March 26, 2003 Student News
Students
Granted Money to Fulfill Research Projects
From the Utah Statesman
(3/24/03)
 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 two groups also funded 16 students last fall.
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."
Purcell said she was also very grateful for the grant.
"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
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