Cassel Undergraduate Research Award

Application Process

Who can apply?

Any undergraduate student with a declared major in the Department of Biological Sciences with junior or senior standing. Student applies the spring semester of their sophomore or junior year.

What is the award?

Successful applicants are awarded $3000. Approximately 40% of awarded funds are used for research expenses and 60% of funds are awarded as a scholarship that is disbursed at multiple times during the award year.

How can you apply?

• Discuss your research interests with your advisor or other Department of Biological Sciences faculty. Your faculty mentor can help you to turn your research idea or interest into a research project that is doable within the budget and time frame of the award.
• ​Submit the following materials to the scholarship portal by 4pm, March 1^st
  • A one-page, single-spaced proposal that includes your hypothesis, general research methods, and expected outcomes. Your proposal must include the signature of your faculty mentor, verifying that they have reviewed your proposal.
  • A one-page budget and budget justification (your faculty mentor can assist with this)
  • Your resume
  • Your unofficial transcript(s)

Review Criteria

1. Originality of the research question
2. Feasibility of the research plan
3. Quality of the proposal (well written, clear hypotheses and methods)

Research must be completed within two academic semesters.