Research Opportunities

MSU Summer Undergraduate Research Academy

The MI-LSAMP Undergraduate Research Academy (SURA) is designed to provide a comprehensive research training and enrichment experience. SURA consists of three components or phases that begins with an eight-week summer portion and ends at the completion of the successive fall semester. 

Phase 1:  Introduction to Research (Week 1 of 8 week Summer phase)

In this phase of the program trainees experience a multidisciplinary introduction to the research enterprise. In a course-like setting, taught by university faculty actively engaged in research, students are introduced to important aspects, activities and concepts that are common to all research programs-across all scientific disciplines, such as research integrity, literature review, experimental design, data collection and analysis, and the modes of scientific reporting (i.e., manuscript preparation and the peer-review journal publication process, oral and poster presentations). Trainees will engage in hands-on activities that reinforce the materials presented by the faculty. This phase of the program is also designed to foster a sense of community and collaboration, as trainees work in groups to complete in-class and out-of-class assignments.

Phase 2: Research-1 (Weeks 2-8 of Summer phase)

In this phase of the program trainees engage in mentored hands-on research. Based on the trainee’s academic program and area/topic or career interest, they are partnered with an MSU faculty research mentors to conduct a research project. During this phase trainees spend between 30-40 hours per week on their projects. Faculty mentors will work closely with their trainees to direct their continued growth and development in knowledge of research and proficiency. Trainees will attend a weekly SURA seminar with invited speakers and to share their experiences with the SURA community. At the conclusion of this phase students will have the opportunity to present their work at the SURA Research Symposium.

Phase 3: Research-2(Fall semester of following summer phase)

Trainees continue their research experience when they return to their home university for the fall term. As in Research-1, in this phase trainees are partnered with faculty mentors based on their academic program and research or career interest to a research project. Trainee projects may either be a continuation of their summer project, a related project, or an entirely new project. Trainees will be encouraged to collaborate with their mentor to develop a research proposal for funding by their home university’s undergraduate research program for continued research experience and training. 

Eligibility: Students of sophomore status or above, who have successfully completed a minimum 12 credit hours (combined) in science or engineering courses. 

Stipend: Yes (TBD), stipend payments will made at scheduled intervals throughout course of the program. 
Location: Phases 1 and 2 will be an 8-week residential program at MSU, phase 3 will take place at the trainee’s home university. 

Student Research Information

The Michigan - Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (MI-LSAMP) invites students from any Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematical discipline to participate in undergraduate research. Undergraduate research puts theory into practice as you work on projects and are mentored by full-time faculty and/or graduate students who are leaders in their field. 

Hands-on research experience prepares you for graduate school and employment opportunities. It also allows you to contribute to the ever-changing knowledge base within your chosen field. 

Undergraduates involved in research projects could receive grant funding, be recognized for their work; obtain financial support to present their results at state and national conferences. 

To request assistance with placement in a research opportunity, Click here.

MSU Summer Undergraduate Research Academy Application

Click here to view available Research Opportunities.