Undergraduate Research Grants for the Environment Summer Research: A Lasting Experience

The Undergraduate Research Grants for the Environment (URGE) program provides a unique opportunity for teams of undergraduate students and their faculty mentors, from our consortium institutions, funding full-time summer research projects in the natural sciences, including biology, zoology, natural resource management, environmental science, chemistry, and geology.

Each undergraduate student is eligible for a $3,500 stipend, on-site housing, and partial meal support for their full-time 12-week research project. Each faculty advisor is also eligible for up to a $3,500 stipend that can be used for time, supplies, travel, or other research support.

Since one of the primary purposes of URGE is to foster faculty mentor-student relationship as a powerful educational and motivational tool, we require that research projects entail a shared effort between students and faculty advisors. Grant applications are available in October and are due at the end of January. For more information about the URGE program or other research opportunities, please contact Matt Dykstra.

Download the Grant Application. The 2011 application will be available after October 1, 2010.

Student Researchers

Your experience at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute will last well beyond the summer. By participating in the URGE program, you will gain the knowledge and skills that you will one day need in graduate school or your career. If you are unsure of what you would like to do after graduation, your experience may help guide you in which direction to take.

You will have the opportunity to meet with students and faculty from other schools, be surrounded by others who share the same interest as you, and have the chance to share your success and setbacks. The staff at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute will support you through your project.

If your school is a member of the consortium, and you would like to learn more about the URGE program, please contact one of your professors or email Matt Dykstra, Education Director, and he will connect you with a member of the Advisory Board from your school.

Faculty Mentors

Your experience at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute will have an impact both on you and your student. By being a faculty mentor, you will not only be gaining a better understanding of your field, but you will also provide direction and guidance to an undergraduate student. Working closely with the student, you will teach them the research skills they may one day need for graduate school or their careers.

You will have the opportunity to meet other research teams and collaborate with your colleagues from other schools. By mentoring a student, you will show that you are dedicated to student teaching.