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Undergraduate Research Program

Transforming our Students into Scholars.

UR Researchers

Research is a process for creating new knowledge.  Our mission is to support students across disciplines to pursue research and creative work with a faculty mentor, promoting the 200-year-old vision of the university as a learning community dedicated to personal and intellectual transformation.  We offer grants and fellowships to support student work, help students find research opportunities both within and beyond our program, and offer workshops, seminars and events for all student researchers.

Undergraduate Research Program Director
Allison Neal, PhD, Associate Professor of Biology
1 (802) 485-2343
aneal1@norwich.edu  

 

 

QuestFest 2023

Quest Fest

This event kicks off the academic year with a celebration of curiosity. The event starts with a room covered in blank paper, inviting student ideas. Students brainstorm questions while they enjoy snacks, music, and conversation with peers, faculty and staff. Campus leaders like the president and program directors offer prizes to their favorite questions, and we all look forward to exploring the topics we’re curious about over the coming academic year.

Students to Scholars1

Students to Scholars

At this event, held near the end of the fall semester, students pitch research ideas to faculty, peers, and community members and get feedback about how to develop their ideas into successful research proposals and projects.  This event also gives students a chance to learn about research opportunities and connect with potential mentors.  We encourage students from all disciplines to pitch an idea, even (perhaps especially!) if they do not have prior research experience.  

Students to Scholars2

Celebration of Excellence

This event, held near the end of the spring semester, celebrates research and creative activity across Norwich University featuring poster sessions, oral presentations, workshops, roundtables, and more. Students can apply to present research conducted in their coursework, independent studies, grant projects, or summer research fellowships.

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Students to Scholars3

Undergraduate Research Workshop Series

Weekly over the summer and monthly during the academic year, undergraduate researchers from across campus gather to hear updates on each other’s research and participate in workshops. The goal of these regular check-ins is both community building and professional development. Workshop topics depend on the specific interests of the students but may include: Research Opportunities On and Off Campus, Mentorship, Proposal Writing, Elevator Pitches, Research Ethics, Navigating Regulatory Hurdles (e.g. IRB/IACUC), Abstract Writing, Poster Design, Authorship, Expectations for Publications, Applying to Graduate School, Highlighting Research Experiences on your CV.

Grants and Funding Opportunities

The Undergraduate Research Program offers several types of funding to support student researchers at all stages of their work, from students with no research experience to students who have completed research and want to present it at conferences around the country and the world.  The four main funding sources we offer are outlined below. 

Apprentice Grants provide undergraduates with high-impact learning experiences and give faculty support for specific research projects and curriculum development initiatives. The goals of the apprenticeship are to increase faculty productivity and to introduce students to professional life while developing their communication, analytical, writing, and/or research skills. Apprentice Grants are awarded for a single semester, an academic year, or summer.

Submission deadlines are mid February (Summer grants), the first Monday in April (Fall and Academic Year grants) and the first Monday in November (Spring grants)

Email undergraduateresearch@norwich.edu for more information and to apply.

Summer Research Fellowships are awarded on a competitive basis to support student-led creative or scholarly projects. Students may apply for these faculty-mentored fellowships at either a six-week ($3,600) or ten-week ($6,0​00) commitment level.

Submission deadline is mid February.

Email undergraduateresearch@norwich.edu for more information and to apply.

Research Expenses Grants invite students, in collaboration with a sponsoring faculty member, to request funds to help defray expenses directly incurred during research and scholarly projects involving original inquiry and a specified product outside of coursework.

Submission deadline: Rolling

Email undergraduateresearch@norwich.edu for more information and to apply.

Student Travel Grants provide funding to students to present completed work at conferences, workshops, seminars, and professional meetings. Grants are potentially funded up to 100% for registration costs, fees, meals, lodging, and transportation to support presentations. Students must apply for funds prior to traveling.

Submission deadline: Rolling

Email undergraduateresearch@norwich.edu for more information and to apply.