Undergraduate Research Scholar Program
Purpose
The purpose of the CISER Undergraduate Research Program is to encourage undergraduate
students interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) to be
engaged in an authentic research experience.
Program Description
The TTU/HHMI Undergraduate Research Scholars (URS) were the cornerstone of our program.
We support early and continuous involvement by undergraduate students in long-term
research projects, mentored by faculty. Since 1992, we have supported the research
efforts of over 500 students. These students have been authors on over 110 scientific
publications (including first authorship and publications in the leading journals
of the respective fields).
They have presented their research at over 350 professional scientific meetings. CISER
supports many student groups. In 1997, the undergraduate research Scholars created
a recognized student organization on campus, the TTU/HHMI Scholar Service Organization
(SSO). Monthly SSO meetings facilitate planning for Scholar research and service projects
like the TTU/HHMI Undergraduate Research Conference (now sponsored by TTU), community-wide
Hike 4 Health, TTU Research Carnival, Scholar Research Forum, Research Retreats to
the TTU Junction Campus with Clark/PRISM/PBBP Scholars, involvement in K-12 schools,
tutoring TTU students and sponsoring Research Roundtables with faculty mentors. The
SSO meetings also provide an opportunity for scholars to socialize and share their
research and educational experiences, building relationship that last a lifetime.
The TTU SACNAS Chapter was established by CISER in 2003 as the first in the nation
and offers opportunities for research travel and meeting support for underrepresented
minorities in science. The successful NIH Bridges to Baccalaureate Program Scholars
receives event funding and undergraduate research opportunities at Texas Tech when
they transfer from South Plains College.
Scholars are award-winning leaders at Texas Tech and continue to excel as stellar
TTU alumni, who are involved with CISER as mentors and supporters of the program.
Note: The program does not provide room and board during the summer or academic year.
It does not pay tuition and fees. The award does not qualify a student for in-state
tuition.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this program, students must:
- be a full-time undergraduate students in good academic standing;
- be interested in research and service in the STEM disciplines;
- be either an American citizen or permanent resident, or, in the case of foreign nationals, hold a visa allowing her/him to work in this country;
- be committed to a long-term research experience, and be able and willing to maintain a serious and ongoing commitment to their research project during the academic year;
- and have worked on a research project for at least 3 months and have a recommendation/evaluation from their faculty research mentor or supervisor who should describe the applicant's abilities relative to the potential success of to be eligible for scholarship support.
The URS application is open year round, and applicants are interviewed when Scholar
positions become available. If selected and pending satisfactory progress, Scholars
may be renewed for each subsequent year, until graduation.
Questions? Contact Julie Isom, Associate Director of Research @ CISER julie.isom@ttu.edu
DISCLAIMER: Texas Tech University is committed to the principle that in no aspect of its programs
shall there be differences in the treatment of persons because of race, creed, national
origin, age, sex or disability, and that equal opportunity and access to facilities
shall be available to all.
CISER: Center for the Integration of STEM Education & Research
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Address
CISER, Box 43131, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409 -
Phone
806.742.2883 -
Email
ciser@ttu.edu