Small-scale or smaller research awards:

Small-scale or smaller research awards support smaller independent student-driven projects and can be used to enable a particular phase of a larger-scale effort.

• Part-time (10 hours per week) 10-week (one quarter) stipend for students at $1500.
• All undergraduate students are eligible to apply (consult the eligibility requirements).
• A research product and a presentation are required as part of receiving the award.

Application process for small-scale research awards:

• Applications are reviewed quarterly using an evaluation rubric.
• Applications need to consist of a research proposal and letter of support from a faculty mentor.

Proposal requirements:

The proposal should be a maximum of 5 pages single spaced. Please be sure to write your proposal for an audience unfamiliar with the topic.

Please include the following in the proposal:

• Introduction: Identify the significance and purpose of the project, such as how the project contributes to significant questions or knowledge in the discipline.
• Project Description: Information about the project including goals, methodology, expected results, and timeline.
• Detailed Budget: Provide an itemized budget.
• Research Experience: Briefly describe your experience conducting research. If no specific experience, describe how you would ensure success in completing the research project.

Faculty mentor letter of support:

It is highly recommend that a faculty mentor supporting a student researcher should review the IRB's Guidance for Faculty and Staff Advisers of Student Research page. Please share with this information with your faculty mentor.

A faculty mentor letter of support is required for all research award proposals. The faculty letter of support should include:

• Explicit endorsement of the research you plan on doing.
• How they will be supporting you with and throughout the research project.
• How your research project contributes to significant questions or knowledge in the discipline.
• Honest assessment of your ability to complete the research project as proposed.

Small-scale research award policies:

• Students enrolled in classes full time are eligible for Small Awards, as long as projects take no more than 10 hours per week (equivalent to a 3-unit course).
• Students may receive both academic and a stipend for any single project activity.

Ready to apply?