Each student will have his or her own research project. While performing research at the CCF, the student will be part of the mentor's research team and have access to the facilities, support personnel and the equipment, as would any other researcher. The project is expected to continue part time for another five to six months at the home institution, as a senior design project, honors thesis or as appropriate to that particular school. The CCF offers its students a level of research experience that attracts participants from around the world. The Lerner Research Institute is a full time research organization, with no student body or degree offerings of its own.
All trainees come from other institutions, and stay for varying periods of time.
The student will be expected to participate in his research team's meetings and department seminars, as well as other professional activities. This program is focused on independent, individual research, but a number of formal classes will also be required. Airfare for one round trip, at the lowest available rate will be reimbursed for each student. Basic eligibility requirements include citizenship or permanent residency, preferred junior status at the time of joining the CCF and enrollment in an engineering discipline appropriate to the research project to be performed. The student must have at least one semester or two quarters of schooling remaining after completing the CCF term.