Undergraduate Research

OUR is pleased to announce the new Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring Awards. These awards serve to recognize faculty that exemplify UWF's commitment to the undergraduate research experience and convey the University's high regard for faculty contributions outside of the traditional classroom.

Award recipient's records should include a demonstration of mentoring undergraduate student research and scholarship that results in research "end products", such as peer-reviewed publications with student co-authors, student presentations, or performances. In addition to basic discipline skills, these accomplished mentors also contribute to student professional development and success beyond graduation. Finally, award recipients should serve as role models to other faculty on how best to support research and scholarship on campus.

Up to two awards (one "early Career" award and one "Senior" award) of $1500 (before tax) will be presented for recognition of exemplary undergraduate research mentoring. Award candidates will be nominated by College Deans or Department Chairs.

Nomination/Application Deadline: To be announced

Nominations will be submitted by the department chairs, associate deans, and/or college deans. Nominations must include the following:

1. Nomination form- completed by nominating Dean/Associate Dean/Chair
2. 2-page vita- highlighting undergraduate research mentoring activities while at UWF 
3. List of mentees, including name, dates, project title, and current position if possible
4. List of publications and presentations with undergraduate student authors and student research awards, honors, or scholarships
5. 1 page narrative from nominee to include discussion of mentoring philosophy, types of research and scholarship, and how s/he serves as a role model for building productive and transformative student-mentor relationships.
6. 3 letters of support
   1. 1 from the nominating chair/dean with an emphasis on the nominee's contribution to the department, college, or field
   2. 2 from current or fomrer student mentees

All nomination material will be submitted by the nominating Chair/Dean as one nomination packet. Application materials should be completed by the nominating Chair/Dean, with assistance from the nominee. 

Nomination materials should be submitted via the Qualtrics form: 

2020 OUR Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring Awards Application Electronic Link (For faculty nominations, check back in Spring 2021)

Hard Coppy Applicaiton Packet 2020 Faculty Excellence in Mentoring Awards

Publications Presentions Scholarly Template Form

Faculty Mentor Awards Policy and Procedures

The selection committee will include the Director of OUR, and at least one faculty member from each college. Final award decisions will be made by the Director of OUR.

Awards will be presented as part of the Spring Honors Convocation

Award Categories:

Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring - Early Career (for Assist Professor or Assoc. Prof rank with  7 years or less)

Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring – Senior Faculty (for Assoc. or Full Professor rank with more than 7 years)

Early Career: Dr. Phillip Schmutz, Earth and Environmental Science

Senior Career: Dr. Jane Caffrey, Biology/Center for Environmental Diagnostics and Bioremediation 

Director’s Choice: Dr. Jamin Wells, History