gain technical skills, practice in the logic and creativity of science, and experience analyzing and presenting data.

Financial support for Barrett Scholars

The Jill Barrett Undergraduate Research Program in Biology provides financial support for students participating full time in an 8-week-long summer research project under the tutelage of a biology faculty member. Students accepting a Barrett Scholar position are expected to prepare for their work during the spring semester prior to their Barrett summer to prepare for their summer research project. For detailed information on applying to the Jill Barrett Undergraduate Research Program in Biology and available faculty mentors, visit our application information page.

Scholars in the program will gain both depth and breadth in the field of biology through meetings in which Barrett students present and discuss their research findings (at various stages of completion) with faculty and peers. Additional outcomes may also include continued collaborations with faculty members and students in the Northeastern network as well as the production of scholarly works (such as presentations at conferences and publications in scientific journals).

Barrett Scholars are honored each fall at our Annual Jill Barrett Undergraduate Program in Biology Symposium. The purpose of this event is for students to share their research findings with the Northeastern community and beyond through oral and poster presentations.

Barrett program history

The Jill Barrett Undergraduate Research Program in Biology was initiated in 1998, funded by the generosity of donors Richard and Elaine Barrett in honor of their daughter Jill, who graduated from Mills College as a biology major in 1993. She wrote her senior thesis on “The Evolution of Optimal Foraging Strategy in Araneophagic Spiders.” (Araneophagic means “eating spiders;” these are cannibalistic spiders.) She also did fieldwork at the Marine Mammal Center in Marin County. After Jill graduated, she became an active conservation biologist, working to eliminate threats to endangered sea turtles, which remain at risk of extinction. Tragically, Jill lost her life in an accident in Greece while coming home from early morning observation of sea turtles. Her family established the Jill Barrett Undergraduate Research Program in Biology in her memory. We are grateful for their support of this program, and all participants are mindful of the contributions that Jill made and undoubtedly would have continued to make had her life not ended so prematurely.

Dr. Priya Shimpi Driscoll directs the Mills College Language Development Lab in the Mills College School of Education. The research focus is on the social and linguistic influences contributing to children’s communicative development from approximately six months through six years of age. The Language Development Lab studies examine:

• How infants, toddlers, and young children develop one or multiple languages
• How toddlers learn from direct instruction and from overhearing/observing others
• How young children develop a sense of self
• How children gain information from different sources: adults, children, siblings, video, and other media
• How differences in children’s experience (e.g., having a sibling) relate to differences in learning and attention
• How picture book reading helps children use complex sentences

Current research focuses on children’s language learning from a variety of input sources, including from parents, siblings, from overhearing others’ conversations, and from observing televised events. The goal of this work is to understand how children’s early experiences relate to language learning.

Dr. Dean Morier directs the Social Psychology Lab at Mills College at Northeastern. He and his research assistants conduct experiments and other types of investigations on social psychology and personality. Current investigations are examining topics in positive psychology and LGBTQ+ issues, aging attitudes and anxiety, religion and physical activity, intergroup relations and prejudice, and attributions about consumer purchases. The laboratory is focused on theoretical issues but also conducts applied research and follows the dictum of Kurt Lewin that “there is nothing so practical as a good theory.”

If you are interested in applying to be a research assistant, please complete the Social Psychology Lab Research Assistant Application (PDF).

Learn about Northeastern University’s  Human Subjects Research Protection  programs that support the highest ethical standards for research participants.

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program

In addition to the organized research programs we offer, undergraduate students have the opportunity to seek funding for independent projects. The Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) offers mini-grants to students to help fund unique research or creative projects. Students may apply for one award per academic year and can earn a maximum of two awards as a Mills College at Northeastern student. The maximum amount for each grant is $500.00.

View a sample project description (PDF) and apply online . 

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• Research Profiles
• Refererences

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

Finding an ur opportunity, getting selected, reflective journaling, undergraduate research.

• Getting Started
• Research Environments
• Structuring a UR Experience
• Research Funding

One of the lessons you will quickly learn is that to be successful in undergraduate research, you must know much more than a large body of scientific facts. You will need a variety of both technical and non-technical skills including:

• first-class lab technique to produce accurate and precise measurements worthy of data analysis and interpretation
• good team building skills as science today is usually accomplished by teams of experts rather than individual investigators working independently
• excellent time management skills to balance the many competing demands for your time including courses, part-time jobs, undergraduate research, and social activities
• strong communications skills – both oral and written – in order to communicate your science clearly and persuasively to your peers, the greater scientific community, and the public.

In this section, you will find some advice on how to successfully navigate some of the many technical and non-technical challenges you will no doubt experience during the course of your undergraduate research experience.

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Students at Northeastern University will benefit greatly from this initiative. Postdoctoral positions, and unique research opportunities for both graduate and undergraduate students will be a strong part of this initiative’s success. All students will be trained to study and find solutions to some of the world’s most neglected diseases. Connect to our faculty page for potential research opportunities.

Postdoctoral Positions

Postdoctoral students will have opportunities for exposure to key concepts in the area of Global Health. With a primary focus on research within each postdoctoral student’s field, trainees will participate in focused seminar courses, colloquia, and will be provided opportunities for field experiences, conferences and teaching.

Future Faculty Fellowship 

Graduate Students

Doctoral students will have opportunities for exposure to key concepts in the area of Global Health. Coursework for this program will be modeled by the student’s home department, but will include additional courses that discuss pivotal issues in the parallel streams of the Initiative. Students in this program will cross-train not only in research groups at Northeastern in the greater Boston area, but also within global organizations.

Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate students will have opportunities to work on research programs in the institute. Leveraging the relationships that Northeastern University will develop with the Global Health Community, innovative educational experiences will be created.

Search Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Prof. Michael Pollastri m.pollastri@neu.edu 617-373-2703

Prof. Richard Wamai r.wamai@neu.edu 617-373-4130

Learn more from Professor Pollastri’s presentation at the College of Science Symposium  here .

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2024 U.S. National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Research Fellowship

Andrew Ashdown, PhD’27, electrical engineering, has been selected as one of the recipients of the  U.S. Department of Defense National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Research Fellowship . A highly competitive fellowship, it is awarded to promising U.S. scientists and engineers to encourage them to pursue doctoral degrees in designated research disciplines of military importance.

Ashdown’s academic journey traces back to his formative years, where his curiosity for math and science led him on a path towards engineering. Following in the footsteps of his uncle, Ashdown embarked on his undergraduate studies at Stony Brook University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering in 2022. Driven by a fascination with 5G and wireless communications, Ashdown set his sights on pursuing advanced research opportunities, ultimately leading him to Northeastern and the Institute for the Wireless Internet of Things (WIoT) under the mentorship of Francesco Restuccia, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering.

Motivated by a family legacy of military service, with ancestors who bravely served in World War II and Vietnam, Ashdown felt compelled to contribute to the defense of his nation. The NDSEG Fellowship presented an ideal opportunity to marry his academic pursuits with his patriotic fervor, prompting him to apply under the guidance of his advisor. His dedication to leveraging his expertise in service of national security resonated strongly with the fellowship’s mission.

At WIoT, Ashdown’s research interests converge on the cutting-edge realms of 5G cellular communications and Open Radio Access Networks (O-RAN). Through his doctoral studies, he aims to explore innovative solutions that can enhance communication systems critical for military operations and national defense.

The NDSEG Fellowship represents a pivotal milestone in Ashdown’s academic and professional journey, offering unparalleled opportunities for mentorship, funding, and networking. With this prestigious award, Ashdown envisions taking his research endeavors to new heights, with a focus on contributing to the DoD’s mission.

Reflecting on his selection among over 3300 applicants, Ashdown expresses profound gratitude for the unwavering support of his advisors and mentors. Their guidance and encouragement have been instrumental in shaping his academic trajectory and securing this prestigious honor.

Ashdown’s research contributions thus far include collaborative projects with the WIoT community and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), focusing on advancing 5G/O-RAN technologies. Looking ahead, he aspires to continue his dedication to research and innovation, with a commitment to leveraging his expertise for the greater good.

As for the future, Ashdown aspires to make impactful contributions that safeguard national security and protect the lives of fellow citizens. With his dedication and the support of the NDSEG Fellowship, Andrew Ashdown is poised to leave an indelible mark on the field of wireless communications and defense technology.

Related Departments:Electrical & Computer Engineering

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Discover the power of experience in the culturally diverse, vibrant Bay Area.

About our Oakland campus

Immersive learning. Collaborative problem solving. A spirit of innovation. Join a tight-knit community of like-driven classmates and colleagues drawn to the creative, entrepreneurial spirit that makes the Bay Area one of the world’s most dynamic and economically important regions. Find out how what you do and experience here will deepen the impact of your work everywhere.

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Explore your interests through degrees and interdisciplinary majors spanning business, healthcare, science, and technology. Whichever major you choose, your studies will be enriched by our Experiential Entrepreneurship programming and real-world learning opportunities throughout the Bay Area.

graduate Programs

Industry-aligned master’s programs

Choose from master’s degree programs that align with your goals and the fastest-growing fields. Through our  Experiential Network (XN), you’ll build skills and experience that prepare you for your next professional step, supported by our extensive global network of alumni and partner organizations.

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Experience-driven research

Partner with us to solve challenges facing your organization and society through collaborations with our interdisciplinary faculty experts. Focusing on health, security, and sustainability—with expertise in aerospace engineering, cognitive and information sciences, and social impact and innovation—our research model leads to globally scalable solutions.

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The Mills Institute

The Mills Institute at Northeastern focuses on advancing research and effective programs in education access, equity, social justice, and women’s leadership. Benefit from a one-of-a-kind opportunity to work on important equity and inclusion issues, with solutions that start in Oakland and extend to communities around the world.

A thriving network of opportunities

With locations in California’s Silicon Valley , Seattle , and Vancouver , British Columbia, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to earn real-world experience and collaborate on research here, and across our entire global network.

You’ll also have access to academic, research, and career development opportunities across geographic, sociopolitical, and cultural contexts as well as global resources to effect change.

Northeastern and Mills College alumni in the San Francisco Bay Area— 300,000+ worldwide —ready to connect, support, and mentor 

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Professor of History Dr. Kabria Baumgartner Earns the 2024 Black Excellence on the Hill Award

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Kabria Baumgartner

Dr. Kabria Baumgartner, Dean’s Associate Professor of History and Africana Studies and Associate Director of Public History, received the  2024 Black Excellence on the Hill Award at the Massachusetts State House last week for her public history and community engagement work in Essex County. 

Dr. Baumgartner was nominated by state representative, Dawne Shand. Black Excellence on the Hill is an annual event hosted by the  Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus  to honor and celebrate Black community leaders who are driving social change in their cities and towns across the state.

You can find more about Dr. Baumgartner’s work in Essex in this  Globe  story or on her  website. Congratulations Dr. Baumgartner!

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Jeffrey burds, ángel david nieves .