Deadline to apply for research grant approaches

With the deadline fast approaching, few applications have been turned in for a new fund created to promote undergraduate research at Ohio University.

The deadline for Ohio University students to apply for grants under the new Provost's Undergraduate Research Fund is Feb. 1.

As of Monday, only five or six applications had been turned in, a number Program Coordinator Jan Hodson said is not surprising because the fund was just introduced this year.

Hodson said she expects to receive more applications as the deadline nears. Several faculty members have phoned her to ask for applications for the students they will be mentoring when the project starts.

Most undergraduates think only graduates do research projects, but completing an original research project can help a student get accepted into graduate school, Hodson said.

"Research adds new dimension to a student's education," she said.

Rebecca Dodd, an OU senior chemistry major, said research has enhanced her education.

"Not only does it allow you to gain a better appreciation and understanding of your field, but it also allows you to make contributions to your area," she said.

Dodd had the opportunity to study the effect of alcohol metabolism on red blood cells with scientists in Russia last summer. OU research grants paid for her trip.

The Provost's Undergraduate Research Fund, totaling $50,000, will be used to assist several undergraduates with research project expenses, including materials and travel, Hodson said.

Any full-time undergraduate student who is enrolled on the Athens campus and is undertaking an original research project is eligible. The project may be scientific or creative, but a faculty member must oversee it, Hodson said.

Funding will be announced March 1 and will be available Spring Quarter.

Any OU undergraduate wishing to apply for a grant should pick up an application form from the Honors Tutorial College office at 35 Park Place, at any dean's office or on the Web at (http:// www.ohiou.edu/honors/). Students must also submit a project description and budget.

A 12-person committee made up of faculty members from each of OU's colleges and two Student Senate members will review the applications and decide which projects will be funded.

-Becca Manning