What is an URCA Associate?
An URCA Associate works with a full-time, tenured or tenure-track faculty mentor to lead their own research project or creative activity. Associates will work continuously for both the fall and spring semesters to complete their approved URCA project. Associates submit a proposal in the spring, and upon acceptance into the Associate cohort, will complete their proposed research in the following academic year. View guidelines for the proposal. Ten students will be selected each year. These students may receive up to $2400 in awards, and the department will receive funding to purchase materials for the student's project. Among other responsibilities, Associates will be expected give presentations about URCA to undergraduate classes on campus and attend monthly URCA Associate meetings.
Proposal Due Date: March 29, 2024
Responsibilities:
- Lead an independent project
- Manage a project budget
- Attend mandatory monthly URCA Associate meetings
- Serve as an URCA ambassador 6 times during the academic year. An ambassador may present URCA presentations to undergraduate classes, attend SIUE Preview Day, etc.
- Submit an Interim Report Summary (end of Fall semester)
- Participate in the URCA Symposium (Undergraduate Showcase)
Benefits:
- Receive up to $2,400 for the academic year
- $500 for materials related to project
- $400 for travel to present research or creative activity
- Opportunity to work closely with faculty mentor
- Opportunity to develop scholarly relationships with other URCA Associates
- Develop leadership skills
- Opportunity to publish project results in professional journals.
