The University of Vermont Office of Fellowships, Opportunities, & Undergraduate Research (FOUR) provides a central location to find out more about research and creative activities available to all UVM undergraduates. FOUR also provides guidance and support for all students, past and present, in search of nationally competitive fellowships.

FOUR provides a resource to help students find opportunities and information for pursuing a deeper learning experiences through fellowships, undergraduate research, and other activities. Undergraduate research is a broad concept, options are extensive and limited only by your imagination. Research can be conducted independently, on a team, directed by a faculty member, within the university, or somewhere else. Nationally Competitive Fellowships are available to all students and alumni of the University of Vermont and the office provides support as well as endorsements throughout the application processes.

FOUR is here for any undergraduate interested in high-impact experiences outside the classroom! FOUR works with any and all undergraduates and alumni of the university with nationally-competitive fellowships applications. Many of our "Opportunities" are geared to any students of UVM as well. If you're unsure if an option is for you, contact us.

Undergraduate research in higher education is a dynamic, student-driven process of academic exploration and discovery. As defined by the Council on Undergraduate Research, it's "an inquiry or investigation conducted by an undergraduate student that makes an original intellectual or creative contribution to the discipline." (www.cur.org)

At its core, undergraduate research:

1. Promotes collaboration between students and faculty mentors
2. Engages students in critical inquiry within their chosen field
3. Exposes students to fundamental techniques and methodologies
4. Encourages original contributions to academic knowledge

This research can take various forms, including:

• Scientific experiments and data analysis
• Literary or historical investigations
• Creative projects in the arts
• Engineering and technological innovations
• Social science studies

The outcomes of undergraduate research are diverse:

• Published academic papers
• Oral presentations at conferences
• Artistic performances or exhibitions
• Digital projects like websites or databases
• Poster presentations

Undergraduate research culminates in various ways, often including presentations at campus events like the annual Student Research Conference (SRC). Held every April, the SRC is an amazing celebration and showcase of student research and creative scholarship. Platforms like the SRC allow students to share their work, engage with peers and faculty, and gain valuable communication skills.

By participating in research, undergraduates not only enhance their own learning but also contribute to the broader academic community, fostering a culture of inquiry and innovation in higher education!

At the University of Vermont, a top-ranked small public research institution, undergraduate research is a cornerstone of our academic experience. By engaging in research, you:

1. Gain hands-on experience in your field of interest
2. Work closely with expert faculty mentors
3. Apply classroom concepts to real-world scenarios
4. Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
5. Enhance your communication abilities
6. Build an impressive resume for future opportunities
7. Explore potential career paths
8. Learn research methodologies specific to your discipline
9. Present findings at academic conferences
10. By engaging in research, you'll become a competitive applicant for graduate or professional schools or fellowships

Undergraduate research at UVM offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of your chosen discipline while discovering your passions and strengths. You'll contribute to cutting-edge scholarship and gain insights that will shape your academic and career trajectory. You’ll also gain connections to faculty mentors, professionals, and peers, your relationships with whom will be invaluable and who will help expand your professional network. 

By participating in research, you'll not only enrich your university experience but also develop skills and knowledge that will serve you well beyond graduation. Research will help you gain critical thinking and analytical skills. You’ll be asked to engage with real-world issues and big questions, and these problem-solving skills will serve you well on whatever path you follow after graduation. Also, you will become a better communicator, from the papers you may write or the presentations you may give. Whether you're aiming for graduate school, a professional career, or simply want to challenge yourself intellectually, undergraduate research at UVM can help you achieve your goals.

Yes! In every college and department at the University of Vermont, there are research opportunities just waiting for innovative students like yourself. If you are interested in finding faculty to work with, learn more about how to get started on your research journey.

Embarking on undergraduate research is a pivotal step in a student's academic journey, offering a unique opportunity to explore interests deeply, develop critical thinking skills, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge. At the University of Vermont, FOUR (Fellowships, Opportunities, & Undergraduate Research) has initiated a program titled "Getting Started in Undergraduate Research," designed to guide students through the process of engaging in research both on and off campus.

Getting Started on Campus

1. Explore Your Interests: Begin by identifying your academic and research interests. Attend departmental talks, seminars, and meetings to gain insights into the current research projects and areas of study within your field.
2. Connect with Faculty: Faculty members are invaluable resources. Reach out to professors whose research aligns with your interests. Prepare by reading their publications and understanding their research focus. Then, schedule a meeting to express your interest in their work and inquire about potential research opportunities.
3. Utilize Campus Resources: FOUR is a hub for research opportunities, offering workshops, information sessions, and one-on-one advising to help you navigate the research landscape at the University of Vermont. They can connect you with research projects looking for undergraduate students and provide guidance on crafting a research proposal.
4. Consider Research Programs and Grants: Look for structured research programs and grants specifically designed for undergraduates. These programs often provide a framework for your research activities, including mentorship, funding, and opportunities for presenting your work.

Expanding Your Horizons Off Campus

1. Summer Research Programs: Many institutions and organizations offer summer research programs for undergraduates. These programs can provide intensive research experience in a variety of fields, often including stipends and housing.
2. Internships and Fellowships: Explore internships and fellowships in your field of interest. These positions can offer practical research experience and networking opportunities. FOUR can assist in identifying suitable opportunities and preparing your applications.
3. Conferences and Workshops: Participating in academic conferences and workshops is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the research community. You present your work, learn about the latest research developments, and connect with researchers and scholars. 
4. Online Research Opportunities: With the rise of remote learning and research, many organizations and universities offer virtual research internships and projects. These can be an excellent way to gain research experience, especially in fields where physical presence in a lab or research site is not critical.

