The Presidential Undergraduate Research Scholars program supports talented undergraduate students conducting research in the fields of chemistry, physics, earth sciences, mathematics, and computer science, who have intentions to enter graduate study upon completion of their undergraduate degree. 

The program emphasizes engaging students in research that are from populations underrepresented in these fields.

The program was created through funding provided by Presidential Chair in Science and Professor of Chemistry, Geraldine Richmond.

Program Announcements

• View past PURS Recipients
• Article: Undergraduate research program serves as career launch pad

Timeline

Program Overview

The program supports talented  students that intend to enter graduate study after their undergraduate education. The program combines rigorous, independent undergraduate research during the academic with enrollment in a one-credit PURS course designed to prepare students to apply for graduate programs through a combination of research communication, professional development, and career preparation activities.

Program Benefits

Scholars receive a $5,000 research stipend during the academic year. The stipend will be paid out over the 3 terms during the academic year, with two payments per term.

IMPORTANT: If you are receiving federal financial aid, this award may affect your financial aid eligibility. Students who receive federal aid have a responsibility to report all awards earned to the UO Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. Contact the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships for more information.

Program Eligibility

• Must be a graduate from a high school within the state of Oregon.
• Major in chemistry, physics, earth sciences, mathematics or computer science.
• Must be an enrolled at the University of Oregon at the time of application and during the academic year of the program.
• Students with Junior academic status at the time of their application are preferred, but exceptionally talented sophomores may be considered.
• Must have a 3.0 GPA or higher.
• Priority will be given to students that are from historically marginalized communities in the sciences.
• Student should have intentions to apply to graduate school.

Program Expectations

Upon notification of receipt of a PURS position, undergraduate students must sign an agreement outlining their commitment to:

• Conduct 10 hours of research per week throughout the academic year;
• enroll in the one credit PURS course for the fall, winter and spring term;
• present your research at the UO Undergraduate Research Symposium;
• acknowledge the Presidential Undergraduate Research Scholars Program in any work resulting from research done during the program year;
• notify the Presidential Undergraduate Research Scholars administration of any publications, conference presentations, or other awards or fellowships that result from your research project; and
• notify the Presidential Undergraduate Research Scholars administration immediately of other support or any conflicts with the restrictions and conditions of this research program.

How To Apply

Make sure that you meet all of the eligibility criteria outlined above before proceeding.

Step 1

Review the Program Eligibility Criteria

• Ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria listed above.
• OPTIONAL: Schedule a meeting with UROP (urop@uoregon.edu) to discuss your application and ask questions you may have about the program.

Step 2

Complete PURS Online Application:

• Read the eligibility criteria listed above carefully before applying.
• Complete the online application.

Step 3

Letter of Recommendation:

Letter writer requirements:

• You are required to have one letter of recommendation. If applicable, letter writers should be the Principal Investigator of your current research group.
• Letter writers may be any Tenure Track Faculty, Career Non-tenure Track Faculty, or Postdoctoral Fellow that is knowledgeable of your research and/or academic background.

Instructions:

• Request that your letter writer complete the Letter of Recommendation Worksheet.
• Instruct the faculty members to return the completed form and letter of recommendation to urop@uoregon.edu
• Under the federal law titled the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 and according to the University of Oregon Student Record Policy, registered students are given the right to inspect their records, including letters of recommendation and teacher recommendations. If the student wants to waive their right of access to this recommendation, they may do so by completing a waiver form.

Step 4

Obtain an unofficial copy of your UO transcripts

• Visit the UO Registrar Website to obtain unofficial copies of your transcript: https://registrar.uoregon.edu/transcripts
• Send copy to urop@uoregon.edu

Questions?

Contact urop@uoregon.edu

Program Leadership

• Geraldine Richmond, Professor of Chemistry and Presidential Chair in Science
• Priscilla Lewis, COACh Program Manager
• Karl Reasoner, UROP Senior Program Manager