Program Overview

Introduction to the First-Year Research Immersion Program

The First-Year Research Immersion (FRI) program at Binghamton University provides first-year students with a three-semester authentic research experience in sciences and engineering. This program empowers students to produce results that make a true impact around the country and around the world.

Program Overview

The FRI program allows participants to work alongside faculty and fellow students on cutting-edge research projects, tackling weighty world issues, building powerful relationships, and setting a course for college and career success.

Unique Benefits

• Credit: Cutting-edge research is part of the coursework, allowing students to learn core concepts and theory of a discipline while earning credit that counts toward their degree and major requirements.
• Growth: The program turbocharges personal and professional growth by teaching methods of scientific research and developing skills of critical thinking and collaborative research earlier than most undergraduate students.
• Direction: The FRI program provides a solid foundation toward a chosen career or advanced academic studies.
• Recognition: Participants find opportunities to publish in professional journals, present posters at conferences, seek industry internships, and be considered for fellowships.
• Access: Renowned faculty members collaborate with students, building powerful connections with influential Binghamton University professors and laying the foundation for requesting valuable letters of recommendation.
• Excitement: Research teams attack big-world issues, making the program exciting and challenging.
• Opportunity: The program opens doors by making essential connections and building academic credentials that employers and graduate programs carefully evaluate.
• Friendship: Students work alongside peers with common interests, building important, long-lasting relationships.

Research Streams

Students conduct research in one of the specially created research labs and courses for emerging fields in sciences and engineering. There are 12 Research Streams available.

Program Events

The FRI program hosts various events, including Admitted Students Day, which provides an opportunity for prospective students to learn more about the program.

Virtual Open House

A Virtual Open House webpage is available, featuring a program overview, FRI student Q&A panel, lab tour, and overview of each research stream, to help better understand the FRI program.

One-On-One Lab Tours

This opportunity allows prospective students to talk with current FRI students and faculty, tour FRI labs, and discover why FRI is the right fit for them.

Featured FRI News Stories

The program has been featured in various news stories, highlighting the achievements and experiences of FRI students and faculty, including receiving grants to support undergraduate research and contributing to significant research projects.