Program Synopsis

The University Scholars Program introduces undergraduate students at the University of Florida to the exciting world of academic research. In the program, students work one-on-one with UF faculty on selected research projects. Through this initiative, students will take away an understanding of and appreciation for the scholarly method. A competition is held each spring within participating colleges for the University Scholars awards of a $2000 stipend. The program will consist of a full summer of research, followed by continuation of the project during the academic year, under the guidance of a faculty member. The University Scholars Program serves as an exceptional capstone to the academic careers of UF students.

Eligibility

Under College of Engineering guidelines, sophomore, junior and senior engineering students (2EG, 3EG, 4EG or 5EG) with a minimum 3.2 cumulative UF GPA are eligible to participate in the University Scholars Program. Students must meet eligibility requirements at the time of application. Awards will be made available to qualified students in all of the college’s departments.

Requirements to Participate

For the 2010-2011 University Scholars Program, students will conduct research during Summer 2010 and continue their work during the 2010-2011 academic year. Students can complete the research project in a “special topics class” (usually 4905) or high honors project course during the 2010-2011 academic year. Students will have to work with their departmental advisor to have the special topics course added to their schedule. Upon completion of the project, students must write a properly formatted research paper which must be submitted to the UF Journal of Undergraduate Research (JUR) or other scholarly journal for publication. Students are also required to give an oral presentation on their research at the University Scholars Symposium. (Date TBD).

Application Packets

Application packets for the University Scholars Program must be submitted directly to the students major department (Civil, Mechanical, Environmental, Nuclear, etc.) office no later than March 1, 2010. Application packets must contain the following:

1. University Scholars Program Application: USP 2010-2011 Application
2. A typed summary of your proposed research project
3. Letter of Support from a Faculty Mentor
4. Resume

Steps to Apply

1. Seek out and identify a faculty member that is conducting research in an area of interest that would be willing to mentor you during the summer, fall and spring semesters.
2. Prepare a properly formatted (MLA style) research proposal with the assistance of the faculty member.
3. Obtain a letter of support from the faculty member, stating that the mentor agrees to supervise the project and any other supporting information to assist the mentor’s department in choosing its funded projects.
4. Complete the University Scholars Program application along with the correct contact information for the faculty member.
5. Attach your most recent resume.
6. Take your completed application packet to your departmental (ABE, CE, CHE, CCE, EE, ENV, ISE, MSE, MAE, NE & BME) advisor or undergraduate coordinator by the deadline.

Selection Process & Awards

Application Packets will be reviewed & ranked by your department and then submitted to the college for final review and selection by March 5, 2010.  The College will notify students, faculty mentors and departments of the awards by March 30, 2010. Each scholar will receive a $2000 stipend disbursed in two phases: Mid-May ($1000) and mid-September ($1000).

Questions?

If you’d like more information about the University Scholars Program contact the honors office at http://www.scholars.ufl.edu, or visit the Frequently Asked Questions Page at FAQ’s. For more information on the College of Engineering specific requirements, please contact Mr. Jeff Citty in 204 Weil Hall at 352.392.0944 or jcitt@eng.ufl.edu.