Whiteboard with Training

MSGC recognizes that some students are not ready to write a proposal to do research during the academic year, however, they would like to advance their skill set enough to be more prepared to engage in a research project.

STIR is a funding mechanism for faculty to help students ease into research. A faculty member would choose a student with whom they could mentor and would apply for funding for that student by providing the research details and timeline for the proposed work. 

After the faculty applies on behalf of the student and issued an award. The funding will be distributed to the student directly under the supervision of the faculty member. STIR can be used for things such as

  • Studying a training manual for a specific purpose
  • Training a student how to use a piece of equipment
  • Training a student on a scientific technique
  • Mentoring a student on how to write a research proposal

The faculty would mentor the student in various techniques related to their research (not just cleaning glassware or the lab). 

The training period is anticipated to be no more than 90 hours during the academic year. A student being nominated for this opportunity would reasonably be on a very novice level with the expectations of the student potentially moving on to a research opportunity.

Students will receive $13/hour during their training period.  

Applications can be submitted up to March 1, 2025. Faculty can apply through Submittable. 

If you have any questions, please contact MSGC at msgc@montana.edu