For Faculty
Information about the faculty
The Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) Program at Michigan State University enables faculty to build large, multidisciplinary student teams aligned with both faculty academic goals and student interests.
- Take on larger-scale projects than would otherwise be possible.
- Collaborate across disciplinary boundaries with ease.
- Test new ideas in low-stakes, innovation-driven settings.
Students who participate across multiple semesters grow into subteam leaders — fostering continuity, knowledge transfer, and reducing the day-to-day management load on faculty mentors. These long-term teams make meaningful contributions to student portfolios and creative work
Join a Student Team Embedded in Faculty Research
VIP gives students direct access to faculty-led acadmic work. Unlike traditional undergraduate (or graduate) research programs, VIP is team-based and multidisciplinary.
Students are encouraged to participate for multiple semesters, taking on greater technical and leadership responsibilities as they gain experience.
VIP is offered as a project-based course (1–2 credits per semester) for sophomores and above (some teams accept first-year students).
Experience is not required — only a willingness to learn, collaborate, and contribute to meaningful projects.
Visit the VIP Labs Page → to explore current projects and go to the Apply →