Program Overview

Introduction to the Liberal Arts Undergraduate Research Awards (LAURAs)

The College of Liberal Arts at Temple University offers the Liberal Arts Undergraduate Research Awards (LAURAs) to encourage undergraduate students to engage in research projects under the guidance of faculty mentors. This program provides students with the opportunity to develop their research skills, work closely with faculty members, and contribute to the academic community.

Program Details

• The LAURAs grant $2,000 to undergraduate student-faculty member duos to conduct a research project over the course of a semester.
• Each student earns a $15/hour stipend from the grant while spending 100 hours on the project.
• The program enables students to dedicate their time to developing research skills without worrying about their financial wellbeing.
• The LAURAs create more opportunities for undergraduate students to develop research skills by working with faculty mentors on faculty-led research projects, increasing support for faculty research in the College of Liberal Arts.

Research Areas and Past Projects

The research areas covered by the LAURAs are diverse and span various disciplines within the College of Liberal Arts, including but not limited to Psychology, Neuroscience, Sociology, Political Science, History, Geography, Environment, and Urban Studies. Past projects have included topics such as:

• The impact of adolescent social isolation on opioid behavioral phenotypes and cytokine expression.
• A longitudinal investigation of the relationship between childhood trauma exposure and ADHD in 4th-10th grade students.
• Evaluating the impacts of nature prescription programming in Philadelphia.
• The role of intersectional stress in the relationship between expectations of and attitudes toward masculinity and depression for young Black men who have sex with men and are living with HIV.

Application and Selection Process

While the specific application and selection process details are not provided, it is clear that the program is competitive, with a bi-annual call for proposals. Students work closely with their faculty mentors to develop and submit proposals for research projects that align with the faculty member's expertise and interests.

Benefits and Outcomes

The LAURAs provide undergraduate students with a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful research, develop their research and critical thinking skills, and build strong relationships with faculty mentors. This experience can significantly enhance their academic and professional profiles, preparing them for graduate studies, careers in research, or other fields that value research experience and skills.

Conclusion

The Liberal Arts Undergraduate Research Awards (LAURAs) at Temple University's College of Liberal Arts represent a valuable opportunity for undergraduate students to engage in research, develop their skills, and contribute to academic discourse under the guidance of experienced faculty members. This program underscores the college's commitment to fostering a research-rich environment that benefits both students and faculty, enhancing the academic experience and preparing students for their future endeavors.