Undergraduate Research Program
Announcement of Opportunity 2008-2009

Purpose:
Research awards will be provided to qualified undergraduate students to create and implement a small research study of their own design that is directly related to their interests and career objectives in space science, aerospace, or space-related studies. The student may work alone or with a faculty or research staff advisor; however, the conceptualization and design of the project should be their own. Awards will emphasize effective student research and mentoring arrangements. Students from small colleges and universities, and from departments with newly developing space research infrastructure, are especially encouraged to apply. WSGC will facilitate mentoring arrangements if necessary.

Awards:
Up to $3,500* independent research award for the 2008 summer session or 2008-2009 academic year. An additional $500 may be awarded for exceptional expenses, such as high travel costs to conduct field work.  Note that the total funding awarded from the WSGC Scholarship Program and this Undergraduate Research program will not exceed $3,500.

*Subject to availability of funds.

Requirements:

• U.S. citizen
• enrolled full-time in, admitted to, or applied to any undergraduate program at a WSGC college or university
• minimum 3.0 GPA (Proposals that include a GPA of less than 3.0 will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.)
• above average SAT/ACT scores
• research project related to aerospace, space science, or other interdisciplinary space-related studies
• completed application packet (see Supporting Materials below)

Supporting Materials Required with Application:

1. Provide a one-page Budget Summary for your independent research that should be for your sole benefit. This should include a brief explanation of any major expenditure items. Any travel or other expenses should be related to your research.
2. Include copy of high school transcript (incoming Freshman and Sophomores only)
3. Copy of most recent college transcript.
4. Append two (2) letters of recommendation: one from your academic advisor or high school advisor (if incoming freshman), and one from another faculty member or teacher, employer, or aerospace professional of your choice.
5. Single-sided, no folds.

Applications:
The Consortium invites applications for Undergraduate Research Awards for the 2008-2009 academic year. Application forms must be completed, and be accompanied by supporting documentation. The Consortium especially encourages applications from members of minority groups, women, and persons with disabilities, and from those pursuing interdisciplinary aerospace studies in, but not limited to, engineering, the sciences, architecture, law, business, nursing and medicine. Award winners will be chosen based on academic performance, space-related promise, and the application.

Application Information:
Download application or obtain additional application and information from the Associate Director for Research. Submit completed application with all supporting material to:

Thomas Achtor, Associate Director for Research
Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium
Space Science and Engineering Center
University of Wisconsin-Madison
1225 W. Dayton Street, Room 251
Madison, WI 53706-1280
Phone: 608-263-4206
Fax: 608-262-5974
E-mail: tom.achtor@ssec.wisc.edu

Postmark Deadline:   February 4, 2008

Award Announcements:   April 7, 2008

Award Recipients