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From our Editor, David Advent:
Happy New Year and welcome to the Spring 2023 semester! We're very excited to welcome everyone back to campus as the semester starts.
For our first newsletter of 2023, we want to showcase the prowess of our IDEA Grants program as the deadline to apply for a 2023 IDEA Grant is February 2. We start with information about the IDEA Grants and how to apply for one. Then, we move to hearing from previous IDEA Grant students on their experiences with their grants and projects. Our hope is that, if you're a student, you will feel inspired to apply for funding for your own undergraduate research project. Remember, you can receive up to $4,000 as an individual or up to $6,000 as a group for your own project, creative idea, or creative performance. We welcome applications from all disciplines and majors across the university.
The IDEA Grant is a transformative experience. I was awarded an IDEA Grant in 2018 to help fund research for my Bachelor's thesis, which, based in English Literature, explored issues of space, place, and time and the environment in two of Thomas Hardy's novels. The IDEA Grant allowed me to travel to Dorchester, England to conduct archival research for my thesis, an experience that demonstrated to me my capacity to conduct a large research project. This experience was invaluable personally and professionally, especially when applying to graduate school, and I share this story to showcase the importance of undergraduate research and the immense influence an individual grant can have on your academic journey.
For the remainder of the newsletter, we pivot to CRE funding opportunities, some CRE and HSF news, and, finally, our Spring 2023 drop-in hours. We hope that you will join us during those hours to learn more about conducting undergraduate research.
Thanks for reading--as always, if you have any questions or would like to know more, please email us at cre@fsu.edu. Go forth, and research!
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IDEA GRANT DEADLINE AND WRITING WORKSHOPS |
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Is there a creative endeavor you want to undertake or an original research project you would like to conduct? Do you want to develop or evaluate a product idea, entrepreneurial venture, or a service initiative? IDEA grants fund research, creative projects, and the development or evaluation of new or existing ideas. This is your chance to flex your creative muscles, innovate, and explore.
2023 IDEA GRANTS PROPOSAL WRITING WORKSHOPS
At the writing workshops, you will learn about the process of applying for an IDEA Grant. You will be able to draft your application with other individuals attending the workshops. All information session will be held in Rm. 3008 of the Honors, Scholars, and Fellows House.
Wednesday, Jan. 11th, 12:00PM
Thursday, Jan. 19th, 2:00PM
Wednesday, Jan. 25th 12:00PM
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When were you awarded your IDEA Grant? Who was your research mentor?
I was awarded the IDEA Grant in Summer 2022 with research mentor Dr. Sarah Eyerly with Musicology in the College of Music.
What was your IDEA Grant project about? What were you researching and studying? How did you utilize the funding?
My IDEA Grant project (also my Honors in the Major project) was the development of a website called The Tallahassee Music Map (tallahasseemusicmap.create.fsu.edu) that maps the musical communities and musical history of Tallahassee, Florida. My funding went to a variety of resources like books about the local area (books that highlight the history of the historic Frenchtown, urban mythology and culture of the red hills area, biographies about FAMU music directors, a history of the FSU Marching Chiefs, and more). My funding also went to purchasing a camera to take photos and do interviews with musicians as well as the necessary accessories like lenses, a tripod, an SD card (and SD card reader), and a CD player.
What was the most exciting part of your IDEA Grant experience?
The most exciting part of the IDEA Grant experience was definitely having the freedom to conduct my own research and having the funding that created the freedom. This was my first experience with independent research and having the ability to control my resources was an exciting taste of what being a lifelong researcher could be after graduate school.
What feedback or advice would you give prospective and current IDEA Grant applicants?
My advice to IDEA Grant applicants would be to be genuine and to be thorough. The review committee(s) can tell if a student is not 100% dedicated to their research, so it's important that applicants know their proposals inside and out. It's also important that all parts of the application be thorough so that the committee(s) is not left with any reason to question the success of the project. The IDEA Grant is a wonderful program and I wish the best of luck to all applicants for the 2023 cohort!
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When were you awarded your IDEA Grant? Who was your research mentor?
I was awarded the IDEA Grant in the spring of 2022 and Dr. Jeff Whalen was my research mentor.
What was your IDEA Grant project about? What were you researching and studying? How did you utilize the funding?
The identification of a rapid STD test for chlamydia and gonorrhea was the focus of my IDEA Grant project. In the United States, STD rates have been on the rise for six going on seven years now. As a member of Gen Z, I wanted to lead the change to create solutions that will better our generation, decrease STD rates, and put an end to this epidemic. Initially, I began researching my competitors and the current point-of-care tests that exists. This allowed me to understand the competition and frame my focus on the specific technology that can be used.
What was the most exciting part of your IDEA Grant experience?
The process in itself was truly worthwhile and rewarding. The project really transformed and transcended to something bigger than me. An additional element of my research entailed interviewing local health clinics and college health departments. In these interviews, I heard stories expressing the necessity and demand for a rapid STD test. Each week it reaffirmed my purpose and continued to fuel my inner flame. This project exists as a passion project to perpetuate change in our society.
What feedback or advice would you give prospective and current IDEA Grant applicants?
