Irving K. Barber School Undergraduate Research Awards

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Application deadline:  Tuesday, January 31, 2012, 4:00 pm 

The Undergraduate Research Awards (URA) program was established by the Irving K. Barber Endowment Fund Advisory Committee to provide exceptional learning experiences for undergraduate Arts and Sciences students at UBC's Okanagan campus. The purpose of the program is to encourage undergraduate students enrolled in the Irving K. Barber School of Arts & Sciences to pursue innovative and original research as part of their learning experience while at UBC's Okanagan campus. The awards are aimed primarily at students in their third-year of study.

The URA program sponsors awards for students engaged in summer research projects under the supervision of one or more IKBSAS faculty members. Selection of winning proposals is based on the originality and viability of the research project as well as the overall quality of the students involved.

Students are required to attend supplementary seminars in which students will meet with other URA recipients and faculty to discuss their research projects. Upon completion of their projects, students will also be expected to contribute to a fall symposium showcasing undergraduate student research at UBC Okanagan.

Value of the awards:

• Each award consists of a $6,500 stipend for a full 16-week period during the summer session; and
• up to $1,500 to cover expenses associated with the research project (eg. materials, supplies, field expenses)

To be eligible for an award, you must:

• be registered full-time in a bachelor degree program in the Irving K. Barber School of Arts & Sciences;
• be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or an international student with a valid study permit for the full summer work term;
• have successfully completed a minimum of 75 credits toward your degree by the time of receiving the award;
• intend to return to UBC's Okanagan campus as a full-time undergraduate student in the semester directly following the completion of the research project.

Students supported by other awards (e.g. NSERC USRAs), or who receive work stipends through summer research assistantships, are not eligible to hold a Barber School URA. Students can only hold one Barber School Undergraduate Research Award during their tenure at UBC's Okanagan campus.

Application Procedure

Students wishing to apply must be associated with a faculty member in the Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences. This faculty member must agree to be the primary supervisor. If more than one faculty member is involved in the supervision of the project, the name(s) of the collaborating faculty member(s) must be listed in the Personal Data page of the application form.

Each application must contain:

• a Personal Data Page (Part I)
• a full description of the proposed research project (Part II)
• a statement of qualifications
• a copy of official transcripts, or, if from UBC, a copy of transcripts downloadable from the website
• a statement of support completed by the Supervisor (Part III)
• a budget (where required)
• signatures

Non-eligible expenses include conference attendance and equipment already available through the department (eg. computer hardware and software.) If you require computer equipment not already available, quotes from UBC IT Services must be included in your application.

Only one application per student per year will be accepted. The research proposal should be self-contained, and conceived and designed by the student. The research description must be written by the student, under consultation with their supervisor(s).

Students should complete Part I and Part II (including budget section) of the application and submit it with all necessary attachments to their chosen supervisor a week prior to the deadline. To ensure confidentiality of the supervisor's recommendation, the faculty member will then complete Part III of the application and submit the application package directly to the Unit Head for signatures.

Completed proposals must be submitted to the appropriate unit head for signature. Completed and signed applications must be received by 4:00 p.m., January 31, 2012, at the Barber School Dean's office in ASC 413.

Late applications will not be accepted. 

Adjudication

Grant applications will be assessed by a committee of the Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences. The committee will make recommendations to the Associate Dean, Dr. L. Nelson, who will make the final recommendations to the Dean. Competition results are expected to be announced by March 1st.

Criteria

In evaluating applications, the selection committee will consider the following criteria equally:

1. Quality of proposed Research

• Originality and innovation
• Merit of research and potential impact on the field
• Strength of research design and overall feasibility of proposed research
• Interdisciplinary elements (not mandatory, but strongly encouraged)
• Clarity, presentation and logic of proposal

2. Researcher's abilities, qualifications, and potential for growth

• Personal initiative and working autonomy (as separate from supervisor)
• Ability to think critically and analytically
• Ability to apply skills and knowledge
• Determination and ability to complete projects in a timely fashion
• Communication skills and ability
• Past academic achievement
• Relevant academic training and experience
• Other relevant experiences and accomplishments

2012 Application Form

For questions regarding the application process, contact our advisors:

• Trudy Kavanagh at 78754 or trudy.kavanagh@ubc.ca (Sciences)
• John Wagner at 79318 or john.wagner@ubc.ca (Humanities & Social Sciences)

URA Recipients

• 2012 Recipients
• 2011 Recipients
• 2010 Recipients
• 2009 Recipients
• 2008 Recipients
• 2007 Recipients
• 2006 Recipients

For further information on this program, contact the URA Coordinator, Dr. Bruce Mathieson (bruce.mathieson@ubc.ca).

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Last reviewed 3/19/2012 2:41:30 PM