Working in the Lab
Working in the Lab
Applying learning to today’s challenges
Nothing beats hands-on experiences and helping solve real-world problems.
Remember the thrill of watching your papier-mâché volcano erupt when were 7 or taking home the top prize for your sixth-grade science fair project? We know the importance of those practical, hands-on experiences, which is why the Mines experience is chock-full of opportunities to work on meaningful projects and contribute to the latest groundbreaking research. And Mines’ lab spaces aren’t limited to graduate students or faculty—all Orediggers get to make new discoveries and apply textbook concepts to real-life problems. So roll up your sleeves, put on your safety goggles and get to work.
What to expect
Addressing critical needs while gaining experience
Partnerships with industry, national labs and agencies
Work in first-rate facilities with leading faculty
Open to
All Orediggers
When
Year-round
Where
Golden, Colo.
The work Orediggers do in the lab goes far beyond the theoretical and simply learning basic concepts—we’re all about solving real-world problems and helping make the world a better place. Let’s get started!
Oredigger reviews
Sydney, Chemical Engineering, Thornton, Colo.
“Working in lab this semester has been the highlight of my school year. I was very nervous to join this lab, as I have never been in a lab before. Everyone I met has been supportive and encouraging. This experience has convinced me that I want to go into the research field as my career.”
Leah, Mechanical Engineering, Okla.
“Working in labs at Mines are really interesting because there’s so much going on in them! You can find pretty much any topic you’re interested in being researched here. And the cool thing is, if you ask the professor in charge, you can most likely land a job working in the one that interests you!”
Brenna, Civil Engineering, Colorado Springs, Colo.
“Soil Mechanics Lab (a required class in civil engineering) makes playing with dirt cool again. The professors and TAs that teach that class are so dedicated and helpful! Trust me when I say this is more fun than the name makes it sound.”
Paul, Engineering Physics, Loveland, Colo.
“The labs are so much fun. The makerspaces and machine shops are a good way to learn new skills and build whatever you are thinking about. Research labs are even better!”
Ellaena, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Irvine, Calif.
“I absolutely love working in the labs. The hands-on part of the experience has been the most fun. My favorite lab space is the metal foundry, because it is so hands-on and it is something that interests me. It’s fun because there are so many different things that you can do or make. Sometimes it feels like an art class, which is awesome.”
Josh, Petroleum Engineering, Lafayette, La.
“The labs are quite sophisticated and impressive to a new student. Lab work serves to introduce experimental methods to future engineers, so it’s a very valuable experience that shouldn’t be wasted. My favorite lab was the mercury lab in Marquez Hall—playing with mercury is as fun and dangerous as it sounds.”
Arthur, Chemical Engineering, Louisville, Colo.
“Tons of fun being at the forefront of research! Make sure you reach out to professors, as most are very eager to get new students working in their labs.”
Dylan, Electrical Engineering, Larkspur, Colo.
“I’ve yet to be in a lab that hasn’t been impressive in some form or another. The amount of raw access you have to do or build or tinker with cool things, almost whenever you please at Mines, is second to none.”
Colleen, Engineering, Cimarron, N.M.
“I have loved the open lab spaces here at Mines! I have learned how to make stickers, use a printing press and will hopefully get to try glass blowing soon! In Chem I here at Mines, I was able to learn the fundamentals of lab etiquette and procedures and properly learned how to dilute, titrate and measure a variety of different substances for different experiments. The labs at Mines have made me more confident in my abilities as an engineer.”
Philip, Computer Science, Longmont, Colo.
“3D printers are largely accessible and help in the creation of amazing class and personal projects. In these labs, knowledgeable people like to hang out and work on cool things. This was the most appealing aspect of Mines for me, and I was not disappointed.”