College of Science and Mathematics
Undergraduate Student Research Awards
Two funding opportunities are available to support undergraduate student research. Students may apply for one or both awards. Because funding is limited, awards are granted competitively based on the quality and completeness of the proposal. If the number of meritorious proposals exceeds available funding, recipients may receive less than the amount requested.
- Undergraduate Research Awards (URAs) provide a stipend for students to conduct research.
- Student Research Grants (SRGs) provide funds for supplies, services, and/or travel to conduct research.
Deadlines
It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the Kuali form is fully completed and received by the College of Science and Mathematics by 5:00 PM on the following dates:
For funding beginning Fall 2026, apply by September 4, 2026.
For funding beginning Spring 2027, apply by November 13, 2026.
For funding beginning Summer 2027, apply by April 9, 2027.
Application Process (via Kuali online submission)
- Student will complete the Project Description and Budget Justification (with guidance and feedback from the faculty mentor).
- The student must submit the application (not the faculty mentor).
- Faculty mentor will complete the Faculty Recommendation section of the form, and then submit it for Approval.
- It is the student’s responsibility to ensure the Kuali form is fully completed and submitted to COSM before 5:00 PM on the application due date. Early submissions will be accepted and are encouraged to ensure changes, if any, can be made in a timely fashion.
Expectations and Requirements
- Research must be independent of regular coursework (excepting Independent Study / Research Course credit).
- If the proposal involves the use of human subjects (including those using surveys, interviews, etc.) or vertebrate animals, approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) or Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), respectively, must be obtained. Proposals involving use of recombinant DNA and/or a biohazard, unless specifically exempted by NIH Guidelines, must be reviewed and approved by the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC). If an assistantship is a part of the funds requested, compliance approval must be obtained prior to application deadline. If only supplies are requested and compliance approval is pending, faculty mentor must submit proof of approval prior to release of funds.
- Tarleton Policies and Procedures must be followed when receiving/spending award funds.
- Students must access their funds by working through their faculty mentor and departmental administrative assistant or purchaser.
- Funds may be requested for supplies, services, and/or travel to collect data in addition to Assistantships.
- For reimbursements, original receipts/invoices are required.
- If students are using funds for traveling to collect data, only fuel receipts will be reimbursed, not mileage. The student must fill the gas tank upon leaving for the trip, then refuel immediately upon returning. It is the refueling receipt that is reimbursable.
- All equipment and unused supplies purchased with awarded funds remain the property of Tarleton State University.
- Awardees will be expected to present their results at a campus venue if possible, and are encouraged to present at off-campus venues (conferences).
Types of Awards
This undergraduate funding opportunity offers a maximum award of $2,000.00, which can consist of only an undergraduate assistantship stipend, or a combination of a research grant and assistantship stipend.
Undergraduate Research Assistantship (URA)
- Up to $1,000.00 for Fall or Spring semester, with the expectation of 100 hours engaged in research.
- You may also apply for Fall and Spring semester for $1,000.00/semester and a total stipend of $2,000.00
- Up to $2,000.00 for Summer with the expectation of a 10-week research equivalence and the equivalent of 3-4 hours each day engaged in research-related activities (approximately 20 hours per week).
Student Research Grant (SRG)
You must complete the Project Budget Justification section in the Kuali Form.
- Up to $1,000.00 for supplies or materials for the project.
Undergraduate Research Award Eligibility
Qualified undergraduate students in the College of Science and Mathematics wishing to be engaged in intensive, faculty-mentored research are eligible to apply. Prior to applying, a faculty mentor must first agree to mentor the student and proposed research project. The award is non-transferable to another student or another faculty mentor. Any student who has been funded through a Faculty-Student Research and Creative Activity Internal Grant is not eligible to apply.