Undergraduate Research

Students interested in pursuing research projects have a number of different options in the department. If you are interested in research, approach any of our faculty members to discuss possible research topics. A good place to start is the faculty listing, where you can find out what research faculty are already doing. Do not consider this an exclusive list: feel free to bring a new idea to any faculty member! BSU offers a number of programs to support undergraduate research. In addition, numerous local and national organizations also support undergraduate research programs that are open to all students. Geological Sciences students may also receive academic credit for research performed during the summer or during the normal academic year by registering for a research course with your faculty mentor. Many of these opportunities are described below. Make sure you also check the Student Opportunities Bulletin Board in the Geological Sciences Department.

Adrian Tinsley Program
The Adrian Tinsley Program for Undergraduate Research (ATP) provides opportunities to Bridgewater State University undergraduates who wish to pursue independent research, scholarship or artistic activities under the guidance of a full-time BSU faculty or librarian mentor.

Shea Scholarship
The BSU alumni association has created the Shea Scholarship Program. A Shea Scholarship provides students with funding during the summer to pursue a research project with a faculty mentor. Several Earth Science majors have received this prestigious award in the past. For more information and application materials, contact the BSU Alumni Office at 508-531-2695.

McNair Scholars Program
The McNair Scholars Program encourages talented students from diverse socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds to pursue doctoral studies and careers in academia. McNair Scholars participate in the program for up to two years and conduct research at Brandeis University (during the summer). Scholars are chosen on a competitive basis and must have a cumulative and major GPA better than 3.0, strong faculty recommendations, and a sincere interest to attend graduate school at the Ph.D. level. For more information about this program, contact Helena Santos in the BSU Achievement Center, 508-531-1214.

Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) Summer Fellowships
A student-faculty team may apply to CUR for summer research scholarships. You would perform this research with a BSU faculty member. The fellowship award is between $3000 and $5000 and may include funds for supplies and travel.

NASA Undergraduate Student Research Program
This program offers juniors and seniors in the physical or life sciences the opportunity to perform research with a NASA scientist at a participating NASA center. The program runs for 10 weeks (summer) or 15 weeks (fall) and includes a stipend of $5000 to $7500.

NASA Space Exploration and Planetary Geology/Geophysics Undergraduate Research Program
This program provides undergraduate research opportunities in planetary geoscience. Competition for these awards is high. A stipend of $200 per week, in addition to a meal and housing allowance, will be awarded to all students selected for this prestigious award. This summer research program normally runs for 8 weeks. Your work location may be any NASA center or any Corporation or University where NASA sponsored research is performed.

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) Summer Student Fellowships
WHOI fellowships are awarded to students who have completed their junior or senior years at colleges or universities. These awards may be given to students in any field of science as long as an interest exists in some aspect of ocean science. Undergraduate students selected for this prestigious award will work on a research project under the guidance of a member of WHOI's scientific staff. The program runs for 10 to 12 weeks and includes a salary as well as WHOI housing.

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) Summer Student Fellowship for Minorities
WHOI also has a special educational opportunities for minority students interested in some aspect of marine science. Students must have completed at least two semesters of undergraduate study in science. The purpose of this program is to give promising minority students a first hand introduction to research in marine science. The program runs for 10 to 12 weeks and includes a salary as well as WHOI housing.

EAST Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)
The Eastern Alliance in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (EAST) provides stipends to undergraduate students majoring in science to conduct research with a research supervisor for 8 weeks during the summer. Students who will conduct research at institutions in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, or Massachusetts are eligible to apply. Students receive a stipend of $2600 dollars plus $400.00 for materials and supplies.

Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) Summer Intern Program
The LPI provides undergraduate students with cutting-edge research opportunities in the planetary sciences during the summer months. As a summer research intern, you will complete a research project by working one-on-one with a scientist at the LPI or at the Johnson Space Center in Houston Texas. The 10-week program includes a stipend of $500 per week .

Sigma XI - The Scientific Research Society
This organization awards small grants to undergraduates to cover research supplies and small equipment items. Awards are usually around $1000.

The Marland Pratt Billings and Katherine Fowler-Billings Fund for Research in New England Geology
This organization provides geology students small grants ($500-$1000) to support field work related to the geology of New England.

Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI) - U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
This program provides educational training and research experiences at ten DOE labs for highly motivated undergaduate students in all science fields, including geology and environmental science. Appointments are for 10 weeks during the summer and includes a stipend of $400 per week.

Last Modified: July 15, 2011