This paper presents an experience with integrating projects in Engineering education, developed using the CDIO methodology: conception, design, implementation and operation. The methodology is student centered with guidance by a professor, and aims to promote the development of autonomous learning with responsibility and interdisciplinarity.This study follows the process experienced by three students in their last semester of Electronic Engineering, who were research assistants in a project funded by COLCIENCIAS. At the end of the academic experience (case study), they succeeded in improving their abilities for autonomous learning and for the adoption of an interdisciplinary approach.