Community-based award: Information for students

Jump to important dates and application.

The University of Nevada, Reno Undergraduate Research office is offering a program aimed at providing undergraduate students an opportunity to do research that directly addresses community-based problems. Students selected for this program will participate in a research experience with a local agency and a faculty mentor. You will work one-on-one with your selected mentor and the agency on an active research project in your field of interest. Agencies and their research projects are listed in the informational downloads on this page.

Funding periods

There are two award period for the Community-Based Research Awards:

Fall awards (apply in spring):

• These projects will be conducted roughly between August 15-Dec 20 (finalized dates will be determined between the students and agency)
• Students will be paid for a 15 week period during that fall semester
• The application period for these projects will be in held in March of the previous Spring semester

Spring awards (apply in fall):

• These projects will be conducted roughly between January 15-May 15 (finalized dates will be determined between the students and agency)
• Students will be paid for a 15 week period during that Spring semester
• The application period for these projects will be in held in November of the previous Fall semester

Participating agencies

Funded projects for spring 2020:

• Build Our Center, Inc.: LGBTQ community needs
• City of Reno: Mitigating the urban heat island effect with green roof systems
• City of Reno: Photojournalism of Reno’s diversity
• City of Reno: Renewable energy
• City of Reno: Urban forestry
• Great Basin Resource Watch: Mining operations – Water Quality
• Great Basin Resource Watch: Mining operations – Water Use & Rights
• greenUP!: Exploring the green business sector in Nevada
• Nevada Green Institute, Inc.: Public awareness of Zero Waste
• Washoe County: Emergency management online platform

Proposed projects for fall 2020:

• City of Reno: Evaluation of electric scooter pilot program (equity of access to low-income and non-English speaking residents)
• City of Reno: Evaluation of electric scooter pilot program (sociodemographic characteristics)
• City of Reno: Evaluation of electric scooter pilot program (route patterns, transportation infrastructure & safety)
• City of Reno: Mapping the impact of arts & culture grants
• City of Reno: Regional homeless services and continuum of care best practices
• City of Reno Fire Dept: Residential fire sprinkler mitigation
• Education Innovation Collaborative: Learning Lab design
• Food Bank of Northern Nevada: Food waste recycling
• Great Basin: Mining operations
• greenUP!: Environmental education impact of Green Dining District program
• Nevada Recycles: Recycling at apartment complexes
• University of Nevada, Reno Police Department: Perception of safety at the University

Selection process

Applications will be reviewed by Undergraduate Research and by community agencies. Some opportunities may be able to fund two students on the same project. Interested students should contact undergradresearch@unr.edu if they have any questions.

Student employment

An award of $1,800, provided by the University, will go to the student in the form of salary as a student worker. Students will work approximately 10 hours per week over a 15-week semester. Funds required for on-site materials or transportation to field sites would be provided by the agency. A $500 stipend will go to the faculty mentor.

Class presentation requirement

Students are required to present a brief synoposis of their research to a class they attend, and share information about Undergraduate Research programming. Students will submit a signed form by their professor to Undergraduate Research.

Research symposium requirements

Students present at two Undergraduate Research symposiums per academic year.

Community-Based Research Symposium: Students will present their research findings in an oral format at this event, which is attended by students, community partner organization representatives, university leadership, and members of the public. This symposium is held at the end of the semester in both the fall and spring.

Undergraduate Research Spring Symposium: Students will present their research findings in a poster format for this symposium. This annual event is attended by students, community partner organization representatives, university leadership, and members of the public.

Post-award survey requirement

Awardees and their mentors are also required to provide feedback on the program by completing a questionnaire provided by Undergraduate Research at the completion of their award.