Undergraduate research work takes many forms but is characterized by a spirit of inquiry, participation in the active conversation of a scholarly, professional or creative field of study, and guidance by a faculty mentor. Student research and creative projects may be produced by students at all levels in classes, labs, recitals, as part of a distinction or thesis program, or independently. Participating in undergraduate research helps you apply what you are learning in class, find a mentor, improve your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and pursue a topic that fascinates you.
What is undergraduate research and why should I get involved?
I am writing a research proposal for the application to a CUSE grant, but not sure I should apply for a seed grant or for an innovative and interdisciplinary research grant. Can you advise?
It is your decision to apply for either a seed grant or an innovative and interdisciplinary research grant, but the funding limit is different and the competition may be different within each pool of applicants.
My project requires specialized instrumentation to conduct the work. Is it allowable to purchase equipment with CUSE grant funds?
Yes, equipment purchases are allowable up to a total of $5,000 for Innovative and Interdisciplinary Research Grants, and Good to Great Grants.
My proposed project duration is shorter than two years long. Is it allowable to submit a one-year project instead of for two years?
Yes, the RFP references funding durations for up to two years. It does not mandate that projects must be two years in duration. However, in terms of future eligibility, if you receive a CUSE grant as the leading PI in 2018, you cannot apply for a second CUSE grant until 2020 (i.e.- 2 years after receiving initial CUSE grant), even if the project is less than 2 years in duration.
It sounds like CUSE grants are expected to be interdisciplinary. My project is strongly disciplinary and does not lend itself to an interdisciplinary approach. May I still apply for a CUSE grant?
Yes, you can apply for a research CUSE grant as the only PI. While the CUSE grants program promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, applications from disciplinary research areas with great potential to further scholarship, or that may lead to extramural funding opportunities are also encouraged.