The Dedman College Interdisciplinary Institute (DCII) is now accepting proposals for the Hamilton Undergraduate Research Scholars Program for the 2022–23 academic year or single semester. The deadline for submission is Friday, August 5.
The Hamilton Scholars Program was established to provide hands-on research experience to Dedman College undergraduate students, enabling them to collaborate with top faculty researchers and contribute to the creation of cutting-edge knowledge. The Program seeks to support projects on topics of interdisciplinary interest and impact that help Dedman College faculty members to advance their own research while simultaneously providing a meaningful learning experience for the undergraduates. Please note that student-led projects for which the faculty member’s only role is as a mentor are not eligible for Hamilton awards.
Hamilton Scholars will have access to up to $1500 from the Hamilton Program, as well as matching funds from the Office of Engaged Learning’s Undergraduate Research Assistantship Program, making a total of $3000 available for the academic year (or a total of $1500 available for one semester). Scholars may work up to 10 hours per week during the semester, at a rate of $10–15 per hour. In addition to hourly compensation, up to $200 from the total available funds may be budgeted for research expenses.
Proposals may also request additional funding for student travel to conduct research or present work at a professional conference, though available support is limited and travel awards will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Hamilton Scholars are automatically designated by the Office of Engaged Learning (OEL) as Undergraduate Research Assistants (URAs) for payroll purposes. As URAs, Hamilton Scholars are expected to complete the OEL’s online Reflection Form at the end of the academic year.
You may indicate on the Hamilton Scholar application form if you wish to hire the student as a URA regardless of winning the Hamilton award (in this case, the URA matches funds from your department or grant). A separate application is not required, but a URA award in this circumstance is determined by the OEL. More information on the URA Program can be found on the OEL’s website: https://www.smu.edu/Provost/Engaged-Learning/Research/URA
Hamilton Scholars are expected to participate periodically throughout the year in an online discussion forum, and to submit a brief reflection on their research for the DCII’s social media channels at the end of the year. The DCII will also host a reception for Scholars and their mentors during Spring 2023.
For more information on the Hamilton Scholars Program, see the DCII website: https://www.smu.edu/Dedman/Research/Institutes-and-Centers/DCII/Scholarship/Hamilton
Proposal Submission Guidelines
Proposals (maximum length two pages) should:
- Describe the overall research project and its value
- Describe the interdisciplinary dimensions of the project (note that this is a new requirement for the Hamilton Scholars Program going forward)
- Describe the specific contribution(s) the student will make toward this project during the program period, including a basic timeline
- Describe the student’s relevant background and qualifications for the proposed research
- Describe how the proposed student research will provide a meaningful benefit to the faculty member’s research program
- Describe how the proposed student research will provide a meaningful research or learning experience for the student
- Include a brief budget that specifies the student’s proposed hours and pay rate, along with any supplementary funding requests
- If submitting proposals for more than one student, provide a ranking of the proposals
Faculty (not students) should submit proposals via the following link: https://www.smu.edu/Dedman/Research/Institutes-and-Centers/DCII/Scholarship/Hamilton/Application
Questions about the program or application process should be directed to Dr. Karisa Cloward, Director of the Dedman College Interdisciplinary Institute, at kcloward@smu.edu.