The Valente Undergraduate Research Fellow program aims to provide motivated and competent students with an opportunity to conduct research with support from the Valente Center and faculty mentors. However, unlike paid Student Research Assistants, which directly support faculty research, these projects are student-driven.
As a result, the Valente Center will provide logistical, record keeping, and training support for UG research fellows. Faculty mentors are NOT expected to check-in with students, monitor hours worked, or even make sure work is progressing. As projects are student-driven, the Student Research Manager in the Valente Center will coordinate check-ins and monitor progress with students. With respect to basic research skills, UG research fellows will be expected to take part in an undergraduate research “boot camp,” which will be jointly coordinated by the Honors Program and the Valente Center near the beginning of the academic year.
All full-time faculty members (A&S or business) are eligible to serve as mentors.
Faculty as mentors are expected to:
- Provide a letter of support for student’s application;
- If the student is selected for a UG Research Fellowship, support the student with subject matter expertise, research advice, and general advocacy for the student’s work; and
- Meet with student for mentoring and discussion as needed, but averaging no more than one (1) hour or so per week.
Faculty mentors will receive a $1000 stipend from the Valente Center in May of the academic year.
Please contact the Valente Center Director with questions.