Students Granted Money to Fulfill Research Projects

Undergraduate Research and Creative Opportunities, along with the Office of the Vice President for Research, funded research for 16 Utah State University students this spring.

The maximum funding for any project is $1,000, with 50 percent of that being funded by the Office of the Vice President for Research.

Joyce Kinkead, vice president for Undergraduate Studies and Research, said, "Annually, we set aside $10,000 from VP research to fund undergraduate research projects."

The requirements for the grant are listed on the USU Web site at www.usu.edu/vpr/funding/urco/.

According to the Web site, "Any properly registered undergraduate student in good academic standing may apply."

Faculty have the opportunity to recognize hopeful students, but the student is entirely responsible for the application.

Some of the items each student must submit are a cover page with an enclosed application, a proposal describing the project, a letter of approval from a faculty adviser, a budget page stating precise costs and fund requests, and documentation of matching support from his department.

Matt Spencer, an undergraduate research partner, takes care of all of the nuts and bolts of URCO.

"I run an orientation meeting and help session and offer any assistance to people wanting help with their grant proposals," he said.

Spencer said he also takes notes at the review meetings, where the applicants of the grant are decided, and composes letters including comments to all of the grant applicants.

"Students who apply for grants are usually already involved in research and apply for grants to have the opportunity of managing their own research project," Spencer said. "In some cases, students use URCO funds to get involved in research if they are unable to find other means of doing so."

According to the Web site, the evaluation criteria involve evidence of research or creativity in a project design and the promise that the project will be a significant learning experience for the student. Matching funds must be committed and clearly stated on cover and budget pages, and there must be a clear budget request. The application should meet specifications and deadlines and include a project timeline.

Chris Bentley, an undergraduate student who received the grant, said he attended a workshop at USU to learn the proper way to write a grant.

"I had no idea that it was such a specific style of writing and really benefited from the workshop," Bentley said. "It was a difficult process but a good experience."

Jaime Purcell, another undergraduate grant winner, who is doing her research in organic chemistry, said she sent in all of the information and proposals needed, and the URCO office sent her a letter in the mail saying her research deserved a grant.

"Once the research proposal was written, the rest was pretty easy," Purcell said.

Bentley said the funding lasts until the student finishes his research.

"I am really excited to have this opportunity. I feel privileged that I was chosen," Bentley said. "I don't think a lot of students know that this program exists."

"I feel really fortunate to have obtained this grant, because the money will not only help financially support further research but will allow me to travel to conferences throughout the United States and share this research with others in my field," she said.

Spencer said, "Most students who apply are highly motivated and are looking for ways to further their own education or gain experiences.

"I received a grant last fall and thought it to be a great experience. Actually conducting the research was just as rewarding. I have been able to present my research at several venues and am now preparing to submit my work for publication."

By Staci Peterson; stacipete@cc.usu.edu