Traditional engineering undergraduate research and design is typically seen in four-year institutions, restricted to junior-and senior-level students. In large institutions, freshman-and sophomore-level students are generally seen to be ill-equipped to take on complex projects, particularly while muddling through the basics of calculus, physics, and electronics. Our institution, McLennan Community College, through a partnership with the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR), has been challenging that assumption. Students are being introduced to research and design methods in the very first semester and immediately take on projects that are challenging, and most importantly, relevant to the students themselves. The preliminary results are encouraging and indicate that an early focus on research can positively impact a students' academic and professional prospects.

McLennan Community College's engineering program has seen sustained growth since its reboot in 2009, in great part thanks to the multiple research and travel opportunities we are able to offer. One of these opportunities involves the incorporation of a course section of Engineering