Remember your purpose and lie in your power. The IDEA Grant is a huge honor and accomplishment to receive at the Florida State University. There is a reason each person commits to embarking on the journey, always remember it. In times of adversity, this purpose is what is going to allow one to transcend and remain resilient. I believe everyone possesses their own power and strength. One must never doubt they are capable; rather, they must believe they can. Yes, we are young but we are at an institution that supports and fosters young creativity and innovation. The IDEA Grant is a program that provides you the platform to challenge yourself, grow your ideas, and accomplish your goals. It may seem difficult, imposter syndrome may seep in; but if you believe you can, you will succeed.
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When were you awarded your IDEA Grant? Who was your research mentor?
I was awarded my IDEA Grant in the Spring of 2022 to conduct research during Summer of 2022. My research mentor was Dr. Azat Gundogan.
What was your IDEA Grant project about? What were you researching and studying? How did you utilize the funding?
My research partner and I were conducting an auto-ethnographic study during our study abroad program in South Korea about identify formation in a foreign space. We mostly focused on our identity as Black women and how this was impacted by the spaces we were in. We used the funding to pay for part of the trip, since we needed help funding a 6 week stay in Seoul, South Korea.
What was the most exciting part of your IDEA Grant experience?
For me, I was very excited about presenting at the President’s Showcase since I was able to speak to people about my research and get feedback from them. Many people showed a lot of interest in our work which was really rewarding.
How was the presentation experience at the President’s Showcase of Undergraduate Research Excellence?
It was so fun! My research partner and I spent the entirety of the showcase talking to people and answering questions about our research. We thoroughly enjoyed having the opportunity to do so because we had just spent 2 months on this research over the summer and wanted to share it with the world.
What feedback or advice would you give prospective and current IDEA Grant applicants?
I would tell prospective and current IDEA Grant applicants to allow themselves to be inspired. Our project was one that we created ourselves and needed help structuring but in the end it turned out to be a rewarding experience for us! Sometimes research can be something you thought it was not!
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When were you awarded your IDEA Grant? Who was your research mentor?
I was awarded my IDEA Grant in March 2022 and Dr. Azat Gundogan was my research mentor.
What was your IDEA Grant project about? What were you researching and studying? How did you utilize the funding?
I worked with Susan Morales for this IDEA Grant project, and we focused our attention on identity formation. We studied abroad in Seoul, South Korea last summer, and were interested in how our identities as Black women would be perceived in a homogeneous society. We documented all of our findings in a poster and a zine, which we presented at the President's Showcase last semester. The funding that was awarded to us provided us aid during the duration of our study abroad program.
What was the most exciting part of your IDEA Grant experience?
I would say that the most exciting part of our IDEA Grant experience was presenting at the President's Showcase because we were able to meet so many new people. It felt really nice to see so many people invested in our project and our story.
How was the presentation experience at the President’s Showcase of Undergraduate Research Excellence?
The presentation experience at this showcase was honestly wonderful! I could not have asked for a better audience. Everyone came with questions and seemed incredibly engaged throughout the whole process.
What feedback or advice would you give prospective and current IDEA Grant applicants?
Don't be afraid to apply to this program! If I hadn't tried, I would have missed out on the wonderful opportunity to further my research skills and interact with so many new people.
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When were you awarded your IDEA Grant? Who was your research mentor?
I was awarded the IDEA Grant for the Summer 2022 session. Most of the work that I did for the grant I did in May and June of last year. My research mentor was Assistant Professor of Italian, Dr. Elizabeth Coggeshall.
What was your IDEA Grant project about? What were you researching and studying? How did you utilize the funding?
My IDEA Grant project focused on Latin American literary adaptations of Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy. I specifically worked with Canto 5 of the Inferno, which describes Dante’s hellish encounter with the adulterous lovers Paolo and Francesca. I studied how various authors from Latin American adapted the character of Francesca within their work. Understanding how those writers viewed and interacted with canonical works, like Dante’s Inferno, can provide insight into the cultural relationship between Europe and Latin America, specifically by revealing how culture can be tied to conquest and some of the lasting impacts of European colonialism.
In my case, I mainly used the funding I received to offset wages from not working during the summer. I believe I also paid for access to a few texts I wanted to read for my work.
What was the most exciting part of your IDEA Grant experience?
For me, the most exciting part about my IDEA Grant experience was encountering some excellent pieces of literature that I would not have. “La francesa” by Chilean poet Roberto Bolaño has easily become one of my favorite poems. I still get chills when I read a few of its lines, especially its ending.
I have loved reading since I was a kid, so it makes sense that I had a great time doing work that mostly consisted of – you guessed it – reading. I also really enjoyed talking about my work, whether that be with my research mentor or at the President’s Showcase.
What feedback or advice would you give prospective and current IDEA Grant applicants?
I think any prospective IDEA Grant applicant should be sure to have planned out two things before they begin the program. On one hand, it’s important to establish some form of timeline for your work. There were a few times during the summer when it was easy to let life get in the way and neglect my research. Luckily, I had a few looming deadlines I set for myself to keep focused. Additionally, they should really think about what they plan to do with their work once it's completed. Some of my peers were researching for the Honors in the Major thesis and others were working towards more independent goals. I think having that destination in mind can be extremely motivating for a project which is, by and large, extracurricular.
