Undergraduate Research Award Opportunities: A Comprehensive Guide

Undergraduate research awards offer invaluable opportunities for students to delve into original and substantive projects, fostering intellectual curiosity and contributing to their respective fields. These awards not only provide financial support but also encourage students to engage with scholarly communities, develop critical research skills, and present their findings to a wider audience. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of undergraduate research award opportunities, drawing upon various programs and resources available to students.

Project Eligibility and General Guidelines

Undergraduate Research Awards (UGRAs) are typically awarded to students conducting semester-long independent projects that constitute work that is original and substantive given the standards of the discipline. The UGRAs are not intended, for example, to support trips to workshops or the like; something new has to be discovered or created. Each UGRA proposal must be sponsored by a KU affiliated faculty member or approved mentor who has read and approved the proposal and who agrees to oversee the project.

To apply for a UGRA, students typically need to complete a student application form, often housed in a university's online system. Mentors will also need to create an account in the system to complete a reference form. Reviewers often utilize rubrics, tailored to either research or creative projects, to evaluate proposals. Applicants are usually informed of award decisions by the end of the semester in which they apply.

Recipients of UGRAs are expected to devote considerable time during the award period to carrying out the research proposed in their application. To receive the award, each student and their mentor are required to work together to complete an Undergraduate Research Contract. This contract will clearly delineate the expectations that the student and mentor have of one another and will include a list of milestones and their anticipated completion date. Research Contracts are filled out at the beginning of the award period and revisited at the end of the semester.

Financial Aid and Award Distribution

Students typically receive their UGRA scholarship through the Financial Aid distribution process. If a student owes the university for any charges (e.g., tuition, required campus fees, etc.), this financial aid will be applied towards the amount due. If a credit balance is created within the student's account, the credit balance will be refunded through direct deposit or check. It is important for students receiving need-based financial aid, such as loans, to be aware that this scholarship may alter their loan or other aid amounts. International students may also have required taxes taken out of their award as part of the normal scholarship disbursement process.

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Presentation of Research Projects

UGRA recipients are required to present the results of their research and creative project on campus within one year of receiving their award. Presentations must be on campus or in the local area, such as at a summer poster session, research showcase, undergraduate research symposium, departmental presentation, or art show. Exceptions to the presentation requirement can be made, such as when presenting a project could create patent issues or conflict with larger research collaborations.

UGRA Proposal Guidelines

A UGRA proposal will be evaluated using rubrics provided to faculty reviewers, tailored to either research or creative projects. It is recommended that applicants review the appropriate rubric and use it while revising their proposal.

A UGRA proposal should adhere to the following guidelines:

Page Limit: Be no more than 5 total pages, including text content (~2000 words), figures, images, image captions, references, footnotes, appendices, etc.
Formatting: Be single-spaced and typed using Times New Roman 12 point font for main content. Additional text can be used as needed to support figures, images, captions, footnotes, etc. Have 1 inch margins top, bottom, right, and left. Have a title at the top of the first page (without including your name).
Sections: Include the following sections: abstract, literature review, research design, applicant's preparation, conclusion, and references. Optional content may include figures, charts, and images.
File Format: Be saved as a PDF with file name LastnameProposal.PDF (e.g., SmithProposal.PDF).

Proposals not meeting these criteria may not be considered for review.

Key Proposal Sections

Abstract: A one-paragraph summary of the proposal, including the research question, the applicant's fit in the field, the methods of research, and the significance of the research. This section should clearly convey what the project is and why it is important enough to fund.
Literature Review: Synthesizes previous research on the topic to discover related trends and explain how the applicant's work will contribute to the field of study. It must include citations of previous research or creative work related to the topic. The purpose is to position the project within the academic conversation about the topic.
Research Design: Describes what the applicant will actually do for the project and why this approach will be best to answer the research question. It needs to include a timeline that clearly details the work that will be completed during the semester of the award. This section should be very specific to show the reviewer that the applicant has thought through the process and is prepared to begin the project.
Applicant's Preparation: Describes the applicant's preparation and qualifications to complete the project, including relevant experiences, coursework, or training that have provided the needed background knowledge and skills. This section should make the case that the applicant can complete the project.
Conclusion: Shows a clear connection between the different parts of the proposal and summarizes key points for one final reminder of what the applicant is doing, how they will do it, and why. This is the final sales pitch to the reviewer and a good time to return to how the project relates to the big picture.
References: Lists the materials cited in the proposal, using the citation style most commonly used in the applicant's discipline for both the in-text citations and the reference list.
Figures, Charts, and Images (Optional): Includes any figures, charts, images, etc., that are helpful in explaining the applicant's work, either as an appendix or within the body of their work.

