These programs are competitive and only a limited number of summer stipends will be awarded each spring. Wittenberg students working with biology faculty members are eligible for these grant awards. This research experience may carry up to 5 academic credits according to the university guidelines for regular Directed Research. Students who submitted grants to the Student Development Board for summer funding may submit the same proposal to the Biology Department. A student may not receive both the Student Development Board award and the Biology award in the same summer.
Students submitting proposals must demonstrate a high degree of previous academic success and appropriate preparation for the type of proposed research. Positive indicators might include GPA, course preparation, previous research experience, and faculty support of your proposal.
Students receiving research stipends will be expected to present the results of their work at the Wittenberg Celebration of Learning or a department poster session during the academic year following the summer experience. Presentation at other meetings such as an undergraduate research conference, or other professional conferences or meetings is encouraged. Faculty members working with students should help facilitate this requirement.
The Application: Students interested in conducting research should, in consultation with an appropriate faculty member, prepare a research proposal that shall include the following elements
Part 1: The Basics
- A short descriptive title.
- Abstract. Maximum count 250 words.
- Starting date of the research.
Part 2: The Plan
- Background information related to the research and a definite statement of the question or hypothesis being investigated.
- Objectives that you will be working towards, and when you intend to start the investigation.
- Methods on how you intend to investigate the problem (please be specific).
- Proposed plan of study including a 10-week schedule for the summer.
Part 3: Preparation and Support
- A letter from the cooperating faculty member(s) assessing your ability to carry out the project, and outlining the role that the faculty member(s) will play in your research project.
- A personal assessment that outlines what preparation you have had allowing you to engage in the proposed project.