Undergraduate Research

Mission Statement

 

The Center for Undergraduate Research at ATU serves the student population by providing information about research opportunities, funding of student research, and developing research skills for the future. In line with the ATU Strategic Plan, the Center for Undergraduate Research strives to achieve the goals outlined under Goal 1 (1.9 and 1.10). Ultimately, our goal is to empower and enable students to gain valuable research experience and skills that can be equipped for a meaningful and satisfying future upon graduation. This is achieved in three ways:

1.       Provide support, through internal research grants, for faculty and students to conduct research of the highest quality. This includes internal funding through grants, developmental workshops, special skills training, and other opportunities and services.

2.       Encourage and promote the use of co-curricular and high-impact educational practices such as student research, service learning, interdisciplinary project-based courses, and other learning opportunities.

3.       Elevate the level of undergraduate scholarship and research by increasing the visibility of research across campus through various outlets such as annual symposia, student-led conferences and thematic panel presentations, and applied research opportunities in the greater Russellville and Arkansas communities.

Undergraduate Research Grant Information and Application

OTHER ReSEARCH AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

 

SURF (Scholars Undergraduate Research Fellowship)

The Student Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program is designed to allow undergraduate students to conduct in-depth research projects in their specific fields of study with the assistance of faculty mentors. To be eligible to apply for these funds, students must have a minimum GPA of 3.25, 30 or more hours of credit toward his/her degree at the time of funding, and the support of a faculty mentor. The student must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident alien. For more information, contact the ATU Office of Research and Sponsored Programs at ospui@atu.edu.

Mahlon Martin Fellowship

In 1995 the SILO Advisory Council lost one of its most valued members, Mr. Mahlon Martin. Because of his lifetime work in the government, we will honor his memory by awarding fellowships for students majoring in public service field. These fields would include but not be limited to public administration, political science, sociology and social work. The Mahlon Martin Fellowship will require no institutional match, and will enable the student to be paid for additional research, as well as expanded travel budget. We encourage students with a diverse background to apply for the SURF program and the Mahlon Martin Fellowship. For more information, contact the ATU Office of Research and Sponsored Programs at ospui@atu.edu.

Arkansas SPACE GRANT CONSORTIUM

The Arkansas Space Grant Consortium (ASGC) is a pivotal part of a nationwide network funded by NASA to enhance America's aerospace science and technology capabilities. ASGC partners with 17 four-year universities and colleges across Arkansas, dedicated to advancing space science education, research, and public outreach. Through scholarships, research grants, and educational programs, ASGC supports students and faculty in STEM fields, aligning with NASA's mission to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers. This commitment underscores ASGC's role in fostering a culture of innovation and discovery within Arkansas and beyond. For information regarding the Regional Space Grant Consortium homepages, Arkansas NASA/EPSCoR Research Grant Program, ASGC Campus Representatives, NASA Educator Resource Center, NASA Research Compendium, and ASGC Documents, please refer to http://arkansasspacegrant.org/You may also contact Dr. Hankins at mhankins1@atu.edu or (479) 968-0340.

NASA Academy

NASA Academy is an intensive resident summer institute of higher learning for college undergraduate students interested in pursuing professional and leadership careers in aerospace-related fields. Eligible students must have U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency, be junior or senior undergraduate students or first-year graduate students, and have high academic standing and demonstrated interest in the space program. For more information, contact: Dr. Elizabeth B. Ward, Program Director (elizabeth.b.ward@nasa.gov) or David Rosage, NASA Academy Director at Goddard Space Flight Center (David.Rosage@gsfc.nasa.gov).


Undergraduate Research Committee

Dr. Jeanine Myers
Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs
Director, Center for Undergraduate Research
Professor of Mathematics
jmyers32@atu.edu
 
Dr. Jessica Young
Assistant Director, Center for Undergraduate Research
Associate Professor of Physics
 
Dr. Afsana Ahamed
Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering
 
Laura Jobe, Ph.D., R.N.
Associate Professor of Nursing
 
Julie Mikles-Schluterman, Ph.D.
Professor of Sociology & Criminal Justice
 
Dr. Chris Kellner
Biological Sciences Department Head
Professor of  Wildlife Sciences
 
Kathleen Martin
Grant Coordinator
 
Dr. Zach Moran
Assistant Professor of Fisheries Science
 
Justin Moss, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of  Psychology
 
Charity Park, M.L.I.S., C.A.
Assistant Librarian, Digital & Special Collections
 
Dr. Phoebe Robertson
Assistant Professor, Music
 
Dr. Kuldeep Singh
Associate Professor of Management