Undergraduate Research Award (URA)

Application to the program is open to any full-time enrolled Miami University undergraduate student in good standing - has a minimum 2.0 GPA, is not on probation, etc. - and who has agreed to abide by program requirements.

Students are expected to be enrolled at Miami - and present their findings - during the term subsequent to receiving their award.

An undergraduate student can receive only one URA per academic year.

A faculty member may sponsor up to 4 projects (individual and/or team) during each application cycle.

The supervising faculty mentor will commit to oversee the project and provide their certification by writing a one-page statement that addresses:

• The quality of the proposed project.
• The undergraduate’s authorship of the project.
• The student’s capability to accomplish project objectives in the proposed time frame.
• Oversight of award fund spending.
• Agreement that the faculty mentor will ensure the student(s) adhere to compliance requirements prior to starting the project.
• Approval of the elements of the proposal.

The signed statement (or copy of the email) MUST be included in the single page PDF file/project proposal submitted by the undergraduate student in their application.

In the event that project goals are not being met, it is the responsibility of the faculty mentor to work with the researchers to revise the project and reset expectations and due dates.

Independent Study Credit
If deemed appropriate for the undergraduate student to receive credit, then the faculty member will serve as the instructor of record for that independent study. It is at the discretion of the faculty mentor to assign a failing grade for the student(s) if they do not abide by URA guidelines and terms of the mentor-student agreement for project completion.

TIMELINE for URA, Round #1

Monday, October 19 - Application Deadline
Early December - MILO emails URA selection notifications to all applicants
Mid-December - MILO transfers award amounts to faculty mentor departments

Spring term - Student researchers participate in ORU-sponsored mentoring, professional development and/or training workshops.

TIMELINE for URA, Round #2

Monday, March 15 - Application Deadline
Late April - MILO emails URA selection notifications to all applicants
Mid-May - MILO transfers award amounts to faculty mentor departments

April 23, 2027 - URA (rounds 1 and 2) recipients present research outcomes/progress at the annual Undergraduate Research Forum

• Submit proposal final draft to the supervising faculty member at least two weeks prior to the application deadline for review and feedback.
• If submitting as a team, one student will complete the application as the primary researcher and will include the information of the additional students.
• Fill out the Application form attaching a single PDF file, which consists of:
  • Sections 1-4 of URA proposal
  • One-page statement from supervising faculty member (details in 'Faculty Mentor Role and Responsibilities')
• Label proposal using section headings listed below.
• Page Margins 1";  font size at least 11 point.
• PDF file naming format follows this pattern:  
  ura1_26_app_undergrad unique id
  • Example:  ura1-26-app-smithab.pdf 

Students are encouraged to work with the Howe Writing Center staff to receive assistance with their writing.

SECTION 1: Cover Page (1 page maximum)

Project title

Names/emails/majors of investigator(s)

Abstract: In 400 words or less give an executive summary of the project. This should include the purpose, expected outcomes, and significance of the project, not only to the field of study and/or society, but also to your own educational development. In addition, answer the following questions:

• How will your research contribute to your professional discipline?
• What are the societal benefits of your research?

How is your research relevant for your career development? 

SECTION 2: Project Narrative (3 pages maximum)

Use the following Proposal Section Headings and make sure to address each of these issues concisely.

Introduction

Include an educational background statement for each undergraduate student researcher on the project.

• The primary goal of the educational background is for the student to express prior interest and study in the topic or field of the project. This often includes relevant past coursework, participation in labs or studios, and similar experiences.

What work have you or others already done on this subject? 

• For example, cite the relevant journal articles or books, or the relevant exhibitions or performances. Explain clearly why these earlier works are important precursors to yours.

Statement of Goals

Clearly state your research question and discuss what you intend to accomplish, achieve, or determine by completing your project. 

You should include a statement of hypothesis or of the creative question at issue.

• What is the underlying motivation for this project? What is the meaning of your work? How will this change or advance your discipline?

Creative Processes or Methodology

Describe the materials you will utilize, the manner in which you will approach your project and the major steps involved in completing your effort. Explain how your intended creative techniques or research methods are appropriate for accomplishing your stated goals.

Expected Accomplishments or Results

Discuss how you will analyze your results and interpret them or how you will present and critique your final product. Explain the significance of the intended achievements or results to the original project goals.

Access, Belonging and Opportunity Statement

In keeping with university-wide efforts to foster an environment where all individuals can fully participate in research, scholarship, and creative activity, the Office of Research for Undergraduates (ORU) encourages proposals that reflect a commitment to expanding opportunity and advancing understanding across social and cultural contexts.

Include a brief statement explaining how the project promotes access, broadens participation, or supports students and communities who have historically faced barriers in higher education or public life. This may involve addressing structural challenges, engaging with underserved populations, or exploring questions related to human rights, fairness, or opportunity. Please reference this aspect of your work in the abstract as well.

SECTION 3: Budget and Justification for Funding (1 page maximum) 

Write a (one-page) itemized statement of your best estimate of the costs of doing your project (you may arrange this in a table) and include a brief written budget justification. As you prepare your budget keep in mind that the Committee cannot give you funds you do not ask for and justify adequately. You may request up to $1,000, although awards typically range between $150 and $500.

• Justify all requested items, including a rationale for items essential to the project success.
• Explain why you require any unusual or particularly costly items listed in your budget.

Indicate why items needed that are generally available from your department or the University at no cost to students cannot be obtained from that source. Examples: books, journals, and routine lab equipment.

Funds cannot be used for student employment, paying students for any work or publication costs. 

SECTION 4: Citations

Give references (complete with titles) for all literature cited in the proposal. Use appropriate citation style for your discipline. There is no page limit for this reference list. These pages are not included in the 3-page limit for the project proposal narrative.

All parties will comply with Miami University policies on Research Ethics and Integrity. Those who endeavor to conduct research must be familiar with the requirements before starting any research or teaching projects that involve humans, animals, radiation, and some biological manipulations. This involves local training and often review and approval of proposed activities by relevant university-wide committees.

• They will be subject to the Miami University policies on intellectual property, including patents and royalties.
• Disclosure of inventions and intellectual property must be made during the research process, using the Miami University Invention Disclosure form available from the Office of Research and Innovation.

URA proposals are evaluated by Undergraduate Research Committee (URC) members. The URA committee is composed of eight faculty from a variety of departments, a graduate student and up to five undergraduate students.

The URA review committee considers the following criteria during proposal evaluation:

• Readability and Format: Is the proposal easily understood and free of technical jargon? Does the application follow the format in the guidelines?
• Clarity: Is the research problem or creative activity clearly articulated?
• Significance and Educational Value: Is the problem worth solving? Why is the work important to your discipline? Are the skills to be learned of high academic quality and significance?
• Feasibility and Student Preparation: Can the problem be solved, or the research/creative activity performed within the time available (one semester) and with facilities available to the student? Does the student have adequate training and experience to undertake and complete the project?
• Budget: Is the budget reasonable, specific, and accurate?

Student researchers are required to attend a minimum of three mentorship, professional development and/or training workshops offered/co-sponsored by MILO, during spring term. The award notification letter will list session times.

Award funds are required to be spent according to the budget in the submitted project proposal. Deviations must be approved by faculty department administration.

The undergraduate researcher is expected to present research outcomes at the annual Undergraduate Research Forum. 

A short summary (two slides) of research findings will be submitted to MILO (details in award letter).

Additional outcome products (paper, oral presentation, poster, artwork, portfolio, model, etc.) and due dates will be determined between the faculty mentor and student researchers. Also, researchers are strongly encouraged to aim toward regional/national/ international presentation/performance/dissemination of their work.