Undergraduate Research Scholar Distinction

Undergraduate Research Scholar Distinction is a notable honor for dedicated undergraduate student researchers. To be distinguished as an Undergraduate Research Scholar at graduation, students must complete, at minimum, two semesters of mentored undergraduate research, present their research, and obtain a recommendation from a Mines faculty mentor.

Application Timeline

Applications for Spring 2024 graduates are due no later than Monday, March 25th, 2024.* When you submit your application, a form will automatically be sent to the faculty mentor you listed to write you a letter of recommendation. Faculty mentors must submit this recommendation form no later than Friday, March 29th, 2024.

If you are graduating in Fall 2024, please standby for applications to open closer to your graduation date.

Eligibiliity

To apply for an Undergraduate Research Scholar distinction at graduation, you must:

    1. Complete, at minimum, two semesters of undergraduate research (totaling no less than 120 hours of research or approx. 4-5 hours of research per week, per semester). Please note, that senior capstone or senior design might not be considered an adequate fulfillment of this requirement. Please view the FAQ for more information.
    2. Personally disseminate your research to the public (at a conference, symposium, via a journal, or through some other poster presentation). While you may have co-presenters, you should be the primary oral or poster presenter. 
    3. Obtain a recommendation from a Mines faculty research mentor.
    4. Write a brief summary of your research experience.
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Needed Materials for Applying

Before applying, please make sure you have looked over the FAQ and gathered all necessary documentation and information. This includes:

  • Two well written, thoroughly edited 150-250 word essays about your experience conducting undergraduate research at Mines. For more information about this essay, please read the FAQ.
  • Proof you have disseminated (or will disseminate) your research to the public. To prove dissemination of research, you can EITHER 1) provide a link to a journal, booklet, or other document containing your name, co-authors names, title of research project, and the year presented/published OR 2) complete the downloadable “Proof of Dissemination of Research Form” (fillable Word document or blank PDF) and upload it to the application. For more information, please read the FAQ.
  • The “okay” from a Mines faculty mentor. Your faculty mentor does not need to complete anything until after you submit your application. However, it is imperative you speak with your Mines faculty mentor prior to listing their name for the recommendation form. If you do not speak with them in advance, your listed mentor may not complete the form and you will not be eligible for distinction as an Undergraduate Research Scholar.
  • Full information for two semesters of undergraduate research – i.e. your faculty mentor’s name, department, contact information, title of research project, etc. Please note, that senior capstone or senior design might not be considered an adequate fulfillment of this requirement. Please view the FAQ for more information.

In case you are selected to receive Undergraduate Research Scholar Distinction at Graduation, we also ask you provide:

  • A professional looking, high resolution picture of yourself.
  • A short 3-6 sentences bio in PAST TENSE THIRD PERSON (e.g. Jane Doe graduated from Colorado School of Mines with a B.S. in Biochemical Engineering …). This bio should include 1) your major and minor, 2) your research department, 3) any other honors or awards you received during your undergraduate tenure, 4) a bit about the research you’ve done, and 5) a bit about what you would like to do in your future.

Applications for SPRING 2024 will be available from feb 1 - march 25, 2024

View Past Scholars

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a transcripted distinction?

No. This distinction will not appear on your official transcript. However, you will be listed in the graduation program as being an “Undergraduate Research Scholar” and you will be given a silver honors cord to wear at the graduation ceremony.

What questions do I need to consider in my research experience summary?

We ask you to consider the following writing prompts:

  • Write a 150-200 word summary of your research experience that addresses the following : 1) Tell us about the subject matter and methodology of your research. Please include a detailed abstract.
  • In 150-250 words, please address the following : 1) What was your role in the lab and what are some unique contributions you made in the lab through the duration of your research? 2) What were some successes throughout your research? 3) How has your experience in Undergraduate Research at Mines contributed to your short-term and long-term academic and professional goals?
What is considered "dissemination of research"?

Generally, dissemination of research means the careful planning and thoughtful consideration of target audiences, and communication with those audiences. In this context, it can be an oral presentation, a round table presentation, a poster presentation, or publishing your findings/work in an academic journal.

Dissemination can include being published in Mines Undergraduate Research Journal, Reuleaux (or another academic journal), or presenting at Mines Undergraduate Research Symposium (or a different academic conference). Please note that while you may have co-presenters, you yourself should be the primary presenter. If you are unsure your “dissemination of research” will be considered adequate for this application, please contact us at ugresearch@mines.edu.

What are some examples of proof of "dissemination of research"?

To prove dissemination of research, you can EITHER 1) provide a link to a journal, booklet, or other document containing your name, co-authors names, title of research project, and the year presented/published OR 2) complete this document (fillable Word document or blank PDF) and upload it under “Proof of dissemination of research”.

I haven't yet disseminated my research but I will be doing so by the end of this semester. Am I still eligible?

Yes, you are still eligible! If you have not yet disseminated your research, you must provide proof you will achieve this goal by the end of the semester. To prove your intent, please complete and sign this document (fillable Word document or blank PDF) and upload it under “Proof of Dissemination of Research Form” on the application.

This form asks for the name of the event you will be presenting at or the title of the journal(s) you have submitted to, your abstract, and verification from your advisor that you are on track to present or being published by the end of this semester.

How do I request a recommendation from my Mines faculty mentor?

First and foremost, ask! It is important you ask your faculty mentor for permission prior to listing their name for recommendation. Your faculty mentor does not need to complete anything until after you submit your personal application. Once your application has been submitted, your faculty mentor will automatically be sent a link to a complete a recommendation form on your behalf. The questions on this form are intended to gain a better understanding of your role in the research lab.

Your faculty mentor must complete and submit this form no later than March 6th, 2020. If they do not, you will be ineligible to graduate with an Undergraduate Research Scholar distinction. PLEASE remind your mentor to complete this form as necessary – they are human too and sometimes need reminders.

Do I need more than one faculty mentor to complete a recommendation form?

No.

Can my recommendation form be completed by a graduate student?

Many students ask us, “I haven’t worked much with a faculty mentor; but, I have worked closely with a graduate student mentor. Can my recommendation form be completed by a graduate student?”

We would highly prefer a Mines faculty mentor complete your recommendation form. We will address this question on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us at ugresearch@mines.edu.

Can I count my senior capstone/senior design project towards the two semesters of research requirement?

Generally, no. Students research experience should be a unique academic achievement in addition to the core major requirements. For clarity, please contact us at ugresearch@mines.edu for more information.

What can I count towards my two semesters of research requirement?

To be eligible for this distinction, you must complete at minimum two semesters of undergraduate research (totaling no less than 120 hours of research or approx. 4-5 hours of research per week, per semester). It is preferred that both semesters be conducted at Colorado School of Mines on the same project with the same mentor. Ideally, the mentor you list for your recommendation form will also be the mentor you worked with when conducting your two semesters of research.

There is flexibility with this requirement. Please contact us at ugresearch@mines.edu if you are still unsure your research experience will count towards the requirement