The Sponsored Projects for Undergraduate Research (SPUR) is a research program exclusively available to undergraduate students and faculty in the Rausser College of Natural Resources. SPUR encourages Rausser faculty and undergraduates to collaborate on research projects by providing a grant to support their joint project. Participating in SPUR is an excellent way for undergraduates to gain experience in research and build relationships with faculty. The program welcomes students of all levels of research experience.
Students may participate in the SPUR program by applying to a faculty-initiated project or by creating a student-initiated project. Faculty may participate by submitting a faculty-initiated project in which undergraduate researchers can gain useful research experience. The funding for this program is generously donated by alumni of the College.
The program assists undergraduates seeking research experience by posting available opportunites at the beginning of each fall, spring, and summer term. Eligible students who have identified a project or topic that they would like to pursue are encouraged to seek a Rausser faculty mentor to assist them.
Faculty-Initiated SPUR
Faculty-Initiated SPUR projects provide undergraduate students with the opportunity to work with world-renowned faculty, graduate students, and staff researchers in the Rausser College of Natural Resources (RCNR). The Office of Instruction & Student Affairs (OISA) facilitates the application process between research laboratories and undergraduate applicants. Through SPUR, OISA provides faculty $500 in funding per student (for up to 2 students) accepted into an approved Faculty-Initiated Project. The program is meant to welcome students at all levels of research experience.
The information linked in this Summer F-I SPUR Instructions Google Doc outlines how faculty can submit their projects for consideration.
For Student Applicants:
Here is a link of the SPUR-Faculty Initiated Project postings for Summer 2026.
Students apply to a maximum of 3 faculty-initiated projects until April 28th at 4pm.
Important Dates
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March 13: Faculty-Initiated and Student-Initiated application window opens.
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March 30 at 4pm: Student and Faculty-Initiated applications are due.
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April 7: Students and faculty are notified if their projects are approved or denied.
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April 15: Faculty-Initiated applications are posted.
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April 16-28: Students apply to faculty-initiated projects.
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April 30: Faculty review applications, interview, and select student researchers.
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May 13: Deadline for faculty to approve or deny student applications.
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May 20: Deadline for students to enroll in SPUR units OR submit Summer Learning Contract
Student-Initiated SPUR
Student-Initiated SPUR projects provide research funding to eligible juniors and seniors who wish to pursue their own research project under the mentorship of a Rausser College faculty member. Applicants may apply for up to $2,000 in SPUR funding to support their project. Students may only apply oncefor Student-Initiated SPUR funding during their time in Rausser College.
The information for Summer S-I SPUR is linked in this Google Doc outlines how students can submit their projects for consideration. Students are encouraged to share this link with their faculty research mentor which outlines their role and responsibilities.
Want help with your SPUR Application?
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Watch our SPUR Student Application Panel here on our YouTube Channel.
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Meet with our RCNR Career Counselor, Jen Racklin. Schedule an appointment with a Career Engagement Office counselor via Handshake.