Program Objectives
The ACES Undergraduate Research Scholarship Program is designed to develop and foster student interest in scholarly research in a broad range of biological, physical, and social science disciplines related to solving problems in the food, agricultural, consumer, and environmental sciences. Eligible students enrolled in the College of ACES are invited to apply for support for original research projects. Students conduct research projects under faculty guidance comparable to that given to graduate students. This is an opportunity for qualified students to explore the rapidly expanding frontiers of science and technology, meet major new intellectual challenges, and contribute to scientific knowledge.
Eligibility
Students are eligible for the ACES Undergraduate Research Scholarship Program if they meet the following general requirements:
- Reach either junior or senior status in an undergraduate degree program by the time that the project will be conducted;
- Be officially enrolled with a declared academic major in the College of ACES;
- Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or higher.
Approved projects are funded up to $1,000, based on a project budget submitted with the application. Students whose projects are approved are also awarded a $400 merit scholarship for the semester during which the research project is conducted.
Application
All proposals for projects beginning during the summer or fall terms must be submitted no later than the first Monday in April each year. Proposals for projects beginning in the spring term must be submitted by the first Monday in November of the preceding year. The research advisor for the proposed project must have a faculty appointment in the College of ACES.
Applicants are strongly urged to identify and define an appropriate research project well in advance of the application deadline. Application forms and other program information are available from the Honors Secretary in ACES Academic Programs (104 Mumford Hall).
Preparing the Research Proposal
Project proposals should follow the format shown on the application form and be limited to two pages plus a budget page and a title page. The project budget should itemize all funds necessary to support the proposed research. Allowable expenses include laboratory supplies (e.g., chemicals, glassware, lab animals, plant materials), other disposable supplies, and off-campus travel necessary to collect data. Funds will not be provided for labor or major equipment.
In general, students receiving academic credit for their research studies will be expected to use other resources to support needed computer time; projects involving specialized computer needs will be considered as exceptions. Any budget items that are not self-explanatory should be justified in footnotes.
Presentation of Research Findings
project report (2-3 pages) summarizing research findings must be submitted in writing to the Honors Dean at the conclusion of the project so that funds can be released and accounts can be settled with the research advisor's department. Students are also expected to display their findings in a poster session competition at ExplorACES held each spring.
An undergraduate researcher whose paper has been accepted and who plans to present research results at a professional meeting may apply for up to $200 to help defray travel expenses.
Projects that lead to publication of full-length papers in peer-reviewed journals may qualify for up to $200 toward publication expenses. To qualify, the published paper must list the undergraduate researcher as an author and acknowledge support of the ACES Undergraduate Research Scholarship Program.
Requests for supplemental funding should be made by letter to the Honors Dean and should provide evidence that an appropriate research paper has been scheduled for presentation and/or accepted for publication. Requests for travel funds must be submitted to the Honors Dean at least thirty (30) days prior to professional meetings.
Academic Credit
Undergraduate researchers may receive academic credit (typically up to 3 hours) by registering for an independent study course (usually DEPT 295 [for non-James Scholars] or DEPT 396 [for James Scholars]) during the semester in which the research project is completed. Standard registration procedures must be observed, with the final grade to be assigned by the research advisor when all project requirements have been met.
Challenging Tomorrow's Scientists
Our agricultural, consumer, and environmental science resource systems are complex and rapidly changing. Recent advances in information technology and biotechnology serve to underline the profound importance of today's agricultural science to society. Scientists are now using these tools to improve the production and utilization of food, fiber, fuels, chemical feedstocks, and other agricultural-related commodities while preserving our fragile environment and depletable natural resources.
Tomorrow's scientists will be at the forefront of scientific investigation, exploring even more sophisticated means of producing high-quality products, maximizing the use of our resources, and enhancing the quality of our daily lives. Many professionally trained graduates of the College of ACES will fill these critical roles. The ACES Undergraduate Research Scholarship Program introduces highly qualified students to the fascinating and challenging world of agricultural, consumer, and environmental science research. By providing opportunities for student researchers to investigate important scientific problems and present new knowledge, we seek to increase their professional competency and help prepare them for the even greater challenges in the 21st century.
The ACES Undergraduate Research Scholarship Program is funded through private donations to the University of Illinois College of ACES.
