Undergraduate Research Initiative

[1995] The purpose of this grant proposal is to encourage and facilitate undergraduate student research collaborations with faculty in aerospace science and engineering. Money from the grant would be used to provide scholarship assistance to worthy students who have submitted research project proposals to the Undergraduate Scholars Program. These proposals, submitted with the prior approval of the supervising faculty member, would be reviewed by the Director of the Undergraduate Scholars Program, and if eligible, would receive tuition assistance. Small project support grants would also be available for materials and project expenses. All students would be encouraged to present their findings upon completion of the project at the Undergraduate Scholars Conference. Dr. Sharon Eversman, Director

[1996] Funded this year by MSGC, the program was very successful, and served as an excellent model for three other new undergraduate research programs. The main goal of the program is to provide more opportunities for students to actually do science rather than just study it. This kind of activity has been shown to improve student success in other classes, in graduate school, and in the job market. Money from this grant will provide hourly pay to students who submit worthy research project proposals, using the MSGC/USP guidelines. These proposals, submitted with the endorsement of the supervising faculty member, will be reviewed by the MSGC and USP Directors. All students will be encouraged to present their findings upon completion of the project at the annual Undergraduate Scholars Conference. Dr. Sharon Eversman, Director

[1997] Since February 1, 1995, 25 undergraduate students have received funding through the Montana Space Grant Consortium. They have represented nine departments in the Colleges of Arts and Architecture, Engineering, and Letters and Science. The numbers of inquiries from students are increasing, especially from the atmospheric and space disciplines. During the 5th annual Undergraduate Scholars Conference, April 26, 1996, four students presented papers based on work funded by the MSGC, and one student presented his work to the Montana Board of Regents in November, 1996. Dr. Sharon Eversman, Director

[1998] During 1997, 17 different students participated in undergraduate research projects related to space and atmospheric sciences, supported by the Montana Space Grant Consortium through the Undergraduate Scholars Program. Two students presented papers at the Undergraduate Scholars Conference in April, 1997, one student's robot was in a parade in Bozeman, one student built lasers currently used in research, and three students presented posters at the MSU OpTeC Conference. The solar car project did not compete in 1997, but students are involved in the project and are expected to prepare to compete in 1998. Dr. Sharon Eversman, Director

[1999] During 1998, 12 students participated in undergraduate research projects related to space and atmospheric sciences, supported by the Montana Space Grant Consortium through the Undergraduate Scholars Program. Two students presented papers at the Undergraduate Scholars Conference in April 1998 and three students presented posters at the MSU OpTeC Conference. One student, funded by USP, presented a poster on solar atmospheric magnetic systems at the National Council on Undergraduate Research Poster Session for Congress in Washington, D.C. in April 1998. The solar car project did not compete in 1997 or 1998, but students are again involved in the project and are expected to prepare to compete in 1999.

In 1999, 16 undergraduates participated in research projects related to areas funded by the Space Grant Office. A female student presented a poster, entitled "In-Situ Iron Reduction and Chromium Remediation with Bacteria at the Council on Undergraduate Research in Washington, DC on April 14, 1999. On April 15, 1999, the 8th Annual Undergraduate Scholars Conference was held at MSU. Presentations by students supported through this program included 2 posters and 3 oral presentations. Students made other presentations on campus and in high school classrooms. Dr. Sharon Eversman, Director

[2000] In its sixth year of support by the Montana Space Grant Consortium, the Montana State University Undergraduate Scholars Program offers undergraduate students up to $1,500 in support of their research projects during the academic year. Before applying, the student must have a well-focused project to work on, and a faculty sponsor willing to collaborate on that project. The student then must submit to the Undergraduate Scholars Program office, a duplicate completed application form and a proposal describing the project. Upon completion of the project, the student must submit a final report. Final reports must be written in a style suitable for publication if the paper were to be submitted to a journal. The faculty sponsor must approve all final reports. Dr. Lisa Graumlich, Director

[2001]  The Montana State University Undergraduate Scholars Program continues to offer undergraduate students financial support of their research projects during the academic year.  Program administrators began to develop evaluation methods that track the performance of USP students as compared to students who do not participate in undergraduate research.  Of specific interest are the proportion of students entering graduate or professional degree programs, the number finding employment in science and technology fields and the number of publications and scientific presentations.  In addition, the involvement of underrepresented groups in science and engineering will be tracked. 

[2002]  During 2002-03, 9 students received funding through MSGC's support of the Undergraduate Scholars Program.  One female student won the R.G. Martin Scholarship offered by MSU's Microbiology Department.  A second female student won the Irving L. Weisman Undergraduate Biomedical Scholarship which enabled her to present her research at a national scientific meeting.  Both students participated in the preparation of scientific experiments which flew aboard the ill-fated Columbia Shuttle.  Dr. Steven Holmgren, Director

Contact Information

Mail:	Dr. Steven Holmgren, Director
	Undergraduate Scholar's Program
	Montana State University
	Bozeman, MT 59717