Objective
The goal of the Chandler and Ian Davidson Scholars Program is to support research, publication, and presentation opportunities for our majors and minors who are conducting independent research projects. Students who are conducting senior honors thesis research are eligible to apply, but students completing other kinds of independent research projects are also welcome to apply. Note that research conducted for faculty, or research for which a faculty member will be a co-author, is not eligible.
Program
In a typical year, the department supports multiple research-based opportunities for students. Most approved budgets are for several hundred dollars based on project needs, but if you anticipate needing a larger budget you can meet with the Undergraduate Advisor to discuss your project. The funds can be used to support research expenses (travel, participant stipends, software, etc.) and conference expenses (registration and membership, travel). However, the department encourages students traveling to present research findings to first apply for travel grant funds from the School of Social Sciences Gateway Program. More details can be found here: https://socialsciences.rice.edu/research-travel-grants
Applications for funding from the Chandler and Ian Davidson Scholars Program are accepted on a rolling basis.
Application Requirements
- Students must consult with a proposed mentor/advisor for their research project who will agree to provide support and oversight. The mentor must sign the student’s application to indicate their approval for the proposed work or research presentation.
- For a conference or research event funding request the application should include details about the Conference/Event, type of presentation (paper, poster, round-table), your project’s title, and a description of the research that you are presenting. In addition, please include a paragraph describing how participation in this conference/event will impact your educational experience. Finally, include a budget justification that outlines all the requested funds. Use this conference application template, and submit via this website: https://forms.gle/qtSoTmgqrrN97Bav6
- For research funding the application should include your project’s title, and a description of the research project. In addition, please include a paragraph describing how conducting this research project will impact your educational experience. Finally, include a budget justification that outlines all the requested funds and their purpose). Use this research funding application template, and submit via this website: https://forms.gle/qtSoTmgqrrN97Bav6
- Note that senior honors thesis writers may submit a budget justification (following the instructions in the research application) paired with their thesis proposal to meet this application requirement.
Funding Decision
Funding is approved by the Undergraduate Advisor and faculty serving on the undergraduate committee based on the quality of the application and the available funds.