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APPLY FOR CRE FUNDING TO FURC 2023 |
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Are you looking to present your research at a conference? Do you need funding to present at that conference? Apply for CRE Funding to present at the Florida Undergraduate Research Conference (FURC) 2023 in Miami Gardens, FL at St. Thomas University. FURC is one of the nation's largest multi-disciplinary research conferences, and it is open to all undergraduate researchers in the state of Florida to present their research in a poster format. In addition to relevant conference presentation experience, FURC boasts some of the best networking opportunities with fellow researchers and graduate programs across the country, as well as workshops and other professional development experiences.
Apply for CRE Funding here. Remember, to apply for CRE Funding, you need to submit your abstract to FURC 2023, which you can learn more about doing here. Submit BOTH by January 17th, 2023.
Please email CRE with any questions about CRE Funding and STU for any questions about FURC 2023.
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APPLY TO PRESENT AT ACC MEETING OF THE MINDS |
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Sponsored by the Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement with funding from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), this award covers all conference costs for students selected to present their research at the annual ACC Meeting of the Minds Undergraduate Research Conference. This year, Meeting of the Minds will be held at the Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia from March 24-26, 2023.
All majors are eligible to apply. Selected participants will have all travel expenses covered, including plane, hotel, and food. Students can present their original, student-directed and faculty-mentored research or creative project as an oral presentation (15 minutes) or poster presentation. Honors in the Major students and those conducting more advanced, independent research are especially encouraged to apply.
Note: this application requires one letter of recommendation from the student's faculty mentor.
Deadline to apply for full funding to present at the ACC Meeting of the Minds Undergraduate Research Conference is January 23, 2023. This application does require one letter of recommendation from the student's research mentor; that recommendation is due January 30, 2023.
Click here for more information about ACC Meeting of the Minds Undergraduate Research Conference.
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ARTS AND SCIENCES
CONFERENCE PRESENTATION GRANT
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The College of Arts and Sciences and the Division of Undergraduate Studies supports conference presentation funding through the administration of these grants. Undergraduate students from all College of Arts and Sciences disciplines are encouraged to apply.
Undergraduate students may apply for up to $500 to cover costs for conferences in their discipline (or a related discipline). Both virtual and in-person conferences are eligible for funding.
Rolling deadline, though you must submit this application at least 6 weeks prior to the conference at which you will be presenting (though, you may need to submit this earlier to ensure registration by conference deadline). You will need to upload an itemized list of expenses as part of this application.
If awarded a Conference Presentation Grant, you will be able to submit conference expenses for reimbursements (EXCEPT: if you need to purchase flights to attend/present at your conference, you will need to schedule a meeting with Cheryl Martin (ckmartin@fsu.edu) so that she can purchase your flights through the Concur system. Flights cannot be reimbursed).
Please contact Latika Young (llyoung@fsu.edu) with any questions.
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UROP Research Mentor Henry Fuelberg and UROP Student Jagdish Desai Published An Article in the Tallahassee Democrat! |
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UROP Research Mentor Henry Fuelberg |
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UROP Student Jagdish Desai |
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We're so proud of Jagdish and his research mentor for sharing their meteorological research on lighting in Tallahassee.
"According to the National Weather Service’s Drought Monitor, the Florida Panhandle is experiencing a “severe rainfall drought” as of December 8. Although our rainfall to date is approximately one inch above the annual average, that rainfall has not been distributed well during the year. The first eight months had a great deal of rain, but very little since then.
We also are experiencing a “lightning drought”. We did have a small number of cloud to ground (CG) strikes on November 30 (30 strikes in Leon County, with only six within the Tallahassee City Limits). However, prior to that we have to go all the way back to September 13 when the county experienced CG strikes. That is, 77 consecutive days with no lightning. Although fall is one of our drier months with comparatively little lightning, 77 days is a long time."
Congratulations, both!
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FSU Undergraduate Studies and the Graduate School School are pleased to announce this year’s Excellence in the Visual Arts Exhibition Award to recognize the artistic talents of undergraduate and graduate students at Florida State University. Cash awards will be coupled with an exhibition of the selected works in the Honors, Scholars, and Fellows House on the FSU Campus for one year (late March 2023-March 2024).
If you have questions regarding artwork eligibility or installation, please contact the Art on Campus Director, Professor Lilian Garcia-Roig at lgarciaroig@fsu.edu
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FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA, INCLUDING OUR TIKTOK |
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CRE SPOTLIGHTS WANTS TO FEATURE YOUR NEWS!
We are constantly amazed by what our current students and alumni are working on, so share your success stories with us to be featured in our monthly newsletter and weekly social media posts. Fill out this form to share your news!
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Engaging students in research, innovation, and scholarship is the hallmark of a great research university. Through this engagement, students become better thinkers, innovators, and problem solvers, cultivating a depth of understanding needed to make a positive difference in the world. |
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