Student Research and Creative Activities

The Summer Undergraduate Research Experience provides an intensive research experience for students working one-on-one with a faculty mentor. Students receive training in the research methods applicable to their specific project, employ critical analysis, and create written and oral presentations of their results. Students will receive funding for project supplies, hourly pay through student employment, and faculty will be compensated for their time. Please follow the link in this drop-down or on the menu to the right for more information. Students can be considered for full time (40 hours per week), part time (20 hours per week), and independent (10 hours per week) roles. You and your faculty mentor will indicate with mentor model you would like to participate in on the application. Applications are due sometime in March.

In order to be considered for one of these grants you must be an undergraduate student. Seniors may not apply for Westminster Summer Undergraduate Research Program funds that occur after their graduation. Students must also have a faculty mentor and in most cases, a project in mind. The research can be proposed by the student, by the student and faculty working together, or by the faculty member. Research projects from all disciplines are eligible to apply and can include a broad range of ideas. Check out some of the projects that have been funded in the past:

• The creation and recording of a modern jazz album followed by research and writing on the composition process of each piece.
• A project which focused on answering the question, “Is Print Really Dead?” This student created a webpage to help viewers understand the history of print media and its importance.
• The creation of a digital book exhibit which highlighted BIPOC voices of the west.
• A quantitative study which focused on how halophiles interact with both salt-tolerant and non-salt tolerant plants at the Great Salt Lake.
• A qualitative study which focused on the investigation into the experience of gender dysphoria among nonbinary adults.

The Westminster Student Showcase gives you the opportunity to share your research, internships, professional and clinical experiences, field studies, and more with the community.

Learn more about the Student Showcase

These grants act as a stipend for independent Summer Research Experience mentored by a faculty member.

• Number of awards: 3
• Award amount: $3,500 stipend

Eligibility

• Has completed at least 4 Honors College classes by the end of the spring semester
• Does not have another summer job requiring more than 20 hours per week

Expectations

• Complete a 2–3 page mid project report for the Honors College dean
• Submit a final 3–5 page report detailing the research or creative activity
• Present to the Honors College community
• Encouraged to present results at a local, state, or national conference

Application

The application consists of:

• A 250-word project abstract
• A project process description
• An impact statement
• 2 faculty letters of support

Application Deadline

Early March

The Ronald E. McNair Scholars Summer Research Program provides a stipend and on-campus housing for McNair students holding junior status for 30–40 hours per week for 8 weeks of supervised research and participation in McNair activities.

• Number of awards: 8–10
• Award amount:
  • $2800 stipend

Eligibility

Any Westminster student who is enrolled in the McNair Program.

Expectations

• Participate in McNair workshops
• Present research results at the on-campus McNair symposium
• Are encouraged to present at external conferences
• Are encouraged to submit a final report for publication in an online journal

Application Process

APPLY NOW

Application Deadline

End of March

Support for projects focused on environmental learning and action on campus or in the community.

• Number of awards: 2
• Award amount: Up to $500 project support

Eligibility

Open to all Westminster students

Expectations

Award recipients submit a final report to the director of the Environmental Center, Keaton Schrank (kschrank@westminsteru.edu).

Application Process

Email Keaton Schrank, director of the Environmental Center (kschrank@westminsteru.edu), for more information about applying for the award.

Application Deadline

Ongoing

The Great Salt Lake Institute offers various grants and programs for students interested in research that pertains to the Great Salt Lake.

Staff and faculty looking to apply for grants for campus projects are welcome to look over the sponsored projects webpage.

IPSL Global Engagement’s mission of service is rooted in advocacy for the NGOs and organizations in which IPSL students serve. The IPSL’s Advocacy Research Program provides students an opportunity to learn about and engage in professional research to produce relevant, useful information for the benefit of non-profits, NGOs and community development organizations around the world. Unique to the IPSL program, students develop a keen insight into the human research subject ethical review process in an international context with immediate, practical application.

For more information, or to apply, please visit the IPSL Research in Service webpage or email ipsl@westminsteru.edu. 

Geek Fest is an annual presentation of student research during the Fall semester. Students who have participated in the university summer research program as well as individual research projects are invited to present their work and receive feedback to prepare for any presentations or conferences they will be attending throughout the school year. Information regarding applying to present or attending Geek Fest is sent out late August or early September.