The application deadline for undergraduate research grants is Wednesday, Oct. 25.

The undergraduate research program gives students a chance to conduct extensive research while being sponsored financially by the university and academically by a faculty member.

The grant is also an opportunity to be published and gain professional experience towards graduate school, teaching or a career.

Bonnie Irwin, dean of the Honors College, said successful students could present their research at a conference, some in and out of state. The faculty sponsor helps the student organize the research and even publish their work.

“There are a lot of students on this campus that are doing some really interesting things,” Irwin said.

Sarah Maurer, a family and consumer sciences major, is currently working with a grant for her proposed “Social Disadvantage and Child and Family Resilience in South Africa” research. She has the unique advantage of conducting her research while studying abroad in South Africa.

The application consists of a student proposal form and a faculty sponsor form. As the student proposes their research and methodology, the faculty verifies that the student is capable of conducting the research.

Daneen Deptula, a psychology professor, is sponsoring two students this semester. She meets with her students every week to assist them.

“This program is a fabulous opportunity for the students to get involved in research,” Deptula said. “It provides them with the funds to conduct the research project.”

The grant consists of $500 for the student and $250 for the faculty sponsor. This money can be used for research supplies and travel expenses for attending conferences.

In both the fall and spring semesters, nine grants are awarded. During the summer sessions, six are available.

The program is open to all Eastern students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Students meeting the qualifications must consult with a faculty sponsor to outline a proposal. The proposal forms are available at the Honors College or can be printed from its web site. Students must submit the Faculty Sponsor Form along with the Student Proposal Form to the Honors College at Booth House.