Ferris State University’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs is encouraging
students to consider collaborative study with a faculty mentor this summer, as the
online application process for 2018 Student Research Fellowship proposals presents a March 2 deadline.
ORSP Director Thomas Dowling said students must have proper academic standing and can build their resumes by partnering with an instructor returning to campus for the Fall 2018 semester.
“I hope they would consider pairing up with a faculty mentor on research that will interest and challenge each of them,” Dowling said. “Discussions at this time should center on determining a direction and scope of the research proposal.”
Students pursuing degrees in Pharmacy, Biotechnology, Actuarial Science, and Plastics and Polymer Engineering Technology were among 15 SRF participants who were supported in Summer 2017. Dowling said that represented the largest field of fellowship proposals funded in one cycle.
“A student can tackle an aspect of the larger body of work, or can negotiate a separate concept to explore, as long as there is appropriate supervision from their faculty mentor,” Dowling said. “It calls for a 10-week, full-time commitment from both the faculty mentor and the student on projects outside the creative arena.”
Funded projects see the student participant paid the minimum wage, and the faculty mentor a stipend for each SRF participant they supervise, along with a supply budget and professional development incentives. Dowling said the student and faculty mentor will be required to present their findings at the SRF Symposium on Wednesday, Aug. 22 during the fall semester when students return to campus prior to the start of the 2018-19 academic year.
“We welcome the submissions from faculty in these first weeks of the spring semester,” Dowling said. “Now is the time to shape proposals and gather the necessary signatures from department heads and deans, so the applications are complete.”
PHOTO CAPTION: Ferris State University student Jeffrey Dickerson, of Reed City, holds
a section of textile that was impregnated to improve its resistance to impact and
penetration. The Plastics and Polymer Engineering Technology/Rubber Engineering Technology
major was one of 15 Student Research Fellowship participants in the summer of 2017.