Graduate research with MORE application

Graduate Research with MORE

Make the connection

Students will connect with an Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering faculty member to mentor them on a research project.

Proposals written by students will include:

• Research Proposal (two-page limit research proposal plus an additional page for references, strictly enforced): Specifically and clearly state the research question to be investigated, including your activities and goals. Also, include how your research aligns with one of the Fulton Schools student research themes.
• Bibliography (one-page limit): List at least five resources you reviewed regarding your research area.
• Timeline: Create a reasonable and descriptive timeline that relates to the proposed research activities for the requested semester.
• Budget: Students may request up to $400 per semester and must submit a budget request with the proposal. Funding cannot be requested for paying research subjects. The items requested become the faculty mentor’s property when the semester ends.
• Personal statement (one-page limit): Write about the relationship between your personal goals and the proposed research activity.
• Resume: Students will submit a current resume, showing transferable skills and abilities. Contact the Fulton Engineering Career Center for help creating or updating your resume.
• Unofficial transcript: Students will submit an unofficial transcript. Students must be in academic good standing to be eligible for MORE (no XE on transcript). It is recommended that students have at least a 2.50 GPA.
• MORE faculty mentor support letter: Students will receive approval from their faculty mentor to submit the proposal. Faculty will submit a letter of support.

Proposal evaluation criteria

• The research question or hypothesis to be investigated is well thought out and described.
• There is a clearly defined research plan that describes the tasks that will be conducted in order to answer the research question.
• The timetable is descriptive and correlates with the research plan defined in the proposal.
• The proposal provides a concise review of the research previously published relevant to the proposed work with appropriate citations.
• The personal statement demonstrates that the student is motivated and aligns with the proposed research activities.
• The resume demonstrates an ability to achieve goals and participation in activities.
• The overall transcript illustrates good academic standing and the student’s ability to manage the course load and research.
• The proposal explicitly states how the research aligns with at least one of the five Fulton Schools research themes.
• The proposal support letter strongly endorses the student’s abilities and preparation for the project and demonstrates a clear commitment toward the student’s project as a mentor.

Important eligibility criteria

A graduate TA/RA cannot have an appointment that exceeds 50% (20 hours per week) in the fall/spring semesters. MORE counts as 5 hours per week for the semester. If you hold a graduate TA/RA position at 25% to 49% (10 to 19 hours per week) then you could receive the MORE stipend, as long as it does not exceed a 50% full-time equivalent (FTE).

Therefore, students in 20 hours per week TA/RA positions are not eligible for MORE.