Guidelines for Specific Situations

Students working in groups: Students applying as part of a group need to each submit their own proposal. Proposals should not be written together and, therefore, should not share written content (such as identical sentences or paragraphs). Reviewers must be able to see that each student has a full understanding of the project since each student will receive an individual scholarship.
Students who have previously received a UGRA: If applying for a second award, students should submit a full proposal even when continuing on the same project. This proposal needs to include a brief update on their progress either in the Research Design section, which should then describe the next steps of the project. Much of the proposal may stay the same, but be sure to include any newly relevant information if the project has shifted directions or new information was published.

External Funding Opportunities

Beyond internal university awards, numerous external organizations and agencies offer funding for undergraduate research. These opportunities can provide significant financial support and enhance a student's research experience. Here are some examples:

National Science Foundation (NSF): The NSF offers various programs that support undergraduate research, including Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) sites and International Research Experiences for Students (IRES). REU sites provide opportunities for students to participate in research at universities and laboratories across the country or in a foreign location. IRES projects allow students to conduct research at foreign labs, building their professional network.
Federal Pathways Program: This program is designed to recruit students for internships at federal agencies like the NSF.
Summer Scholars Internship Program: The NSF's Summer Scholars Internship Program is a 10-week summer internship for undergraduate and graduate students.
Adobe Research Women-in-Technology Scholarship: Adobe offers this scholarship to bring more gender diversity to the technology industry.
ASM Research Capstone Fellowship: This fellowship awards underrepresented minority students funding to attend and present at the ASM Microbe Academy for Professional Development (MAPD) and the ASM Microbe Meeting.
DAAD German Studies Research Grant: This program offers grants to highly-qualified undergraduate and graduate students for short-term research in Germany.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship: The U.S. Department of Stateâs Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is a grant program that enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad.
SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program: This program enhances the Department of Defense (DoD) workforce with talented scientists, engineers, and researchers.
The Science & Engineering Apprentice Program (SEAP): This program has provided undergraduate and graduate students with valuable educational experiences since 1922.
Psi Chi Awards and Grants: Psi Chi offers a variety of awards and grants to undergraduate members.
Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise: The Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise were established to encourage and support emerging to mid-career immigrant artists and scientists who have demonstrated exceptional achievements early in their careers.

University-Specific Programs

Many universities offer their own undergraduate research programs and awards. Here are a few examples:

Brown University: Brown University offers a range of programs that support student research, including Advanced Undergraduate Research Fellowships, the John Hay Library Undergraduate Fellowship Program, Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowships, Presidential Scholars Program, Research at Brown (RAB) grants, Summer Research Early Identification Program (SR-EIP), and Undergraduate Teaching and Research Awards (UTRAs).
Washington State University: WSU offers several undergraduate research awards, including the Scott and Linda Carson Undergraduate Research Endowed Excellence Fund, the James A. Weir Research Award, the Team Mentoring Program Research Awards, and general awards from the Undergraduate Research Development Fund.

Community College Programs

The Point Community College Program: Inspires LGBTQ community college students to fulfill their ambitions of attending a four-year college or university.

Study/Research Awards

Fulbright Programs: Applicants for study/research awards design their own projects and will typically work with advisers at foreign universities or other institutes of higher education. The study/research awards are available in approximately 140 countries.

College of Arts and Sciences Research Awards

Undergraduate degree-seeking students enrolled in any major in the College of Arts and Sciences are invited to apply for research awards to conduct projects with faculty members in the college. Each awardee receives a scholarship, and faculty mentors can receive funds to support the student's research project.

Key Considerations for a Competitive Application

Develop a Strong Research Proposal

A well-crafted research proposal is crucial for securing an undergraduate research award. It should clearly articulate the research question, methodology, and expected outcomes. It is also important to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the existing literature and the significance of the proposed research.

Seek Faculty Mentorship

Having a supportive faculty mentor is essential for a successful research experience. Mentors can provide guidance on project design, data analysis, and presentation skills. They can also offer valuable feedback on the research proposal and application materials.

Highlight Relevant Skills and Experience

Applicants should showcase their relevant skills and experience in their application. This may include coursework, laboratory experience, or previous research projects. It is important to demonstrate that the applicant has the necessary knowledge and skills to complete the proposed research project.

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Present Research Findings

Many undergraduate research programs require students to present their research findings at conferences or symposia. This provides an opportunity to share their work with a wider audience and receive feedback from experts in the field.

Adhere to Ethical Standards

All research activities should be conducted in accordance with ethical standards. This includes obtaining informed consent from participants, protecting confidential data, and avoiding plagiarism.

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