Communications

Enhancing Academic Excellence: The Value of Grant Support for University Research Faculty and Undergraduate Student Collaborations

The Office of High-Impact Practices and Undergraduate Research (HIPUR) connects students and faculty to form a mentor/mentee experience for undergraduate students. There is data to support that these experiences as well as being involved in undergraduate research provide intensive and deep learning for students. 

HIPUR offers the Faculty Research Mentoring Grant for faculty. Funding priorities are given to applications where faculty are working directly with students and providing continuous support.  This year 19 faculty are receiving grants of $1,200 to $2,200 and serving more than 50 students. These grants can be in any discipline across all colleges.

A second scholarship opportunity HIPUR offers to faculty is the MindMerge: Uniting Scholars across Disciplines Grant. Two faculty members from diverse departments will receive a grant of $2,000 each to collaborate on interdisciplinary research projects. This grant fosters an environment of exploration and encourages faculty mentors to work together to guide students as they blend insights from different domains.

Engaging undergraduates in research under the mentorship of experienced faculty members can be a rewarding experience for both parties. Through mentorship, faculty guides undergraduates in exploring diverse research avenues, developing critical thinking abilities, and mastering research methodologies. This hands-on experience not only enriches academic learning but also cultivates problem-solving skills and fosters confidence and accomplishment among students.

Mentored by Peter Funke, Ph.D., undergraduate research student, Olivia Firlejczyk said, “Last semester when I was taking IDS 4914, I conducted extensive research on the unequal effects of development using a historical comparative approach between Ghana and South Korea. I did this by using data analysis and participating in research meetings and seminars to share and refine research findings with my peers and professor. One of my main takeaways from the feedback was striving to make my research paper more readable and easier to follow for an audience that may not be familiar with the topic. Sometimes, I lose track of simple ideas such as readability, so it was very helpful to be reminded, as this can truly make a big difference in my paper.”

The mentoring experience allows faculty to share their knowledge, refine their teaching approaches, and contribute to the academic development of the student. Through guiding students working on their research projects, they may encounter fresh perspectives enriching their growth. 

Having interactive and deep learning experiences through a mentoring experience can attract students in search of a university culture that is focused on students' academic vigor and student-centered learning