Support for Student Research

There are a number of ways a student can find support for a research project. One of the most common is from the University Undergraduate Research Committee (UExplore). The Committee funds student research during the fall and spring semesters, as well as during the summer. For the fall and spring semesters, a student may request up to $1000 in research support; this money goes directly toward the purchase of necessary supplies for the research project. For the summer, up to $2000 in research support is available, as well as a summer stipend of $3,500 and a free housing for 10 weeks of research work.

The Committee funds student research projects based on the quality of a proposal submitted by the student. Writing the proposal can be a great learning experience, and one of the faculty members in the department will give you assistance and guidance.

Some of the Chemistry Department faculty have their own funded research grants. Such grants provide money for purchasing equipment and supplies for a specific research project. Since the faculty strongly believe that research in the department should involve student participation, in most cases such grants provide for student summer stipends ($3,500 for 10 weeks of work). Normally, the Undergraduate Research Committee will provide free summer housing for students supported by faculty grants.

In addition, the Department recently received an award from the Merck/AAAS Undergraduate Science Research Program that provides summer research support for six students in both biology and chemistry departments from 2007 through 2009. For information about this grant, please email Dr. Kristy Miller at km123@evansville.edu.