Learn more about the TREX program:
Who can apply to TREX?
Any student enrolled in the Cockrell School has the opportunity to apply to the program. You must have a 3.0 GPA or above; have completed at least 45 credit hours by September 1, with at least 30 hours completed at The University of Texas at Austin; and received an A or B in all technical labs taken.
When can I apply?
The TREX application for the next academic years usually opens in late April. Deadline for applications will be late May.
I can’t enroll in the one-hour course seminar due to a conflict. Can I still apply?
The one-hour weekly seminar meets every Wednesday, 4-5 PM and is a requirement for all students in order to participate, and you must register for the course. If you want to join TREX, we suggest you arrange your schedule in order to accommodate the course. If you can’t fit this into your schedule, we recommend that apply during a year when you can accommodate.
Can I only do one semester of the TREX program?
No. TREX is an academic, yearlong program and, if accepted, you are committed to participate in both the fall and spring semesters. There are opportunities for doing research during the summer, such as the Summer Research Academy.
Who decides my research assignment?
EOE has had many successful partnerships with engineering faculty, and we encourage you to review the TREX faculty partnerships list to view names, research areas and a sampling of possible research projects. We highly encourage you to choose a professor from this list to serve as your TREX mentor. You can also review your engineering department's website to become familiar with various engineering faculty members and their research areas.
On the application, students will submit their top three faculty advisor choices based on their research interests. Once applicants have been accepted into the program, the TREX program coordinator uses students' top three preferences to place them on a project matching their research interests. Every effort will be made to place you with one of your top three choices. However, placement with the professor of your choice is not guaranteed.
Based on funding sources for TREX, the program coordinator may ask you to consider working with certain faculty whose research matches the funding source.
Who should I ask to submit a letter of reference for the application?
We want to hear from those who have taught you so we can evaluate your scholarship and potential for future success. The best people who can do this are professors, TAs or advisors. It is strongly recommended that the reference letter comes from a faculty member. If you have ever performed research in an academic or professional setting, the reference must be from your immediate supervisor. EOE staff are not allowed to write the letter of reference for your TREX application.
Am I paid?
TREX is a paid research placement. Students can earn up to $1,500 each semester. For the TREX program, each student is able to participate because of corporate partners sponsoring their work.
Will I earn course credit by registering for the TREX course?
The TREX weekly course is not for academic credit. However, some engineering programs will allow you to claim credit for your TREX research. Every undergraduate program is different and has individual requirements. Some, for example, do not allow you to earn credit if you are being paid. We recommend that you speak to an advisor within your department to learn more about the process of claiming credit.
How is the workload of research in addition to taking classes?
TREX is like a part-time job or having another class. Students are able to manage their research and their studies. TREX is meant to add to your academic experience and you can equally balance both with time management. Please note that you should not have any other job while participating in this program due to the time commitment.
What does the poster and PowerPoint presentation look like?
There will be training in spring on how to do a poster, and PowerPoint presentations will be shown.
