Summer Research Intensive

 

The Summer Research Intensive program provides funding to faculty to support research and scholarly productivity. Our office matches funding to hire undergraduate research assistants and provides these students with specialized training in research methods, oral and written presentation techniques, and other professional development skills. 

 

From faculty:

“I was surprised how much progress was made during the summer. My student solved a lot of computational issues on his own.”

 

“[My students] were both excellent. [One] assumed a leadership role over certain logistical pieces of the project which was most valuable. [The other] participated extremely diligently and actually did more of the data work than any other project member. I look forward to working with both on future presentations and publications out of the data.”

 

From students:

“This project has reaffirmed my desires to pursue an MD/PhD. . . [and] has helped me to become more confident in my love for research.”

 

“It has made me question (in a good way) if I'd rather pursue criminal justice research over psychology research.”

  

Thank you to the Provost, SMU Libraries, Moody School, and the Engaged Learning Undergraduate Research Steering Team for their support.

 

 Information for faculty and students

OEL provides match funding

How do faculty apply?

  • Application will open on February 13—see timeline below
  • Faculty from all schools and all ranks are welcome to apply
  • Faculty will submit a brief application detailing their current research project(s), along with specific duties and objectives for the students
  • It is not required for students to be identified at the time of application. We will assist with advertising the opportunity if needed.
  • Students must be enrolled in classes for Spring 2023 and Fall 2023. They do not have to be enrolled during the summer.    

How will faculty be selected?

  • Faculty indicate funding source to be matched (e.g. grant, start-up funding, school/department, any matching funds) with a quality proposal 
  • Faculty/staff demonstrate how the SRI will be a meaningful, guided experience for students with a tangible outcome (e.g. abstract, IRB application, manuscript, conference presentation, or creative output)
  • Faculty are committed to summer SRI program values and expectations for their students (see below)

Priorities:

  • Proposal resonates with SMU's goals for excellence in research & scholarly/creative work
  • Proposals with clear objective and tangible outcome (see above)
  • Faculty who hire under-represented students, including those designated as first-generation or Federal Work Study

What are the program’s values and requirements for faculty?

 

Value for faculty

  • Funding match for students to assist with research
  • Provost recognition for developing future scholars
  • Training for student assistants by graduate students, SMU Libraries, and Office of Engaged Learning
  • Support for co-publishing; uninterrupted time for writing manuscripts and grant writing 

Faculty expectations

  • Mentor student research
  • Deliverable in the form of a manuscript, presentation, or grant submission
  • Completion of survey at end of summer

Application

How do I apply?

Faculty apply to hire up to two students. Ask professors you know if they are planning to apply and have open spots. Watch our Instagram as well. We will be posting available positions there.

 

Value for students

  • Substantial time to gain experience in research
  • $10-15/hour
  • Training in research methods, oral and written presentation techniques, and other professional development skills.

Student expectations

  • Complete all professional work hours 
  • Attend and participate in weekly Summer Research Intensive, which includes faculty presentations and workshops  
  • Participate in culminating “Three Minute Thesis” presentation session (team projects accepted and  prizes will be awarded)
  • Complete a reflection survey
  • Optional (with Faculty Approval):

Timeline (subject to minor adjustments)

  • February 13 – application opens
  • March 10 – applications due
  • April 15 – acceptances announced
  • May 20 – students may begin work
  • June 6 – SRI workshops begin
  • July 28 – SRI workshops end
  • Aug 11 – final work day
  • Aug 15 – student & faculty reflections due. Optional: nominations and reports for Summer Research Fellows due