Crus Scholar Program Research Project Invitation
Cohort 3 Application Window: September 1 ~ October 1
12-Week Research Project Term: Nov 1 ~ Feb 15
The Crus Scholar program was designed to help students enhance their future career opportunities by gaining experience in developing a relevant research project with guidance from a faculty mentor from within Metallurgical Engineering in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. Topics of high interest currently include development of recycling processes, processes for minimizing waste, and biomedical devices.
WHO IS ELLIGLBE TO APPLY?
U of U Undergraduates seeking a bachelor's degree in metallurgical engineering or materials science
Salt Lake Community College Students working toward an Associate of Pre-engineering degree
WHY APPLY?
Crus Scholars will have the rare opportunity to work on their own research project with guidance from a mentor—a U of U professor who shares an interest in the research topic—in addition to being paid for time spent conducting the project. Up to two Crus Scholars will be chosen each semester. Current rate of compensation: $16.50 per hour.
HOW MUCH TIME IS REQUIRED?
Crus Scholars should expect to spend at least 20 hours per week over a 12-week period ($3960) but no more than 20 hours a week (up to $3690) on their project.
Note: Crus Scholar research projects typically are conducted at the Roger & Dawn Crus Center for Metallurgy Student Research at the William Browning Building,135 South 1460 East. Some work may be done off-campus if appropriate resources are available, and the Crus Scholar’s mentor approves.
HOW TO APPLY?
Identify a mentor whose interest in a research topic aligns with yours, then submit (1) an original proposal (not written by someone else) for the research project, and (2) a summary of relevant personal information, including work experience (if any) and your education and career goals. Please limit the proposal to no more than two pages—three if graphics are included—and limit the personal summary to no more than one page.
EVALUATION CRITERIA FOR RESEARCH PROPOSALS
1. Grammar (Score: 1-5)
Proposals should demonstrate excellent grammar, with clear, concise, and well-structured sentences. Proposals with minimal errors will score higher in this category.
2. Research (Score: 1-5)
Your proposal should show an understanding of the research topic, effectively integrating relevant literature and identifying gaps in the current research. A strong foundation in existing research is essential for a high score.
3. Clarity of Research Objective (Score: 1-5)
The research objective should be clearly stated and well-articulated. The objective should provide a specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) roadmap for your project.
4. Original Work (Score: 1-5)
Proposals that introduce novel approaches or methodologies and represent a significant contribution to the field will score higher. The originality of your work is key to standing out.
5. Overall Competence (Score: Average of the Above Scores)
The overall competence of your proposal will be reflected in the average of the scores across the above criteria. This score will determine the strength and viability of your research project within the Crus Scholar Program.
For a list of current topics of interest to mentors, assistance in enlisting a mentor, homing in on a specific research project to propose (if you do not already have one), and guidelines for structuring the proposal, contact:
Prof. Swomitra "Bobby" Mohanty
Crus Center Director
mohanty@chemeng.utah.edu
Prof. Aimee Beardsall
SLCC SEM Dept.
aimee.birdsall@slcc.edu
FAQ
Include each of the following sections in the sequence shown below. Place graphics—e.g., charts, graphs, illustrations, if any—within the sections in which they are cited.
Project Summary Statement
This section sets the stage for sections that follow by explaining why the research topic has merit (“sales pitch”), provides a general review of how the research will be conducted, and summarizes objectives of the research.
Relevant Background and Literature Review
- Background summarizes past and present status of the research topic and why conducting additional research is appropriate; explains the relationship of the proposed work and expertise of the faculty mentor.
- Literature review organizes and presents existing research relevant to the project, and notes where others' research succeeded, fell short, or is ongoing.
Specific Research Activities to be Performed
- Cites research objectives and timeline;
- Cites activities or experiments to be conducted;
- Includes a list of deadlines for completing each activity or experiment.
Anticipated Project Deliverables
Proposes methods for sharing results with others – e.g., by producing and presenting a poster for a seminar or conference, writing an article to submit for publication, or making presentations about research progress or the results of the research.
Relationship of the Proposed Work to Applicant's Future Goals
- Provides context for the applicant’s interest in the research topic;
- Highlights how the proposed work is expected to contribute to the applicant’s personal and professional development.
References
- Credits literature and sources that correspond with footnotes or references cited earlier in the paper;
- Follows either APA or MLA reference formatting guidelines.
- Digital format: Typewritten; submitted as a PDF document. Length: Maximum three pages, including all text and graphics
- Margins: 1"
- Font: 12-point Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri or Cambria
- Justification:
- Centered – title on first page followed by applicant’s name, then mentor’s name and mentor’s department, then current month and year;
- Left-justification – section headings and text within each section.
- Line spacing: Single-spaced text
- Paragraph spacing: 1.5 lines or double-spaced
- Abbreviations: If an abbreviation will be used at least twice in the paper, spell out the word(s) before using the abbreviation for the first time. Examples:
- lithium cobalt oxide (LCO)
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Footnotes and References: Use either a superscript number or a number inside brackets at the end of the sentence that relates to a corresponding footnote or cited reference. Examples:
- The cost of lithium has more than quadrupled since last year.2
- The cost of lithium has more than quadrupled since last year [2].
A list of potential mentors and their research areas is available to help you in your application process.
Crus Scholar applications are accepted in groups called cohorts throughout the year.
| Crus Scholar Cohort | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Acceptance Dates | February 1-February 28 | March 1-March 30 | September 1-September 30 |
| Decision & Notification Deadlines | March 10 | April 15 | October 15 |
| Research Project Timelines |
16 weeks Mid-March to Mid-June |
12 weeks Mid-May to Mid-August |
16 weeks Early November to Mid-March |
| Min/ Max Hours (average per week) | 10 to 20 | 20 to 40 | 10 to 20 |
| Min/ Max Earnings Potential @ $16.50/hour | $2640 to $5280 | $3960 to $7920 | $2640 to $5280 |
| Midterm Reports Due | May 1 | July 1 | January 1 |
| Final Presentations Due | July 15 | September 15 | April 15 |