Funding Opportunities

Students doing research in the Department of Biology should be aware of special opportunities that exist through the UNC Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) and through the department. Some of these opportunities are described briefly below. More information, including application dates and procedures, can be found at the “Programs and Application Deadlines” link at the OUR web page.

Funding for research and travel

Summer undergraduate research fellowships. With support from the Smallwood Foundation, the OUR offers summer fellowships to support undergraduate research. Awards of up to $3000 for stipend and travel are available, in addition to funds for supplies and graduate student mentors.

Funding for supplies and research-related travel. Requests up to $1000 can be made at any time to support essential supplies or research-related travel. Requests submitted by the 15th of each month are reviewed by the end of the month.

Travel to national meetings. Undergraduate students may apply for travel funds to attend meetings at which they will present their research. Requests submitted by the 15th of each month are reviewed by the end of the month.

Graduate-student mentorship compensation. Funds are available to compensate graduate students who spend time and other resources helping undergraduates with their research. Requests submitted by the 15th of each month are reviewed by the end of the month.

Undergraduate Honors Research Grants. Small grants (up to $500, or $1000 with an international component) are available through the Honors program. These grants are available to students who currently qualify for honors (3.2 overall GPA) and who plan to graduate with honors (3.4 Biology GPA) during the semester after the grant is awarded. Applications are due to the department honors advisor one week before deadlines set by the university (one in mid-spring and one in mid-fall), and require a letter from a research advisor. For more information about amounts, eligibility, and deadline dates, see the Honors web page.

The Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program. Typically recruits in the early fall for sophomores, who will stay committed to the program until graduation. It provides a supportive and encouraging community, including eight week paid summer research program, research courses, travel to graduate school, and more. For more information go to http://mcnair.web.unc.edu/