September 13, 2007
Funding available for undergraduate research
Thousands of dollars in funding is being set aside for undergraduates who want to pursue their own research or creative projects, but need help with travel, supplies, or other expenses. There’s even an award now for the faculty members who sponsor them.
Three new resources have been created to help undergraduates achieve their research goals: Summer Student Research Fellowships, Student Research Awards, and a Research Expenses Fund.
“People have really been recognizing the need for undergraduate research support,” said Haig Mardirosian, dean of academic affairs. “Our students are getting better, and they need to have more opportunities. We have students who are getting ready for prestigious merit awards, competing for Marshalls, Trumans, and so on. They’d benefit tremendously, in terms of intellectual preparation, by being able to engage in more serious, in-depth, better-supported research activities.”
Students with senior capstone projects attached to their majors have always done research projects, and most of those had “some modicum of support,” Mardirosian noted. There has also been some research funding available at the College of Arts and Sciences.
But not all students were eligible or had the opportunity. Last year, though, research support for undergraduates was made an academic budget priority, Mardirosian said, and funding was approved by the Board of Trustees. “This is a very successful example of things percolating up from a need and getting translated into the budget,” Mardirosian said.
Stipends of up to $2,500 will be available as Summer Student Research Fellowships for students who want to pursue projects over the summer after their sophomore or junior years. Up to five fellowships will be awarded.
Student Research Awards up to $1,000 will also be available to sophomores and juniors for research or creative projects during the fall and spring semesters. This competition will fund up to 20 students.
Applicants will need to have a supervising faculty member, whose time will be recognized with $500 payable as a stipend or research funds.
A Research Expenses Fund has also been created to help with small expenses for projects, whether they’re independent or part of requirements, such as senior theses or capstones. Students can apply for reimbursement.
The new funds reflect not only a desire to support students, but a sea change that is occurring in academic life as students are increasingly encouraged to engage in independent research.
“We’re getting away from the model of a faculty expert standing in front of the room, and moving toward a more broadly construed, participatory model,” Mardirosian said. “This is a step in that direction. It says that you as a student engage in your own inquiry, take your own risks, and get the rewards at the end. We want to support that as a mode of authentic learning.
“To be able to support that,” Mardirosian said, “is the hallmark of a really evolved university.”
Applications will be made online and submitted to the General Education Office.
The deadline for Student Research Award applications is Nov. 1, 2007; the Summer Student Research Fellowship applications are due by Jan. 25, 2008; and Research Expense Fund reimbursements have no deadline.
