CSTEM Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities Fund

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How To Fund Your Academic Research

We know that research and creative activities can be expensive. Here are steps to fund your work:

  1. Determine the full budget for your project.
  2. Talk to your research mentor about how to apply for funds within the department or through other entities (Sigma Xi, professional organizations, etc.)
  3. Apply for support from the Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities Fund for any remaining needs (process below).
  4. If there’s still a need, the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs offers a limited number of travel awards annually for undergraduate students who will present at conferences and other types of professional workshops. Learn more about this opportunity on the Academic Affairs website. 

CSTEM Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities Fund

The CSTEM Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities Fund provides up to $1,000 per project for students to be supported in a faculty-mentored research or creative experience. The program is funded by donors, with the goal to provide research support across all majors in the College of STEM. The program seeks to aid students in the process of designing, implementing, analyzing, and presenting research and creative works. Possible outcomes of such projects include articles, posters, presentations, talks, and juried exhibitions.

Eligibility & Requirements

  • Enrollment: Applicants must be undergraduate students pursuing a degree in a College of STEM major, enrolled at least half-time, in good academic standing, and engaged in a College of STEM research project. The funds must be used while the student is in undergraduate status.
  • Award Frequency: Students may only receive one award each academic year from the CSTEM Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities Fund. Project work should take place within two full quarters after the award.
  • Collaborative Projects: For collaborative projects with multiple students, we will accept one submission per project.
  • Research Mentors: College of STEM faculty mentors are required for all applicants.
  • Final Report: A one-page final report is required from all funded students. The report is due one month after project completion. Students may submit a thesis or other capstone presentation instead of the one-page report.
  • EWU Student Research and Creative Works Symposium: Awardees are expected to present their project at the EWU Student Research and Creative Works Symposium in May, or at another professional venue.

Application Materials

Information applicants will need to provide includes:

  • Research mentor’s EWU email address
  • Names, Student ID Numbers, and EWU email addresses of any student collaborators on the project
  • A brief (500-1,000 words) description of the project, including a statement of the problem and / or objective of the project, an explanation of the importance of the project, and a statement of work that briefly describes methodology and expected outcomes
  • Project timeline (100 words or less)
  • Itemized budget (not to exceed $1,000) that includes a brief justification in the description for each item. A budget template with a sample request is provided in the application webform. The budget may include support for:
    • Project supplies and equipment (excluding “small and attractive” items) – Describe the supplies needed and budgeted amount.
    • Field work travel – Field work expenses may be reimbursed and must follow university travel procedures.
    • Conference travel – To be a presenter or co-author on a talk, poster, or other conference presentation or juried exhibition. Reimbursement for conference fees and travel must follow university travel procedures.

Application Process

Review and meet all eligibility requirements listed above.

Complete and submit the application webform.

Applications will be reviewed twice per academic year – once in the fall quarter and again in winter.

  • Fall quarter applications are due Friday, October 28, 2022. Applicants will be notified regarding decisions by Wednesday, November 23, 2022.
  • Winter quarter applications are due Friday, January 13, 2023. Applicants will be notified regarding decisions by Wednesday, February 8, 2023.

Students will be selected by a panel that includes the College of STEM department chairs and deans.

There are three steps to apply for the College of STEM Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities Fund.

Only one submission will be accepted per project. There is a field on the application form to indicate multiple student collaborators on a project.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Sarah Strong
Undergraduate / Graduate Services Administrator
P: 509.359.5145
E: sstrong7@ewu.edu