The College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Support (ASURS) Fund is a unique opportunity for students to engage in hands-on research and scholarly activities that are not otherwise available at the undergraduate level.  

Undergraduate students enrolled in any major or minor in the College of Arts and Sciences are eligible to apply to participate in this program. Successful applicants are matched with a faculty mentor or PhD candidate in the college and receive $1,500 in funding for three to five hours of research a week over six months. By participating in ASURS, students obtain knowledge and skills that can be applied throughout their college and professional careers.  

For many students, participating in the ASURS Fund serves as their first introduction to the world of scholarly research. “Students get this steppingstone opportunity to participate in undergraduate research, when perhaps they wouldn't otherwise have had that opportunity,” said Ashley Dickinson, PhD, associate teaching professor of criminology and justice studies and co-director of the ASURS Fund.  

The program’s unique interdisciplinary nature allows students to gain vital skills through field experiences, laboratory settings and special workshops on using qualitative data, statistical analysis, preparing a case study, conducting community outreach projects – and so much more. 

“I used to think about research as this very far off, unreachable goal that was only meant for students who already had prior knowledge and experience,” said ASURS Fund participant Sevinch Rakhmonova, a biological sciences major. “[The ASURS Fund] really helped demystify what I and many other students might think about research.”  

Since its inception in 2023, ASURS has supported nearly 100 College of Arts and Sciences undergraduates, mutually benefiting students, faculty and PhD candidates.  

Learn more about the ASURS Fund in the video below and help us ensure that all College of Arts and Sciences students who wish to participate in this invaluable program are able to by supporting the Dean’s Excellence Fund.