Loyola University Chicago

College of Arts & Sciences

CAS Undergraduate Summer Research Experience

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Undergraduate Summer Research Experience was designed to foster engaging, high-impact, faculty-mentored research experiences for CAS undergraduate students early in their academic careers (i.e., the summer following either the freshman or sophomore years).

Student applicants will be matched with faculty mentors. The program is designed to introduce and immerse students with little or no prior experience in hands-on research under the mentorship of CAS faculty. Fellowships will be awarded across three broad research areas: Basic Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences.

This program is a 4-week (May 16-June 10, 2022) research immersion, during which students will be expected to devote 40 hours per week.

Each recipient is awarded $2,500 and is eligible to recieve up to $1,000 in project support.

Projects for the 2022 Program can be found here.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply?

Students should go to www.luc.edu/lurop to apply using the online application.

The online application requirements include one letter of reference and a brief (limit 1 page, single-spaced) essay with the following information:
  1. Write a brief (one paragraph) autobiography.
  2. List up to three projects that are most appealing to you and why. Please rank your preferences with #1 being the project that you are most interested in.
 
After a student enters their recommender's email address into the online system, the recommender will receive an email asking that they submit a letter of support.
 
Who should write your letter of recommendation? Ask a faculty member who can speak to your aptitude and/or research potential. This can include a former/current course instructor. If you have prior interactions with the faculty mentor for a project of interest, you can ask them.

All application materials must be received through the online application by March 1.
What are the dates for the program?

The program is just 4-weeks, May 16 - June 10, 2022. During that time, students must be able to devote 40 hours a week to their research.

Who is eligible to apply?

Students interested in engaging in research and who are pursuing a major in the College of Arts and Sciences, have an overall GPA ≥ 3.0, and have completed < 60 credit hours at Loyola.

Is housing provided for recipients?

No. Housing is not included with this fellowship. Students are responsible for their own accomodations and are encouraged to reach out to Residential Life to inquire about summer dormatory options as well as upperclassmen to inquire about where to find subletting options.

Who should write your letter of recommendation?
Ask a faculty member who can speak to your aptitude and/or research potential. This can include a former/current course instructor. If you have prior interactions with the faculty mentor for a project of interest, you can ask them. If you don't that is not a problem. Be certain to ask your letter writer before you submit your application. This letter is a very important part of your application.

 

Can the project/mentor be outside the student's major?

Yes! Students are welcome to apply for and select projects that pique their interests.

Where can I find research projects?

Projects for the 2022 Program can be found here.

Do I have to come up with my own research project?

No. A list of research projects can be found here. In the application, students are asked to list no more than three projects that they are most interested in and why. Only projects on the list can be selected.

Can I also be enrolled in a class or have a job during the 4-week program?

As a recipient of this fellowship, you must be able to commit 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 AM - 5 PM.