Making the Most of Your Research Experience

• Be Proactive: Take initiative in seeking out research opportunities and be proactive in your communications with potential mentors and program coordinators.
• Build Skills: Research involves a range of skills, from technical abilities specific to your field to general competencies like critical thinking, communication, and time management. Use your research experience to develop these skills.
• Reflect and Evaluate: After completing a research project, take the time to reflect on what you learned, both about the subject matter and about yourself as a researcher. This reflection can guide your future academic and career decisions.

Starting undergraduate research is a journey of exploration and growth. By taking advantage of the resources and opportunities available through the University of Vermont's FOUR office and beyond, students can embark on this journey with confidence, gaining valuable experience and skills along the way.

FOUR serves as a resource for students at every step of the research process. We do not operate with a database of research opportunities but we can advise you on how to use the UVM website's faculty lists (within Departmental pages) as one. We are classified as a "high research activity" university. All tenured (and tenure-track) faculty members, research faculty, and most graduate students are participating in independent research and thereby contributing to their individual fields. By searching through the departments that you are interested in, you can explore what faculty are researching currently. When you stumble upon someone (or multiple professors) who are doing research of interest, contact them with a well-informed and well-thought-out email expressing your interest and inquiring if they are looking for help.

This is usually handled within the faculty's department. We suggest that you contact your faculty mentor or department chair for more information on how the department handles research credit.

The faculty who invite undergraduates to join in their research, oversee and provide valuable mentoring and have dedicated themselves to the enrichment of the educational experience here. Research and creative activity are being performed throughout every part of campus, and opportunities abound for students from every discipline to get involved and gain more expertise in their chosen fields. To get a glimpse of the extraordinary work directed by our faculty, explore the home page of your major (or of other departments) to find more information on faculty research and interests. See our undergraduate research resources for more information on finding a faculty mentor.

There are a few ways to get in touch.

1. Always do your homework - research the researcher!
2. Students who have narrowed down their interests should speak to their advisor and/or to a faculty member in your area of interest about available opportunities.
3. Come to FOUR Drop-In hours. Hours vary each semester.

By researching with faculty members, you are automatically working with someone who understands your workload. As such, no matter the amount of time you can commit, if you tell your mentor up front they will know what kind of dedication to expect from you. An average amount of time undergraduate researchers commit in a week is between 5 and 10 hours – but you may not have time like that. Take a careful look at your schedule and then contact a professor with that number in mind.

Yes! We work closely with students from all over campus, not just those pursuing a Patrick Leahy Honors College thesis or college honors. UVM is what is called a "High Research Activity" institution, which means that every faculty member with "professor" somewhere in their official title is making an original contribution to their field - be that through the lab, creative endeavor, fieldwork, or scholarship.

A fellowship is an opportunity for a student to receive financial support to pursue their academic interests or passions more in depth. The fellowships listed across the FOUR website are some of the nationally competitive opportunities. Students around the country are applying for these awards, which are given out by the U.S. Government or non-profit foundations. Some fellowships offer opportunities to pursue research (often in graduate school) while others may provide funding for the last years of undergraduate education.

Good question. A nationally competitive fellowship is for high-achieving students who have big dreams and an idea of how they want to accomplish them. It is also a unique and useful way to clarify personal, academic, or career goals.

Applying for a nationally competitive grant, scholarship or fellowship can be an in-depth, intense year-long process. Piling a personal statement or a research proposal on top of a heavy academic course load and extracurricular activities is not a challenge for the faint of heart. However, the process of applying for a fellowship usually directly coincides with work you need to be doing to prepare yourself for your future anyway.

It depends on what you're applying for. Check out our "Fab FOUR" page for a list of the fellowships we advise on most frequently; if none of these resonate with you we advise on an array of other fellowships that offer academic and professional development. You should familiarize yourself with application requirements well in advance of deadlines. Applications sometimes require a "personal statement," a specific proposal for research or a course of study, one or more interviews, anywhere from three to eight letters of recommendation, as well as complicated biographical data forms. FOUR is here to help you navigate the process.

Several fellowships require official institutional nomination, and for all of these an initial application must be submitted to FOUR by a campus deadline that may be one month or more before the external deadline. A fellowships committee reviews the applications and may interview applicants as part of our internal selection process.

All fellowships requiring institutional nomination require you to submit an application for review by FOUR. In some cases, the application you submit will be the full fellowship application; in other cases, you will complete all the official fellowship forms for the national deadline.

Do not think of the internal application as a "draft" application. Yes, you will have some limited time to make revisions before submitting the final application. But the internal application will form the basis of the committee's evaluation of your candidacy. It is important that it represent your best work. Check spelling, capitalization, grammar, and sentence structure. The care that you put into your application shows.

You should also put some care and preparation into the campus interview, if one is required. There is no need to dress up, but you should be neat and presentable. Review your application prior to the interview and be prepared to elaborate on anything contained within it. As much as is possible, prepare orally: do not just think through answers to possible questions, actually say them out loud! If you feel self-conscious talking to yourself, find a friend or professor to pose questions to you. Be prepared for unexpected questions: an unanticipated response to something in your application, something emerging from a recent news article about your interests, or anything else your interviewer chooses to ask. If you do not understand a question, ask for clarification. Try to answer completely, but concisely. Do not fret over less than perfect answers; even very strong interviews may have a couple of rough spots. Much of any interview is about getting to know you, so try to relax and be yourself. Nervousness is inevitable but need not be debilitating.