Undergraduate Research Program

Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships

This program provides $2000 for students to pursue research projects with MSU faculty. Research may be performed on-campus or off during the summer (typically 20 hours per week for 8-10 weeks).

You are encouraged to identify a suitable and willing faculty research advisor for your work. Discuss your initial ideas with your faculty research advisor, narrow or expand the scope of your work as appropriate, and ask for feedback on your written statement. The application procedure is as follows:

  1. Complete the online application.
  2. Create a written description of the project. The statement should be 1200 words maximum, excluding item f, and should include the following:
    • a. the goal of the work: what will you create or invent?
    • b. the potential significance of the project
    • c. any preliminary work accomplished and/or relevant experience of the applicant
    • d. the methods you will use
    • e. a statement noting if IRB approval is needed or not needed. This statement is required for all proposals. For more information about the IRB requirement, please visit http://www.orc.msstate.edu/human/
    • f. a list of all scholarships and other awards that you have received at MSU. If you have received none to date, please indicate this. This list is not included in the 1200 word limit.
  3. A letter of support from the faculty advisor who will supervise the project. This letter should include an assessment of the potential significance of your project as well as a review of your qualifications to carry out the project. The advisor's letter must also include a statement noting if you need or do not need IRB approval. This statement is required in all letters of support.
  4. An unofficial copy of your MSU transcript.

Your statement should be single-spaced and printed on only one side of the page. Please include your name and MSU NetID on each page. Please do not include a cover page, CV, or budget.

Application Submission:

Please complete the online application and bring your written statement and recommendation letter to the Honors Undergraduate Program in the offices of the Shackouls Honors College, 210 Griffis Hall. You may also send these via campus mail to mail stop 9737.

Deadline for application submission is 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 18, 2008.

Selection Process:

A multidisciplinary faculty committee will meet to select the recipients based on the written application. Selection will be based on (a) originality and significance of the work; (b) feasibility of the project; and (c) the student's preparation. The committee also strives to have a balance of disciplines represented.

Reporting:

At the end of the summer (no later than August 31), each student must submit a written summary of their project. In addition, students must prepare a PowerPoint (or PDF) presentation for display on the HURP website. The student’s faculty advisor should be able to assist the student in preparing this. In addition, successful applicants will be asked to participate in an Undergraduate Research Symposium prior to graduation to discuss their results. Finally, successful applicants must acknowledge support from the Honors Undergraduate Research Program and the Shackouls Honors College in any publications resulting from the project.