Undergraduate Research Initiative – Academic Year 2008-2009

Students and Scientists Discovering Together

Deadline for first round review: 5 pm on  May 9, 2008

Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Studies, AB 116

What is it?

The Undergraduate Research Scholars Initiative (URI) at The University of Texas-Pan American is a program where undergraduate students share in the excitement of research discoveries, work side-by-side with faculty, and graduate students who are creating new knowledge and learn valuable research techniques. The initiative allows undergraduate students to obtain real-world research experience in a field of interest related to their majors.

What’s in it for the student?

A chance for in-depth learning.

The URI allows students to concentrate on a specific topic in which they may have an interest.

One-on one faculty interaction.

Students work directly with a faculty member in his or her research program.

Financial Benefits

The Student/Faculty research team will receive an award of up to $2,000 for their research activities (typically used to employ students to work on research projects or support student travel to present the research findings).

Faculty also benefit from the collaboration

In addition to having help with research endeavors, up to $500 of the award may be used by the faculty mentor for travel to present the student assisted research at an academic forum.

Post-award requirements

The Student/Faculty research team must submit a copy of the final research outcome to the Graduate Office upon completion of the project.

Application Procedure:

Student/Faculty team must submit an application packet that consists of the following:

A research proposal: briefly describe the purpose for which the award is requested. Explain the objective, plan of action, and expected results of the project. The application request will be evaluated on the basis of this description. Please indicate why this award is important for the success of your project. (Not to exceed two typed pages with typeface no smaller than 10 point.)

Recommendation of Student: Attach a letter of recommending the undergraduate student you are proposing to include in your project. The recommendation should address whether the award is important to the success of the items specified and if the student is capable of carrying out the research project.

Itemized budget for student award: Explain the basis for estimating the budgeted amount and the importance for each budget item to the proposed research. All requested funds must be expended by August 31, 2009.

Anticipated completion date and submission of final research outcome to the Graduate Office.

Does this project involve animal subjects? If yes, attach the appropriate IRB approval forms.

Does this project involve human subjects? If yes, attach appropriate IRB approval forms.