Research Opportunities at US Universities: Learn from Student Researchers at UWM
 — studyingoverseas.com

Why Study at a Research University in the USA?

If you want more than just a degree — if you want to build real skills, contribute to cutting-edge discoveries, and make your graduate applications truly competitive — studying at a research university in the United States is one of the best decisions you can make. US research universities offer unmatched access to world-class faculty, state-of-the-art equipment, and funded research programmes open to both undergraduate and graduate students.
 

$117B+ US university R&D spend — FY 2024 (NSF)

187 R1 research universities in the USA (Carnegie 2025)

4th UWM's consecutive R1 Carnegie classification (2025)

$66.3M UWM research expenditures — FY 2024

 

📊 Research Funding in the USA — Updated 2026 According to the National Science Foundation's FY 2024 Higher Education R&D Survey, US universities collectively spent over $117 billion on research and development — an 8.1% increase from FY 2023. The federal government funded more than $64 billion of that total. This makes the USA the world's largest investor in university-based research, spanning fields from AI and biomedical sciences to clean energy and materials science.

 

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM): A Top US Research University

Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is one of the USA's leading public research universities — and one of only two universities in Wisconsin to hold Carnegie R1 status, alongside UW-Madison.
 

UWM's R1 Status: Confirmed for the Fourth Consecutive Time (2025)

In February 2025, UWM earned the Carnegie Classification R1 designation for the fourth consecutive time — placing it among just 187 institutions out of nearly 4,000 evaluated nationally in the 'very high research spending and doctorate production' category. UWM's research spans sustainable energy, neuroscience, cancer research, water science, and advanced manufacturing.
 

"This recognition reaffirms UWM's role as a leader in research and positions Milwaukee as an innovation hub." — Chancellor Mark Mone, UWM

 

UWM Research Highlights — 2025/2026

• $66.3 million in research expenditures in FY 2024, with $27.7 million from federal agencies
• 167 research doctorates awarded in 2023 — well above the Carnegie R1 threshold
• 200+ patents developed through UWM researchers; nearly 50 active licence and option agreements
• A drug discovered at UWM has been approved for clinical trials for the first time — a landmark milestone
• Tabletop robot developed at UWM has potential to revolutionise physical therapy
• Active research in EV battery technology, maternal health, dementia care, and bone regeneration
• Recognised as a Carnegie Community Engagement Institution — research directly serves Milwaukee and beyond

 

Real Student Researchers at UWM: Their Stories

The best way to understand what research at a US university looks like for international students is to hear from students who have done it. Two UWM students — one undergraduate, one doctoral — share what research has meant for their education and careers.
 

Raunak Khaitan — Computer Engineering Undergraduate

Raunak, an undergraduate student in computer engineering at UWM, is developing a wearable navigational device for people who are legally blind. The device is designed to allow blind individuals to navigate independently without external assistance, built entirely on machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Raunak found his opportunity through UWM's Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) — a dedicated programme that connects motivated students with faculty members who need research support, and provides salary, travel support, and professional development funding.
 

"If you have the curiosity or the drive, just go and talk to a professor. They're almost always happy to help." — Raunak Khaitan, Computer Engineering Undergraduate, UWM

 

Kaustubh Rane — PhD Candidate, Center for Advanced Materials Manufacturing

Kaustubh, originally from Mumbai, is a PhD candidate at UWM's Center for Advanced Materials Manufacturing. When he arrived at UWM for his Master's degree, he encountered research equipment he had never had access to in India — including scanning electron microscopes and advanced materials testing tools.
During his Master's research, Kaustubh worked on a metals project designed to significantly reduce the cost of water faucets. For his PhD, he has shifted focus to a potential medical breakthrough: developing a magnesium-based scaffold that can be implanted in the body to support bone regrowth — a material he describes as highly biocompatible with no harmful side effects.
 

