Research opportunities are known to enhance students’ education in many ways, including by helping students connect academic concepts to real-world situations and supporting student’s motivation, confidence, and resilience.  

This program will provide financial support and structured guidance for identifying and connecting with potential research mentors and supports early engagement in undergraduate research opportunities. The program will also encourage sustained research involvement through renewable scholarships.

While all Microbiology students are eligible to apply, this program is targeted for students who are earlier in their degrees and not yet involved in research. This program currently awards new scholarships each Fall as funds are available. 

Please contact Dr. Emma Goodwin at Emma.goodwin@uga.edu with additional questions.

• First Semester: Selected scholars will receive a $1,000 entry scholarship. Scholars are expected to enroll in the 1-credit “From Data to Discovery: Leveraging Research for Career Success” seminar course (currently offered as BIOL 3040). This course offers students an introduction to undergraduate research, structured mentorship for securing a research position, and builds skills to help students succeed once in a research position.
• Following Semesters: Scholars will be eligible for renewable $2,000 semester scholarships for continued research engagement (minimum 8 hours/week) with a faculty mentor. Scholars will be strongly encouraged to participate in opportunities like UGA’s annual student research symposium, hosted by the Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities (CURO), and to apply for the CURO Summer Research Fellowship.

One paragraph (200 words max) stating your financial need and one paragraph (200 words max) stating your research interests are required to apply.

Apply Here by August 7, 2026 at 11:59pm

Provided for by the UGA Parents Leadership Council