Undergraduate Research Grants

 

Undergraduate students at the University of Utah are encouraged to apply for funding to conduct research at Bonderman Field Station. Awards are available to any project from any discipline, however preferences will be given to projects that are most consistent with the mission and values of the station. 

Our mission is to promote and inspire environmental scholarship on the Colorado Plateau. 

Bonderman Field Station at Rio Mesa emphasizes the following values as we strive to carry out our mission:

• Water is the lifeblood of the west: Research, education and outreach collectively work to ensure a sound understanding of watersheds and the Dolores River, a key tributary of the Colorado River.
• Foster exchange of research knowledge:  Bonderman Field Station at Rio Mesa provides an outdoor laboratory for inquiry and open sharing of data and research findings.
• Foster environmental literacy: Through education programs, Bonderman Field Station at Rio Mesa trains the next generation of environmental stewards and global citizens.
• Land preservation: Bonderman Field Station at Rio Mesa preserves prime river ecosystems for research and to inform restoration and land management efforts.
• Embrace land stewardship: Sustainable living is dynamic and has evolved over time. As stewards of the Colorado Plateau, Bonderman Field Station at Rio Mesa explores human habitation of the past, and contemporary and future modes of dwelling in these arid lands.
• Professional Training: Bonderman Field Station at Rio Mesa provides training opportunities for developing professionals in connection with ongoing landscape and facilities development, maintenance and programmatic operations.

Projects can be initiated by a faculty mentor or by the student, but student should play a significant role in study design. Funds will be awarded to the faculty mentor for disbursement to the student. Work may take place at Rio Mesa or at the University of Utah. Awards (up to $1000) are to be used for supplies, and/or travel (including per diem). Funds may not be used for stipends, travel to meetings, or tuition.

A mid-term report on the student work is due 6 months after the funding is awarded, a final report after 1 year.

Application materials are being accepted on an open timeline, however grants will be reviewed three times a year:

• May 31
• September 31
• January 31

 

Please submit your application or send questions to Dr. Zachary Lundeen at z.lundeen@utah.edu.