Through the ISU IINSPIRE experience, scholars join a community, learn about and perform research in their field of study, grow professionally, and explore new opportunities and career paths in STEM fields.

More about the ISU IINSPIRE Student Experience

Program Requirements

As an ISU IINSPIRE Scholar, you are expected to:

  • Participate in research experiences and training on the ISU campus (typically 20 hours/week during the 8-week summer program and 10 hours/week during the academic year)
  • Learn about mentorship and engage with your research mentor(s)
  • Attend IINSPIRE meetings and seminars (typically weekly during the summer and monthly during the academic year)
  • Meet with the ISU IINSPIRE Advisor (at least twice per term)
  • Contribute to a supportive environment for IINSPIRE Scholars
  • Participate in research training events organized by the ISU Undergraduate Research Office (depending on term and availability)
  • Create a research poster (summer program)
  • As part of the summer program, present your research poster at the ISU IINSPIRE Summer Symposium
  • Present your research poster at and participate in the IINSPIRE Alliance Annual Conference (typically in February) and consider other ISU, regional, and national presentation opportunities
  • Acknowledge NSF support in any materials (see the required statement)
  • Learn about graduate school and REU opportunities and how to apply to programs
  • Develop a portfolio of your IINSPIRE experience

Scholar Benefits

Research experiences prepare and benefit undergraduate students in many ways, such as:

  • Learning about and engaging in the practices of your STEM field and community
  • Gaining confidence and expanding your networks, thus increasing success and retention in STEM pathways (e.g., undergraduate degree, graduate degree, STEM workforce, transfer into bachelor’s program)
  • Connecting and interacting with your research group and peers
  • Working with faculty mentors and being supported through mentoring relationships
  • Preparing for graduate school, future research activities, and/or future careers in STEM
  • Gaining research competencies and skills, such as critical thinking and communication (list of research competencies)

ISU IINSPIRE offers early participation in research experiences, which may be especially beneficial.

Current and previously funded ISU IINSPIRE Scholars are eligible to receive funding for conference travel and research supplies. Current scholars may apply to receive continued funding for mentored research for up to three terms, including summer (preferably consecutive).

Request Funds

Questions

Don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions.