Fellowships for student summer research available from OURS

OURS-official-logo

Aspiring Radford University student researchers have until Friday, February 6, to apply for a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF).

"The highest levels of learning and teaching that occur on any given campus occur when small teams tackle big questions. Research, scholarship and creative works present a clear path and an engaging quest," said Joe Wirgau, OURS director.

The Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship (OURS) is now inviting proposals from students in all disciplines for the SURF awards. Awards are a $2,000 stipend to the SURF recipient and $500 as a mentor stipend, for supplies or as an additional student stipend. All currently enrolled degree-seeking undergraduate students who will graduate after the Fall 2015 semester are eligible to apply.

"Original research and scholarship are important for developing a deep and practical understanding of any discipline," said Wirgau. "Now is the time for an undergraduate to take advantage of the opportunities available here at RU that can transform student to scholar."

For Summer 2015, SURF will fund a variety of projects in which students engage in original, intellectual or creative contributions to a discipline. Eighteen RU students were SURF recipients in Summer 2014 in majors from the arts, sciences, education and business. The SURF program fosters a community of undergraduate research and engaged scholarship during the summer months at Radford University.

Applications must be completed and submitted by Friday, February 6, 2015. The expectation is that students will work an average of 20 hours a week for 10 weeks under a faculty mentor to complete the proposed project. The faculty mentor should help plan the project, assist with proposal development and actively participate in the implementation of a student’s project. Weekly professional and social functions will be held to support and celebrate the participating students and faculty.

Students are encouraged to make an appointment or visit the OURS office, 706 Fairfax Building, Suite B, Tuesdays, 9 a.m. – noon, and Fridays, 1 – 3 p.m., for guidance and direction on their proposal drafts. For more on the program and the proposal process, visit the OURS website or contact OURS at ours@radford.edu or 540-831-7203.

Jan 27, 2015