The Office of Undergraduate Research is committed to helping students achieve their research goals. We strive to provide a diverse set of opportunities for all students to enhance their education towards meeting three core objectives:
- Applying critical thinking, ethics and information analyses in decision-making processes.
- Understanding the nature of research, investigation and scholarship.
- Utilizing discipline-based inquiry skills in their communities to create or understand new knowledge.
There are a number of services and opportunities available to our students and current students can learn more on our ERNIE page. They include:
Spark Equipment Grants
Spark Equipment Grants are designed to fund smaller research projects or cover research-related costs up to $1,000. These awards are open to undergraduate and graduate students and may be awarded once per academic year.
Spark Travel Grant
Spark Grants are designed to fund travel to conferences to present research or to conduct research up to $1,000. These awards are open to undergraduate and graduate students and may be awarded once per academic year.
Ignite Grants
Ignite Grants are designed for undergraduate-led groups conducting long-term research endeavors over the period of a year or more. Funds may cover supplies, equipment, travel and other miscellaneous research-related expenses up to $10,000, though awards are typically $5,000 or less. The Ignite Grant proposal is submitted in the spring term for the following academic year. Though the team PI must be an undergraduate student, graduate students may be on the research team.
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) are awarded to undergraduate students who wish to devote the summer to conducting research and/or preparing proposals to apply for prestigious fellowships, articles for publication and conference papers to communicate their research. Fellows receive a stipend and additional funding to support their research.
Student Internal Grants
Student Internal Grants are designed for undergraduate and master students conducting long-term research endeavors over the period of a year or more. Funds may cover student wages, supplies, equipment, travel and other miscellaneous research-related expenses up to $7,500, though awards are typically $5,000 or less. The Student Internal Grant proposal is submitted in the spring term for the following academic year.
Virtual Learning Center
The Virtual Learning Center (VLC) provides an opportunity for Embry-Riddle community members to complete engaging, dynamic and informative modules on a variety of research related topics to help them prepare to conduct, lead and mentor quality research. With resources for both students and faculty, OUR offers an opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge of individuals no matter where they are in their research journey.
Workshops
In addition to our major on campus events, such as Discovery Day and the Student Research Symposium, the Office of Undergraduate Research supports delegations to the Florida Undergraduate Research Conference, Posters at the Florida Capitol, Posters on the Hill and the National Conference for Undergraduate Research each year.
One-on-One Coaching
Whether your looking to get started and don’t know where to begin or are a seasoned researcher navigating a new opportunity, the OUR team is here to help provide individualized guidance. Stop by the office or email us to schedule an appointment.
In addition to our major on campus events, such as Discovery Day and the Student Research Symposium, the Office of Undergraduate Research supports delegations to the Florida Undergraduate Research Conference and the National Conference for Undergraduate Research each year.
Student researchers often have the opportunity to become research leaders within their project teams. For those individuals looking for an additional leadership opportunity, serving as a Peer Mentor or OUR Ambassador may be a great fit.
Peer Mentors
Peer Mentors are experienced, trained researchers who help to guide budding researchers through the research process. They provide advice and follow up with students regularly. They are available to meet with aspiring or current researchers during all regular business hours, typically Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Peer Mentors are paid hourly.
OUR Ambassadors
OUR Ambassadors are a team of students currently engaged in research endeavors seeking to engage more students in the research experience. They serve as advocates and coaches for undergraduate research engagement. OUR Ambassadors develop communication, leadership and service skills by presenting to classes, providing advisement and guidance, and recruiting future researchers. They receive a stipend.