"The equipment here is not only enough, but more than enough in most cases to carry out your research projects." — Kaustubh Rane, PhD Candidate, Center for Advanced Materials Manufacturing, UWM

 

UWM's Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR): How It Works

For international students at UWM, the Office of Undergraduate Research is a formal gateway into faculty-led research. Key benefits include:

• Research assistant positions with paid salary — approved on-campus employment
• International students permitted to work up to 20 hours per week on campus — OUR positions qualify
• Travel grants to present research at conferences
• Professional development workshops and mentoring
• Direct connections with leading faculty across all disciplines

 

For International Students On-campus research employment through programmes like UWM's OUR counts toward your allowed 20 hours per week of on-campus work — making it both an academic and financial opportunity. Always verify current US visa work authorisation rules with your university's international student office.

 

Why a Research University? Benefits for Indian Students

• Work directly with world-renowned faculty on live, funded research projects
• Access cutting-edge equipment and laboratory facilities unavailable in most other settings
• Build a competitive graduate school or employment profile — research experience stands out on applications
• Potential for publications, patents, and conference presentations as a student
• Paid on-campus positions that support your finances while advancing your career
• Pathways to PhD programmes and industry roles in research-intensive fields

 

How CAE Helps You Get into a US Research University

At studyingoverseas.com, CAE has 34+ years of experience guiding Indian students to top US universities — including R1 research institutions like UWM, as well as Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Columbia, and 500+ others.

• Personalised university shortlisting — matching your research interests with the right R1 institution
• SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT coaching to meet competitive admission benchmarks
• Statement of Purpose and research proposal support for MS and PhD applicants
• Scholarship guidance — USD 100M+ in scholarships secured for Indian students
• End-to-end visa support with a 99% visa success rate
• 25,000+ students guided | 34+ years of expertise | placements at top US universities

 

Key Takeaways

• US universities invested over $117 billion in R&D in FY 2024 — the largest university research ecosystem in the world
• UWM earned R1 Carnegie Classification for the fourth consecutive time in 2025 — among just 187 R1 universities nationally
• UWM's research expenditures reached $66.3 million in FY 2024 with 200+ patents on record
• International students at R1 universities like UWM can access funded research, salary, and professional development through programmes like the OUR
• Indian students from cities like Mumbai have thrived at UWM — with access to equipment and research opportunities unavailable in India
• CAE can help you identify the right US research university and guide you from application to visa

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can international students do research at US universities?

Yes. Most US research universities actively welcome international students into research programmes. At UWM, the Office of Undergraduate Research provides paid research assistant positions that are approved on-campus employment for international students — within the 20 hours per week allowance on an F-1 visa.

Q2. What is an R1 university in the USA?

An R1 university is an institution classified by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as having 'very high research spending and doctorate production.' As of 2025, only 187 out of nearly 4,000 US universities hold R1 status. These universities offer the most extensive research facilities, faculty expertise, and funding opportunities.

Q3. How much does the USA spend on university research?

According to the NSF's FY 2024 Higher Education R&D Survey, US universities spent over $117 billion on research and development — an 8.1% increase from FY 2023. The federal government contributed more than $64 billion of that total.

Q4. Is UWM a good university for Indian students?

Yes. UWM holds Carnegie R1 status for the fourth consecutive time (2025), has $66.3 million in annual research expenditure, and offers funded undergraduate and graduate research positions. Its international student community includes students from India across engineering, health sciences, natural sciences, and business.

Q5. How does CAE help Indian students get into US research universities?

CAE provides personalised university shortlisting, GRE and SAT coaching, SOP and research proposal support, scholarship guidance, and end-to-end visa assistance. With 34+ years of experience and 25,000+ students guided, CAE is India's most trusted study abroad consultancy. Visit studyingoverseas.com or call +91-9999771444 to book a free session.
 

Ready to Study at a Top US Research University? CAE has guided 25,000+ Indian students to universities like UWM, Harvard, MIT & more. 📞  +91-9999771444   |   +91-9999057555 ✉  cae@caend.com   |   🌐  studyingoverseas.com

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