STEM Research Guide

Paid Research Programs

Beyond finding your own faculty mentor on department pages, KU runs several structured programs that place you with a mentor, pay a wage or stipend, and encourage professional development.

• Emerging Scholars Program: Paid research assistantships for first-year, Federal Work Study-eligible students, matched with a faculty mentor in any department.
• BESST (Building Emerging STEM Scholars of Tomorrow): 2-year paid mentorship program for 3rd and 4th-year STEM students. 
• Beckman Scholars Program: Research fellowship centered in chemistry and biological sciences. 
• MARC (Maximizing Access to Research Careers): NIH-funded program preparing students for pursuit of a biomedical PhD.
• McNair Scholars Program: Prepares first-generation and low-income students for PhD study in any discipline. 

Research Networks

• K-INBRE (Kansas Idea Network of Biomedical Research Excellence): Biomedical research funding and training network.
• OASIS (Office for Advancing Success in Science): Office organizing various STEM diversity and training programs.
• Kansas NSF EPSCoR Office: Statewide NSF research funding office.

Student Organizations & Clubs

Every registered KU student organization is listed and joinable through KU Engage. In addition to this list, more opportunities can be found on Engage.

• Kansas Research Collective (KRC): A multidisciplinary group of students interested in expanding their research abilities.
• Society of Physics Students (SPS): Open to anyone interested in physics.
• Jayhawk Motorsports: A group building and racing formula cars.
• Engineering Societies: Various professional societies for engineering majors.
• Chemistry Club: American Chemical Society student chapter.
• Biology, Natural Sciences, & Pre-Med Clubs: A page on the Biology department website outlining student clubs and organizations.

Honor Societies

• Phi Beta Kappa: The oldest and most prestigious liberal arts & sciences honor society in the US, recognizing top students across various disciplines.
• Tau Beta Pi: Engineering honor society, accepting the top 1/8 of juniors and top 1/5 of seniors.
• Sigma Pi Sigma: Physics & Astronomy honor society, organized within the Society of Physics Students.

Fellowships & Scholarships

CURF coordinates KU students' applications for prestigious national awards. Some opportunities require campus nomination months before the national deadline, so visit individual award pages for timeline information.

Nomination Required

• Goldwater Scholarship: Up to $7,500/year for sophomores and juniors preparing for a research career in STEM. 
• Astronaut Scholarship: Up to $15,000 for STEM juniors and seniors preparing for a research career in STEM. 
• Rhodes, Marshall, and Churchill Scholarships: Funds a graduate degree in the UK; Churchill is dedicated for STEM students.

Open Application

• NOAA Hollings Scholarship: For students pursuing oceanic and atmospheric science research, technology, or education.
• NSF-GRFP: For graduating seniors interested in pursuing graduate study.
• Hertz Fellowship: For graduating seniors interested in pursuing graduate study in applied physical sciences.