The Undergraduate Research Program in the Department of Geological Sciences provides funds to enable undergraduate students to conduct meaningful field- and laboratory-based research as part of their MU education.  We plan to fund ~5 undergraduate projects each year at up to $3,000 per project. 

We hope that this program will encourage and reward research starting early in our students’ careers.  Our students will be more competitive and better prepared for graduate school and the work force.  Integrating meaningful research into our undergraduate curriculum allows us to create a unique role relative to other state-funded universities in Missouri. 

The principal source of funding for these grants is the John and Betty Marshall Opportunities for Excellence Endowment in the Geological Sciences.  The description of this endowment is as follows:  “The fund shall be used as a recurring means of support for the Department of Geological Sciences.  The fund shall be used to promote professional growth by stimulating opportunities for teaching, research, and service that will elevate individual units and people to higher levels of achievement, with first priority being given to support for undergraduate students.” 

Eligibility:  The recipient must be a declared MU Geological Sciences major and enrolled in either Independent Study in Geology (GEOL 2100), Problems in Geological Sciences (GEOL 3085), or Senior Thesis (GEOL 4950), with preference given to Senior Thesis students.  The grant may be received once during the student’s undergraduate degree program.    

Award:  The student can receive up to $3,000 to pay for such things as supplies, travel to field sites, and analyses necessary to accomplish the proposed research. 

Proposal:  It is expected that the student, with faculty input, will be responsible for the framing of the proposal.  The proposal should be no more than 2 pages long and include the hypothesis, background, justification for the research, and references. 

Budget:  In conjunction with the faculty advisor, the student should put together a budget of expected expenses, including a short explanation of these expenses. 

Reporting:  The student will be expected to give a short oral presentation in the Department of Geological Sciences and to complete a written report, submitted to the Department Chair and archived in department records, that documents the work accomplished. 

Application Form:  The application should be submitted via the Undergraduate Research Program Proposal form.   

Deadlines:  Proposals will be accepted throughout the year.  Completed applications should be submitted to the Department Chair and will be reviewed by the Department Chair and the Director of Undergraduate Studies.