CURE offers a variety of competitive grants to support undergraduate research endeavors. Applicants are eligible for the awards regardless of immigration status and FAFSA eligibility status.
The conference travel award assists students to present their research findings at a conference or professional meeting. Fellowships are also available to support students to conduct summer research under the mentorship of a University of Oregon faculty mentor. CURE has also created a small grants fund to assist eligible students with research-related expenses, so they may continue their research work.
Celebrating the 2022 Award Recipients
Sarah DuBrow, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology, was a champion for students underrepresented in higher education. The award recognizes the beloved professor, who introduced many students to the world of research and made them feel comfortable in the environment, which can be intimidating to newcomers. Her students recalled that DuBrow’s door was always open for her students, and the professor hosted workshops throughout the year focused on issues surrounding diversity in the field. To quote from one mentee, “I am nominating Professor DuBrow for this award because she was a constant supporter of not only my lab work, but of my personal growth. She provided a welcoming place for students of all backgrounds to learn about the research process and learn about one of the most interesting topics: the brain. Joining her lab and getting to know Professor DuBrow has been the best experience I have had while at the University of Oregon. She is the reason why I am doing research. She always answered all my questions with a smile and never made me feel lesser for not knowing an answer. She took a chance on someone when no one else would and helped that person grow exponentially. Professor DuBrow was such a kind, supportive mentor. If I can be half the mentor she was, I will consider that a huge success. I aspire to be a mentor and scientist of Professor DuBrow’s caliber."
Steven Brence is a Senior Instructor of Philosophy and a Pre-Law Advisor in the Department of Philosophy in the College of Arts and Sciences. He has helped students transition successfully to top graduate programs and career pathways. His works highlight the inclusion of diverse voices in his teaching, such as works from postcolonial theorists, African-American writers, and ecofeminist philosophers. One recommender described Professor Brence as a “committed and engaging teacher who excels in his beyond-the-classroom role of mentoring undergraduate student research and guiding students to realizing their academic ambitions in a way that directly supports their future goals.”
Maile Hutterer, Associated Professor in the College of Design’s Department of the History of Art and Architecture. Hutterer’s students have claimed they feel supported and challenged by their professor who creates a space where students from all backgrounds feel welcome and encouraged to pursue an academic career in Art History. Student recommenders affirmed that they “felt supported and challenged by Professor Hutterer who creates a space where students from all backgrounds feel welcome and encouraged to pursue an academic career in Art History . . . all students are taken seriously by her and she always evokes rich and critical discussion in her courses.” Another recommender shared how Professor Hutterer’s mentorship and ethic of care fostered a sense of belonging and connection that “has been a great contributing factor to staying at the University of Oregon” and thriving academically “despite fears and doubts.”
First Year Research Experience (FYRE) Award
CURE launched FYRE in 2020 to provide first-year undergraduate students (including transfers students in their first year at the UO) the developmental opportunity to explore and engage in research and creative work. This fellowship annually funds students who are in their first year at UO. This year, recipients will receive $5000 and their research faculty mentor will receive $1000. FYRE recipients are expected to perform full-time summer research for 8 weeks minimum under the mentorship of a UO faculty member. CURE invites students from all schools, colleges, majors, and minors to apply for FYRE, including the humanities, arts, social sciences, and sciences. The application has been extended to April 26, 2023.
The applicant is asked to have a faculty mentor identified and a research proposal at the time of application. CURE invites students seeking to connect with a prospective faculty mentor to meet with our team (visit open hours or by appointment) so that we can work with them to provide guidance, resources, and support.
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)
The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) funds up to five students annually of any class standing to conduct full-time summer research for 8 weeks minimum under the supervision of a UO faculty member. This year, SURF recipients receive a $5000 stipend. CURE invites students from all schools, colleges, majors, and minors to apply for SURF, including the humanities, arts, social sciences, and sciences. The application due date is April 12, 2023.
The applicant is asked to have a faculty mentor identified and a research proposal at the time of application. CURE invites students seeking to connect with a prospective faculty mentor to meet with our team (visit open hours or by appointment) so that we can work with them to provide guidance, resources, and support.
Conference Presentation and Travel Awards
The purpose of this award is to support undergraduate students in their academic and professional development by attending and/or presenting at academic and professional conferences and symposia. Conference participation represents an integral element of the scholarly process, as well as graduate school and career exploration--from practicing how to communicate your work to networking with peers, faculty, professionals, and experts in your academic disciplines and career fields. The award is available to students in any of the University of Oregon’s eight undergraduate schools and colleges. CURE defines research and creative work expansively to encompass the social sciences, humanities, sciences, creative and performance arts, as well as the professional schools. Ten travel awards will be granted per year, with three awards designated for National Conferences on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) presenters in the spring. Applications are considered on a rolling basis. Award funds may not be reserved pending conference acceptance to present. *Please note that additional CURE Conference Awards for the remainder of the 2022-2023 academic year are designated for NCUR presenters.*
Undergraduate Research Small Grant
The Undergraduate Research Small Grant program, through CURE, offers funding for research related expenses, such as materials, supplies, minor equipment, and processing fees, as well as travel costs to research sites, such as field locations or archives and special collections. The funding is offered to undergraduate students engaging in research and creative work in any field of study. Funding for travel to academic conferences is offered through the CURE Conference Travel Award, and not through this form. Applications are considered on a rolling basis. Click here to access the Undergraduate Research Small Grant form.
Faculty Research Mentor Award
The Faculty Research Mentor Award is a $2,500 one-time award that recognizes two UO faculty members for their exceptional mentoring of undergraduate research and experiential learning. The Faculty Research Mentor Award is open to all full-time and part-time research and instructional faculty employed by the University of Oregon, which includes tenure related faculty, career faculty/non-tenure-track faculty, or emerit faculty; library faculty; and officers of research, including research assistants, research associates, and postdoctoral scholars. Nominations are welcome from current students, alumni, faculty, and administrators. The recipients will be recognized at the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, held in Spring term. The 2023 nomination deadline is May 1.