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Sponsored Projects for Undergraduate Research


Welcome to SPUR!

The Sponsored Projects for Undergraduate Research Program (SPUR Program) encourages faculty and undergraduate students in the College of Natural Resources to collaborate on research projects by providing a grant to support their joint project. The funding for this program is generously donated by CNR alumni.

Eligible students who have identified a project or topic that they would like to pursue are encouraged to seek a CNR faculty mentor to assist them. Faculty who have projects in which undergraduate researchers could gain useful research experience are urged, as well, to collaborate with CNR undergraduates.

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The College of Natural Resources has some of the best and brightest undergraduate students in higher education today. But for many to realize their potential, they need opportunities to work side-by-side with faculty on joint research projects. SPUR grants provide that opportunity. One-hundred percent of funding for SPUR comes from the private support of individuals like you. There are two funds at the College that support SPUR grants—the Berkeley Fund for Natural Resources (a current-use fund) and the Shibo Zhang Endowed Fund (an endowment fund). Your support of these programs is greatly appreciated.
The Berkeley Fund for Natural Resources (BFNR) is the Dean's discretionary fund. Each year, the Dean allocates $100,000 of his current-use funds to provide SPUR grants for both student-initiated and faculty-initiated research projects. A gift to this fund supports SPUR and other academic enrichment programs for students; such as CNR Field Experiences, and Academic Programs Leading to Student Success (APLUS).

 The Shibo Zhang Endowed Fund for Undergraduate Research is a new, endowed fund that is dedicated specifically to support CNR’s SPUR students in perpetuity.

You can Help Undergraduate students (HUGS) discover their passion for research. The Zhang fund was established to honor a senior researcher, Shibo Zhang, who worked for many years in faculty member Peggy Lemaux’s laboratory.

When Senior Researcher Shibo Zhang passed away in a tragic accident, Dr. Lemaux along with Shibo Zhang’s family decided to use the money given by his friends and colleagues to establish this endowment in his memory. It is a fitting tribute for Shibo Zhang, who considered it a privilege to work with CNR’s undergraduates in his research.