Research Program Funds Students/Faculty in a Summer Research Experience

Utah State University’s Office of Research is announcing a pilot program for undergraduate researchers this summer. Endowed by USU professors David and Terry Peak, the Peak Summer Research Fellowship will fund a select cohort of eight to ten highly engaged undergraduates in the College of Science and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences—the Peaks’ colleges—through a summer research experience. 

The competitively-selected fellows will spend ten weeks actively working on a research project with faculty mentors and participating in special trainings and workshops. The program will ultimately position fellows to succeed in their educational and career goals, especially preparation for pursuing prestigious scholarships and fellowships. 

“Utah State is a leader in providing research experiences for undergraduates,” said Alexa Sand, associate vice president for research “We are excited to introduce another great opportunity for excep tional students to engage in intensive research experiences.” 

Each Peak Summer Fellow will receive a monetary award, intended to cover the cost of housing, meals, and other living expenses for the program. 

Mentors will also receive a small research-expenses budget in thanks for their participation. 

“Mentors are crucial in the development of strong undergraduate researchers,” Sand said, “especially in their pursuit of prestigious national fellowships such as the Goldwater and the Rhodes” 

David and Terry Peak have provided support for undergraduate research at Utah State for more than 20 years. They have endowed awards for outstanding undergraduate researchers and faculty mentors, and both have mentored dozens of students at every level from freshmen to PhD candidates. 

“David and Terry Peak have been a quintessential part of undergraduate research at Utah State for years,” said Joyce Kinkead, English professo r and former associate vice president for undergraduate research. 

“This new summer fellowship is just another example of the Peaks’ longstanding. commitment to student success in undergraduate research,” Sand said. “We hope this pilot program will inspire other mentors and benefactors to consider expanding our capability for summer research opportunities.” 

Applications for the fellowship are due on February 15, 2019. Additional information can be found at rgs.usu.edu/peakfellows.