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THE HUGHES UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH SCHOLARS PROGRAM Description of the HURS program Working closely with active researchers is an exciting opportunity for anyone interested in a career in science. The Hughes Undergraduate Research Scholars (HURS) Program was originally created in 1999 through a grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to support independent research activities of talented undergraduate. The purpose of the program is to allow students to experience the investigative process, develop and demonstrate an aptitude for research, develop a close collaboration with a faculty mentor, and gain knowledge which will be beneficial in their academic and professional careers. The program is administered through the University Honors Program office and the Provost's Office. Program Participants Incoming first year students who meet our eligibility requirements are invited to apply for admission into the HURS program. Upper-class students can also apply and may be accepted into the program if they have demonstrated outstanding academic progress and have expressed an interest in life science research. Underrepresented minority students are especially encouraged to apply. Click here to see a list of the 2005-2006 HURS participants. Benefits of the Program HURS participants have the opportunity to interact with a diverse group of undergraduate, graduate, postdoctoral and faculty researchers on projects related to their academic and career interests. They have the opportunity to work as a member of a team on an existing research study, or to develop and conduct their own individual research projects under the supervision of a faculty mentor. Through their lab or field experience, they will develop a first-hand understanding of scientific methods and research. They will acquire the tools necessary to be successful in post-graduate studies if they decide to pursue their education beyond the baccalaureate. They form close relationships with top researchers in their field and are actively involved in exciting, current research efforts. Informal meetings and social events also provide opportunities for HURS students to interact with undergraduates, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and science faculty. Financial Support At the present time, there is no direct financial support for HURS participants. However, students are eligible to apply for merit work-study awards beginning in their second year in the program. In some cases, faculty mentors may also offer to provide financial support during the first year, but this depends on research budget and expenditure categories and is completely voluntary on the part of the faculty mentor. The Application Process Application forms are mailed to high ability high school students with an interest in the life sciences who have been admitted to CSU. To apply, submit the application form, high school transcript, and two letters of recommendation by the March 24 deadline. Faculty Mentors Faculty mentors are members of the faculty of Colorado State University or a government facility affiliated with the school. After a student is accepted in to the program, he or she will be matched with a faculty member doing research in a field in which the student has expressed an interest. If a student's interests change, he/she may request reassignment to a different project. Student research projects are carried out primarily at CSU under the direct supervision of the faculty member. Mentors assist in the formulation of the project, provide guidance in laboratory techniques and analysis methods, and direct the student's research project. Click here to see a list of current mentors and links to their webpages. Your First Semester During your first semester, you will normally spend about three to six hours each week you're your faculty mentor in the laboratory, learning laboratory techniques and procedures, how to use lab equipment and tools, discussing research topics, and getting acclimated to a university environment. HURS students are encouraged to attend meetings arranged by the University Honors Program to meet other HURS scholars and exchange information. By the end of the semester, you are usually ready to become more actively involved in laboratory research. Research Projects After their first semester, HURS students generally spend around 6-10 hours each week in their laboratories working on their individual research projects, with their faculty mentor, or as a member of a research team including other undergraduate students, graduate student researchers, laboratory technicians, postdoctoral fellows and science faculty. Program participants develop a great sense of pride in their accomplishments and form long-lasting relationships with their mentors and fellow researchers. HURS students have the opportunity to attend professional conferences, and participate in seminars and symposiums. Beginning their second year of the program, students present the results of their research in the annual Celebrate Undergraduate Research and Creativity symposium held on the CSU campus at the end of the spring semester. Click here for a list of the 2005 CURC award winners. For descriptions of some of the most recent HURS research projects, click here. |
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