The Summer Undergraduate Research Institute is a unique, new program that will take place for four weeks this summer. Ten to fifteen undergraduate students will be selected as fellows to perform research projects during Summer Session I (May 27 to June 23). Applications are due no later than 5 p.m. on Mar. 14.
Fellows will pursue a significant research question, contribute to a scholarly endeavor, or produce an artistic/creative work under the supervision of a West Chester University faculty member.
“Research can be a confusing term. It’s not just about test tubes and beakers. It can also be about writing a unique essay or creating a musical composition, for example,” said Dr. Pillay, the associate vice president for research at West Chester University. Clearly, this program can be open to students of all majors and interests.
The Summer Undergraduate Research Institute’s goal is to increase undergraduate interest in, and commitment to, research. It also strives to promote collaboration among students and professors for a mutual research interest.
The Institute will allow students to do work outside of the classroom that will help build their resume and give them experience for future employers.
“It will give students something they can point to on their resume that is unique and shows they did something outside of the classroom,” Pillay said.
Fellows will be provided with a USH housing voucher, three meals a day five days a week, and a stipend of up to $1,500.
On the application, students must explain their project and what they would hope to gain from the program. First, “students and faculty put their heads together and decide on a project of mutual interest,” Pillay said.
The application for the program is available on wcupa.edu/research. Students must work with a faculty mentor to fill out the application.
The application asks students what their project will be, what they hope to obtain from participating, and why they should be chosen for the Institute. Faculty members also have to fill out a key part of the application, as they will be a crucial part of the program.
The application process is competitive and open to full-time undergraduate WCU students and graduating students who are accepted to WCU’s graduate school. Applicants must have at least a 2.5 GPA.
Applications will go through the Office of Sponsored Research on campus. A council, filled with representatives from all the colleges, will review the applications. The applications will be judged by feasibility, originality, scholarly significance, the project’s ability to enhance the student’s development, and methods to share the project outcomes.
The Deans from all the colleges will also review the applications and have a strong input into who is chosen. Fellows will be notified in mid-April if they have been selected.
Throughout the program, fellows will work with their faculty mentor on their research project. Though their faculty mentor does not necessarily have to be on campus every day, fellows will receive daily assignments from them. Some fellows may work off-campus with their mentors as well.
In addition to their individual projects, Dr. Pillay said, “Students will have the opportunity to benefit from insights together.”
Every Friday afternoon, there will be optional group workshops for fellows to attend. These workshops will center on research. Topics may include employment, future research projects, resume building, and graduate school.
All students are encouraged to apply for this unique program. If students have any questions about the program, they can email research@wcupa.edu.
Theresa Kelly is a second-year student majoring in English literature secondary education. She can be reached at TK780615@wcupa.edu.