Deadlines approach for undergraduate research programs and conferences

As the fall semester winds down, deadlines for spring undergraduate research conferences and/or summer undergraduate research programs are approaching.

Students who have already completed or are working currently on an undergraduate research project are encouraged to apply to several conferences either here in Blacksburg, the region, or the country.

• The University of Pittsburgh is hosting the ninth annual Atlantic Coast Conference Meeting of the Minds Conference on April 3-5, 2014. This conference focuses on undergraduate research and creative scholarship at the 15 ACC member schools. Virginia Tech students must apply by Jan. 14, 2014.
• The Virginia Tech Undergraduate Research Conference will be held on April 18, 2014, at the Graduate Life Center. The deadline for applications and abstracts will be in March 2014. Application and additional information will be released in January and posted on the undergraduate research website and Facebook page. Students who participate in this conference are eligible to apply for conference travel funds from the university.

Deadlines to apply to summer research programs varies, with some due later this year while others are due in early to mid-spring.

• The National Science Foundation offers hundreds of Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU’s). Deadlines vary by program, but most have deadlines early in the spring semester. Virginia Tech is home to at least nine of these programs, one of which is in an international setting.
• The Fralin Life Science Institute Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) is a 10-week training program designed to give motivated Virginia Tech undergraduates the opportunity to engage in full-time research and related professional development activities that mirror graduate training. Participants receive a $4,000 stipend. Applications are due on Feb. 10, 2014.
• The Transportation Undergraduate Research Fellowship (TURF) program is a 10-week training program designed to give motivated Virginia Tech undergraduates interested in the challenges presented broadly by transportation. The experience offers the opportunity to engage in full-time research and related professional development activities that mirror graduate training. Participants receive a $4,000 stipend. Applications are due on Feb. 10, 2014.
• The Scieneering Program, funded by a prestigious Howard Hughes Medical Institute Science Education Grant, provides students an interdisciplinary learning experience. Participants pursue one of two available minors and complete at least one semester of research. A stipend of $2,500 is available for a fall or spring semester of research; $4,000 is available for full-time summer research. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
• The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Creativity and Innovation Grants support undergraduates involved in student-driven projects at each of the ACC member campuses. The grants use proceeds from the ACC Football Championship Game as well as supplemental allocations by individual universities to enhance academic experiences of students. Applications are due Feb. 17, 2014, for summer research projects.

For more information about undergraduate research at Virginia Tech, including a calendar of events and resources to get involved in and enhance research opportunities, visit Virginia Tech's undergraduate research website.

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