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Undergraduate Research

Announcement of Opportunity

Applications Open: December 9, 2022
Submission Deadline: March 6, 2023
Award Announcements: April 28, 2023

Awards

  • 2023 Summer Research: Up to $4000
  • 2023-2024 Academic-Year Research: Up to $4000

* Based on availability of funds.

WSGC Undergraduate Research Announcement of Opportunity

Purpose

Research awards will be provided to qualified undergraduate students to create and implement a small research study of their own design that is directly related to their interests and career objectives in space science, aerospace, or space-related studies. The student may work alone or with a faculty or research staff advisor; however, the conceptualization and design of the project should be their own. Awards will emphasize effective student research and mentoring arrangements. Students from small colleges and universities, and from departments with newly developing space research infrastructure, are especially encouraged to apply. WSGC will facilitate mentoring arrangements if necessary.

Proposal Evaluation

ACADEMIC PREPARATION

    • Academic Preparation
    • Letters of Recommendation

RESEARCH PROMISE

    • Strength of Proposal
    • Significance or Value of Proposed Research
    • Research Methods, Budget and Timeline, Including Independence in Research Project
    • Interest int he Space Field and Experience in Space, Aerospace or Space-Related Studies
    • Student Interest and Background of the Topic

To Apply:

Application Requirements:

Applicants who meet the following requirements can apply for this scholarship by registering and applying online at spacegrant.carthage.edu/about/login:

  • U.S. Citizen
  • Enrolled full-time in, admitted to, or applied to any undergraduate program at a WSGC college or university
  • Enrolled in a STEM program of study and demonstrating an interest in aerospace or supporting NASA’s mission
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA (Proposals that include a GPA of less than 3.0 will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis)
  • Completed application online (see Supporting Materials Required with Application below)

*NOTE: Students also applying for the Undergraduate Scholarship Program should submit a statement distinguishing the Undergraduate Research Scholarship from the Undergraduate Scholarship application. WSGC limits the number of individuals eligible to receive both awards.

The Consortium invites applications for Undergraduate Research for the 2022-2023 academic year. For consideration, application forms must be complete and be accompanied by supporting documentation. The Consortium especially encourages applications from members of minority groups, women, and persons with disabilities, and from those pursuing interdisciplinary aerospace studies in, but not limited to, engineering, the sciences, architecture, law, business, nursing, and medicine. Award winners will be chosen based on academic performance, aerospace-related promise, and the demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in STEM/aerospace. For consideration, the application form must be complete and be accompanied by supporting documentation.

See a list of current and past award recipients

Supporting Materials Required with Application:

  • Copy of your high school transcript (unofficial is acceptable/incoming Freshman and Sophomores only)
  • Copy of most recent college transcript (unofficial is acceptable/not required for incoming Freshman)
  • Two (2) Letters of Recommendation (Research advisor/another faculty member or teacher, employer, or aerospace professional of your choice)
  • A maximum 10-page proposal containing the following categories and labeled clearly (see Tools & Tips for more information on how to create professional communications and Announcement of Opportunity 2023 for specific details):
  1. Introduction/Summary
  2. Background
  3. Proposed Activities
  4. Time Line

Required Letters of Recommendation: Letter(s) of recommendation may also be emailed to spacegrant@carthage.edu. Subject: UGR23_LOR.

Two (2) Letters of Recommendation:

    1. One from a faculty member who advises you on your research related to this scholarship (or academic advisor or high school advisor for incoming freshmen).
    2. One from another faculty member, employer, or aerospace professional of your choice.

Award Acceptance Components:

Submit all reports and required documents to the WSGC application website grant management page under Manage Applications/Current Grant Cycle Applications/Undergraduate Research:

  • Award Acceptance Letter
  • W9 (Carthage College award recipients submit a W4 and I9)
  • Media Release Form
  • One-Paragraph Biography
  • Professional Photo
  • Interim Report
  • 2-3 Project Photos (optional 1-minute video) Featuring Awardee w/Project
  • Final Report

Complete the following tasks:

  • Office of Education Survey must be completed by December 15, 2023
  • Present Project at the Annual Wisconsin Space Conference in August
  • Submit a Proceeding Paper by Sept. 15 th to the Proceedings of the Wisconsin Space Journal
  • Submit a Student Story

Questions?

Please direct questions about the Undergraduate Research Program to:

Jeffrey Clark, Ph.D.
Lawrence University
Professor, Geology Department
Associate Director for Research Infrastructure
Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium
Phone: 920-832-6733
Fax: 902-832-6962
E-mail: jeffrey.j.clark@lawrence.edu

Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium
Carthage College
2001 Alford Park Drive, Kenosha WI 53140
Phone: 262-551-6054
E-mail: spacegrant@carthage.edu

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