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.
If you are interested in getting involved in research, contact your department head or ask your professors about current research being conducted by ATU faculty.
If you have an idea for a research project, talk to your professors in your field to find out if one of them will agree to be your faculty mentor.
Are you new to research? Check out some of the student research projects from our last Annual Student Research Symposium.
The ATU Center for Undergraduate Research (CUR) invites students to submit applications for funds to support faculty-mentored independent research. Funding for undergraduate research projects includes up to $2,000 in project support (including supplies and travel). In place of a stipend, students will receive a $250 award upon completion of the project. Students may submit an application at any point throughout the academic year. Grants will be awarded on the merit of the project and subject to approval by the CUR committee. Find more information at https://www.atu.edu/uresearch/grants.php. Deadline: September 15th, 2024.
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.
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.
The Arkansas Academy of Science began meeting in 1917 as a group of scientists wishing to establish regular avenues of communication with one another and promote science and the dissemination of scientific information in the state. The funds generated by the Academy annual membership dues provide students with assistance to attend college, conduct research, and provide for travel, supplies, and other expenses through grants and awards. They also support the annual meeting of the Academy. They are also used for encouragement to Arkansas students access to college and attainment of college degrees. By further promoting the work of Arkansas students, the Academy increases collaboration among the scientific community and provides a more comprehensive network for scientific academics. Learn more at https://www.arkansasacademyofscience.org/index.html.
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 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).
The U.S. National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF REU) program supports intensive research by undergraduate students in any area of research funded by NSF. Find out more at https://new.nsf.gov/funding/initiatives/reu.
Faculty can apply for funding to support a cohort of undergraduate students in research projects designed specifically for the NSF REU program (an REU Site) or can apply for additional funding to involve undergraduate students in a new or ongoing NSF-funded research project (an REU Supplement).
Undergraduates (college and university students) can apply directly to REU Sites to participate in research projects across the United States and the world. REU-supported students receive stipends and in many cases assistance with housing, meals and travel. (For additional research opportunities, explore the Information for Undergraduates page.)
To participate in the in person poster sessions students will need to prepare a poster on a topic relevant to their studies, research that is currently being conducted, or proposals for a future project. This includes, but is not limited to, completed research, research proposals, or creative projects. During the exhibition, faculty, staff, and students will view the displays and engage with presenters. Poster presenters should plan to be with their posters for 1 hour (time slots will be assigned).
Posters will need to be 48 in wide by 34 in tall. The template for portrait -oriented poster can be found here and the template for landscape research posters can be found here.
This poster can be printed for students for free at ATU Campus Life. To have your posted printed, email cneal14@atu.edu; please send your poster at least 3 business days before you need it. For uniformity purposes and printing logistics, please do not alter the header, colors, or dimensions (48” wide x 34” tall) of this poster. Anything under the yellow line on the poster can be changed as needed/appropriate for your work (for example: deleting/adding/moving text boxes; changing content/box headers; adding artwork, photos, tables, figures, etc.)
To participate in the in person oral (round table) sessions students will need to prepare a short PowerPoint presentation on a topic relevant to their studies, research that is currently being conducted, or proposals for a future project. This includes, but is not limited to, completed research, research proposals, or creative projects. During the presentation students will present their work and session attendees will have the opportunity to engage in discussion and ask questions. Presentations should last a total of thirty minutes including Q&A.
Distance Students, Online Students, and individuals wishing to maintain virtual distancing during this time can participate by submitting a virtual poster with a recorded 5-minute video summary. Posters must be submitted in PDF format. Only presentations in their final version may upload.
Applications will open in the Spring of 2025 for the ATU 3rd Annual Student Research Symposium.
To be eligible for final research grant or symposium awards, students must submit their research posters or presentations to the Online Research Commons by the day of the symposium.