Hamilton Undergraduate Research Scholars Program

Jane and Jack Hamilton founded the Hamilton Undergraduate Research Scholars Program in 2008 with the goal of supporting hands-on research experience for Dedman College undergraduate students, enabling them to collaborate with top faculty researchers and contribute to the creation of cutting-edge knowledge. Devoted to the legacy of their parents, Diane Buford and Dan Hamilton (’71, ‘79) continue to support the Program to this day.

The Hamilton Scholars Program supports projects on topics of interdisciplinary interest and impact that help Dedman College faculty members to advance their research while simultaneously providing a meaningful learning experience for the undergraduates. The Program provides awards to faculty that allow them to compensate students for their research time.

Hamilton Scholars have presented their research at professional conferences, published their work in academic journals, and won prestigious national awards including Fulbright Teaching Assistantships, the Churchill Scholarship, the Goldwater Scholarship, National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates and Graduate Research Fellowship, the Boren Scholarship, the Pickering Fellowship, and the Critical Language Scholarship. There are limited funds available to support these endeavors in addition to the award for their paid research.

Each year a reception is held where Hamilton Scholars have the opportunity to present their work to the SMU community. Hamilton Scholars are also recognized at the University Honors Convocation.

Students who are interested in this Program should speak to a faculty member with whom they are interested in working. Faculty members who are interested in this program should identify a student interested in participating.