Science Undergraduate Research

Group (SURGe)
Spring 2009 SURGe Research
Jumpstart Fellowship
Purpose
The Jumpstart Research Fellowship was created in the spirit of promoting undergraduate research. As
its name implies, the purpose of the fellowship is to serve as an impetus for SURGe members in their
search for research positions. In providing support to those at the first stages of finding a position or
early stages of their research, it aims to fill a niche not covered by the Undergraduate Research
Fellowship. Those more established in their research are encouraged to apply for the Undergraduate
Research Fellowship.
(www.utexas.edu/research/vp/awards/)

Awards
Award A: 2 recipients - $200 each with no prior research experience or just beginning research
Award B: 1 recipient - $200 with research experience and independent project
Awards can be used toward expenses of travel, research projects, or personal stipend

Deadline
The Spring 2009 SURGe Jumpstart Research Fellowship is due Friday, May 1, 2009 by 5:00 PM to the
application box located in PAI 3.04 at the front desk.

Application forms are available at the SURGe meeting or online at www.utsurge.org

Question? E-mail surge555@gmail.com

Eligibility
 Must be an Active SURGe member*
 No minimum GPA
 No prior research experience necessary though must be “actively looking for a position”**

*Active Member Criteria (must meet 1 of 3 following criteria)

1. Must have a minimum of 25 points by May 1, 2009
2. Be a SURGe officer (except President)
3. Be an active committee member

** “Actively looking for position” demonstrated through interviewing with professors and then using
that information to answer essay prompt A and faculty form A
Judging
Competed applications are assigned a random number upon judging that will exclude name of
applicant. Judging will be done by panel of faculty and SURGe President.

Application packets must include

Completed application, essay, faculty form(s) and resumé
 Spring 2009 SURGe Research
Jumpstart Fellowship
APPLICATION
Please type or print clearly

Name_________________________________________________________ UT EID____________________
Last First MI

Local Address______________________________________________________________________________
Street City, State Zip Code

Permanent Address_________________________________________________________________________
Street City, State Zip Code

E-mail_______________________________________________________ Phone_______________________

College/School__________________________________________ Major(s)___________________________

Expected Graduation Date_____________________________ Expected Degree_______________________

Applying for:

_____ Award A (No prior research experience or just beginning research experience award)

_____ Award B (Prior research experience with independent project award)

Are you on a committee? If yes, which one(s)? __________________________________________________

Total SURGe points (25 minimum) __________

I hereby attest that the information provided in this application is correct to the best of my knowledge

Signature of applicant ________________________________________________ Date_________________

 Essay
Format: 500 words or less, double-space typed essay, typeface no smaller than 12-point font.
Answer one of the following prompts

Prompt A for Award A (no prior research experience or just beginning research)
What is your research interest? Give brief basic background of the interest. What sparked your
interest and why? Be specific. How does your sponsoring professor’s research relate to your research
interest? If you have not gotten a position, how is the research of the professor(s), with whom you
have interviewed, relevant to your interest?

Prompt B for Award B (Independent research project)

Briefly describe the background of your current research project, current work and future direction.
 FACULTY FORM for Award A*

Applicant Name____________________________________________________________________

Who have you interviewed/contacted for research opportunities thus far?

Date Contact________________

Supervisor’s Name____________________________________ Title_____________________

Department____________________________________ E-mail_________________________

Briefly describe (50 words or less) the type of research and how it relates to your specific
interests:

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Were you accepted to work in the above professor’s lab?

____ Yes ____ No

(Feel free to add multiple faculty forms to application)

By signing, I verify that the above information is true.

Applicant Signature ________________________________________________ Date _______

*Form only for those applying for Award A

 FACULTY FORM for Award B*

Applicant Name_______________________________________________________________

Supervisor’s Name____________________________________ Title_____________________

Department____________________________________ Office Phone____________________

Campus Mailcode___________________________ E-mail____________________________

By signing, I verify that the above student does work in my lab as an undergraduate research
assistant.

Signature of Supervisor ___________________________________________ Date__________

* Form only for those with research positions and applying for Award B