Rewards for Research: UT Dallas Undergrads Can Earn Money for Studies

University of Texas at Dallas students can now earn money to support their research through the new Undergraduate Research Scholar Award Program.

The awards pay $500 to students and $300 to faculty members to cover laboratory equipment, travel or other project-related expenses.

The funds will be granted for a single semester and will be given by the Office of the Vice President for Research, headed by Dr. Bruce Gnade. The program launched Oct. 1.

“We strongly encourage student involvement in the research work of the University,” Gnade said. “While incentives and compensation are common at the graduate level, we believe it is equally important to engage and challenge our undergraduates.”

Because funds are limited, awards will be made on a competitive basis. The research can be in any field, so long as it focuses on a serious, credible topic and has faculty supervision.

Senior faculty members and the Office of the Vice President for Research will evaluate the applications. Awards will be based on the research topic, proposal quality and faculty adviser commitment. Applications are due at 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 15.

When the project is finished, the student must submit a one-page research summary, and the faculty sponsor must certify the project’s completion. In the future, students probably will have an opportunity to present their findings, and a prize may be given for the most outstanding project.

“UT Dallas students will benefit not only in terms of advancing their knowledge of the research topic, but also by developing valuable and sophisticated skills in self-discovery and inquiry,” Gnade added. “They also will gain by getting to know faculty and senior research staff, who can ultimately provide them with career guidance and references.”

To get more information or to apply, visit www.utdallas.edu/research. Questions also can be sent to undergraduateresearch@utdallas.edu.

About UT Dallas

The University of Texas at Dallas, located at the convergence of Richardson, Plano and Dallas in the heart of the complex of major multinational technology corporations known as the Telecom Corridor, enrolls more than 14,500 students. The school’s freshman class traditionally stands at the forefront of Texas state universities in terms of average SAT scores. The University offers a broad assortment of bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs. For additional information about UT Dallas, please visit the University’s website at www.utdallas.edu.

---