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.
• Mentored Scholars Program: Supports the academic success and career preparation of Pell-eligible and first-generation students.
• 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.
• Phi Kappa Phi: The nation's oldest, largest, and most selective all-discipline honor society.
• 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. This is not a comprehensive list, so please explore more opportunities on CURF's website and department pages.

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.