Dr. John Falconer
director of Sponsored Programs, 308.865.8496
The adage that “the third time’s a charm” is proven true as the University of Nebraska at Kearney was awarded a $40,000 grant from the National Conference of Undergraduate Research (NCUR) and the Leslie E. Lancy Foundation to conduct undergraduate research for the 2002 summer. This was UNK’s third year to apply for the grant.
The Office of Graduate Studies & Research is accepting applications through March 11 from UNK undergraduate students interested in participating in summer research. Ten students designated “Lancy Scholars” will be chosen in the multidisciplinary program and the focus of their research will be the Platte River. Students will be awarded Lancy Scholarships based on their academic progress (grade point average, coursework preparation) and an essay describing their objectives and commitment to the program.
“The program was created so students will see that nothing is isolated in one discipline,” John Falconer, director of UNK Sponsored Programs said. “We want to get students more involved in research and presenting that research. This program helps to create opportunities for students outside of the classroom.”
The requirements for applicants are that they be able to participate in research and group events May 31-July 26, 2002, and they must participate in a fall symposium, Spring 2003 Student Research Day, and Spring NCUR conference and not graduate before May 2003. The students will work with on their research projects from June 3 to July 25 and will be expected to present their findings at the 2003 NCUR conference. Students will be given a stipend of $2,500 for their work. The eight-week project should be considered a full-time job, but the actual workload depends on the nature of the project. Students interested in graduate school will find the research project very beneficial.
The chosen students will work closely with their faculty mentors while conducting their research related to the Platte River. Faculty mentors and their departments are Julie Shaffer or Wyatt Hoback (Biology), Charles Peek (English), Chris Exstrom (Chemistry), Steele Becker (Geography), Deb Bridges (Economics), and Peter Longo (Political Science). Students are encouraged to contact the staff mentors if they are interested in participating in the research project.
