What has been changed since the 2019 round?

What has been changed since the 2019 round?

The following are significant changes from the 2019 CUSE Grant cycle:

  • Project Narrative Introductions should now incorporate roles and responsibilities of PI, Co-PI(s), Co-I(s) as applicable. An additional, single-page upload for “Key Personnel” is no longer required.
  • Project-specific software package(s) and/or computer purchases may be allowed with significant justification. Limitations are noted in this year’s RFP.
  • Pre-approval from the PI’s Associate Dean of Research is no longer required for submission

How do I present and/or publish my work?

Syracuse University offers many opportunities to present student research at departmental poster sessions, thesis review presentations, Honors, McNair, or LSAMP presentation days, and SOURCE celebrations of research. You may also want to pursue presenting off-campus at a national conference, where you can receive invaluable feedback from experts in your field and participate in the larger scholarly or creative conversation. Some students might author or co-author publications with their faculty mentor in peer-reviewed journals or journals of undergraduate research.

How do I find funding for my research?

SOURCE offers summer research grants of up to $2800 and academic year grants of up to $5000 for research expenses including supplies, materials, travel, or participant compensation. Summer funding may be used for living expenses. These grant applications are available each October and February. Rolling small grants of up to $800 are available on an ongoing basis. Application requires a description of your project (including budget and timeline), letter from your faculty mentor, resume and transcript. There are other programs and opportunities to support undergraduate research and creative work on campus, including the Honors Program, the McNair Scholars Program, LSAMP, and many others.

What is a faculty mentor and how do I find one?

All student research projects must be guided by a professor. Some students assist faculty with their larger research projects and others propose their own independent project with guidance from the faculty mentor. Before you approach a prospective faculty mentor, be sure that you have examined their research interests on the department web page, and even read some of their recent publications.  Request a meeting with a professional email and come prepared to discuss your own interests, skills, availability, and future goals. It will likely take some persistence to find a mentor; SOURCE is here to help support you through the process.

How do I get started? What do I need know?

SOURCE offers weekly information sessions to help you get started thinking about your participation in research activities and to connect you with the appropriate resources.  Talk to your professors about their research, connect with your department leadership, and talk to fellow students. SOURCE Student Research Mentors also hold weekly office hours to assist students. Start reading the literature in your field of study and look at the faculty research interests on your department web page.