1. Eagle SPUR Proposal Workshop
Dr. Douglas Masterson
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Center for Undergraduate Research Steering Committee

2. Workshop Goals Demystify the “Proposal Process”
What makes an “Excellent” proposal?
- The “Idea”
- An involved faculty mentor
- Student “excitement”
- Quality & Clarity of writing
- Appropriate budget

3. The “Idea” Most difficult part of any proposal
Must be original and student must “own” the project
Must be something the student is interested in or passionate about
Must be clearly communicated in the proposal
Do not assume the panel will “understand” your idea!

4. The “Idea” Where do I express my idea? Describe the idea
Where did the idea come from?
Illustrate your enthusiasm for the project
NOT an abstract of the submission
Why is your question/goal important
Place your question/goal in context
Use scholarly literature for citations
What will be advanced if your goal is achieved or your question answered?

5. The Mentor Mentor must be involved
Must be affiliated w/CUR (see website)
Complete CITI training
Must complete the Mentor Form

6. Methods and Process What will YOU do to answer your question?
Scientific method or creative methods
Non-standard equipment/material needs
Describe off campus needs in detail
Must describe methods and process in an understandable manner

7. Timeline How will you schedule YOUR time?
More important than you think!
Use a time table format (Gantt Chart)
Consult with mentor
Be realistic and clear

8. Expected Outcomes What will you produce at the end?
How will you share your work with others?
Must present work within one year at a scholarly venue

9. Budget Must be detailed and realistic (Not FREE $$$) Must be justified
No per diem or mileage estimates allowed
Indicate other funding sources as appropriate

10. Bibliography Use scholarly literature (journals, books, etc.)
Use databases to find needed references
Use primary sources
Wikipedia is NOT a primary source
No Bibliography is a “Red Flag” to reviewers

11. Scholar Obligations Complete RCR training and IRB (if required)
Meet regularly with your mentor
Conduct your research/project in an ethical manner
Must preserve your research record
Attend CUR workshops

12. Funding Funding rate ~ 50% More good ideas than $$$$
$ will be deposited in mentor’s DE account
Your two page report must include a statement on expenditures
You and your mentor are responsible for spending the $ according to state law

13. Proposal Evaluation

14. Questions???