Alexis Lamb
Looking to become more independent in your research? Interested in conducting a service learning project? Want to get funding for a study abroad trip or travel to a conference?
If you answered yes to any of the questions, then consider applying to either Undergraduate Special Opportunities in Artistry & Research (USOAR) or the Student Engagement Fund (SEF).
USOAR is a program that funds student-generated research projects, whether the study is conducted on campus, somewhere else in the US, or internationally. USOAR is open to students from all colleges, departments, and majors.
Students have between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31 to complete their USOAR projects.
Former USOAR student Alexis Lamb, from the School of Music in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, worked with percussion professor Greg Beyer to conduct both research and service in Brazil.
Lamb studied the traditional use of the berimbau, a musical bow constructed of a staff, gourd and wire.
“The work I have done with the berimbau is what I take the most pride in about my time at NIU,“ Lamb said. “It has reinforced my admiration of world music, given me an opportunity to conduct proper research and present on multiple occasions – and it helped me to realize my true passion for composition.”
To get involved, share your idea for a research or artistry project with a faculty member. Once the faculty member has approved your idea, complete and submit a copy of your proposal to ugresearch@niu.edu. The spring deadline for submissions is Friday, Feb. 12.
Proposal guidelines are available online. Students whose proposals are selected are granted up to $2,500 to carry out their projects.
SEF is a collaborative effort by the Office of Student Engagement & Experiential Learning and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences to provide stipends for students working on faculty-mentored research projects and to support undergraduate student engagement projects. Students as well as faculty are encouraged to apply to fund a project.
Applications are available online. The summer deadline for SEF is Monday, Feb. 15; the fall deadline is Tuesday, March 15.
For more information on either program, call (815) 753-8154 or email ugresearch@niu.edu.
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