College of Sciences & Mathematics
Undergraduate Competitive Research Fellowship Opportunities
GOAL
The goal is to foster participation of undergraduate students in research. Fellowships are for one year (beginning summer, ending in spring).
AVAILABLE FELLOWSHIPS
One Year Fellowships: Year-long fellowships for research with COSAM faculty are available to students who are interested in performing undergraduate research. Each fellowship begins in the summer and extends through to the end of the spring semester.
SEARCH FELLOWSHIP GUIDELINES
Applications for fellowships are available at the beginning of spring semester. Applications are due by February 17, 2012. Announcements of awards will be made by mid April 2012.
The year-long fellowships will begin summer semester, 2012.
Students must have at least sophomore standing by the time they begin the program. Students must have time to complete one year of the program before graduation.
Fellowship requirements:
A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 overall and in major is required to apply. In order to maintain the fellowship, a semester grade point average of 3.0 or better must be maintained.
Time Commitment for fellowship:
During a semester when taking a full load, the amount of time performing research should be equivalent to that spent for an intensive experiential learning practicum for a 3 semester course that has 6 hours of laboratory. During the summer, the student will take no classes and will devote his/her full energies to the research.
Application process:
To complete an application, a one-page statement of a student’s interests in research and general research plan is required. The application form will require information regarding the student and his/her academic background and experience. Two letters of recommendation are required, one of which should be provided by the student’s research mentor. Students are required to identify a mentor prior to submitting their application. The mentor and fellow will sign a Memorandum of Agreement that clearly states the responsibilities of each party.
Reporting requirements:
(1) COSAM Undergraduate Research Fellows are required to give three oral presentations annually: one to the COSAM Leadership Council during the fall semester; one during the spring semester at the Auburn University Research Week; and a third at an appropriate conference (undergraduate research conference, or a conference in your field of study).
(2) A written report/paper or the submission of a copy of the abstract is expected.
Extra Activities:
Fellowship students will participate in informal gatherings throughout the fellowship year to discuss their research activities.
Renewal of fellowships:
A second-year fellowship is possible. The student must compete for the fellowship through the usual selection process. The first-year written report must be included in the application for a second-year fellowship.
Priority will be given to new applicants.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE MENTOR
Mentors should be COSAM faculty who are interested in guiding an undergraduate student and who, on a one-to-one basis, are committed to teaching the student how to perform research.
Faculty mentors are expected to spend a minimum of at least three hours per week during the summer and two hours per week with the fellow during each academic semester, and to teach the fellow the background knowledge and skills required to perform the research. The faculty mentor is expected to be available throughout the summer to provide research guidance and direction to the undergraduate fellow.
FELLOW SELECTION COMMITTEE
The committee is responsible for selecting and reviewing the progress of the undergraduate research fellows. This committee will be composed of the COSAM Associate Dean for Research and one Faculty member from each of the disciplines represented in COSAM. The faculty will have three-year rotating terms.
SUPPORT FOR THE PROGRAM
Interim Dean Charles E. (Chuck) Savrda and friends of the college are providing financial support for this program.
For more information contact:
Dr. Chris Rodger, 844-9226
rodgec1@auburn.edu
FUNDING SCHEDULE
Fellowship stipend: $4,400 ($2,000 summer, $1,200 /academic semester)
Project funds: $1,400 (includes travel to conference)