Department Undergraduate Conference funding opportunity!
We are delighted to announce an opportunity for conference funding for undergraduate Statistical Science students presenting their research at a scholarly conference or attending a conference in support of their research. Funds are available for the current academic year.
What is fundable?
- The grant can cover up to $400 in as-yet-unfunded conference fees at the student rate and related expenses for undergraduate students to attend and present their research. It may also cover fees for an undergraduate to attend a conference without presenting, in support of the research. Note that University travel restrictions may limit the kinds of conference expenses eligible for reimbursement in this funding. Reasonable costs of poster printing may also be reimbursed.
Who can apply?
The grant is in support of Duke undergraduate students performing independent research in Statistical Science. Preference will go to students working on a senior honors thesis but any undergraduate student who fits one of the following categories may apply:
- a major or minor in Statistical Science
- an interdisciplinary major involving Statistical Science
- a Program II student whose advisor is a faculty member in Statistical Science
- an undeclared student intending to pursue a degree in the department, who is active in the StatSci Majors Union
- a student doing undergraduate research in the department in connection with an independent study or honors thesis.
How do you apply?
- Discuss the application with your research mentor in the department. If you are working on this project with a mentor outside the department, contact the Undergraduate Coordinator for advice.
- Fill out the form.
- Ask your mentor to fill out the recommendation when they receive an invitation to do so.
How long does it take to get an answer?
- You'll hear back within one to two weeks of all information having been provided.
When's the deadline?
- Grants are made on a rolling basis until all the funds are allocated for the current academic year. Apply once you know your paper/poster has been accepted.
Are the funds limited?
- Yes. There is a limited pool of funds for this purpose for current and we will review applications on a rolling basis until funds for this year are exhausted. We currently have some funds available for the 2024-2025 academic year.
When do I get the funds?
- Funds are typically reimbursed upon completion of the conference. We follow the Duke Undergraduate Research Support Office guidelines in this case. However, do let us know if this presents a problem. In some cases, we can pay in advance for conference fees but we must pay that on your behalf. We cannot reimburse you in advance of the conference. Contact the Undergraduate Coordinator if you have questions.
What else do I have to do?
- You must be willing to present your work at a departmental event or at the Visible Thinking Showcase, if invited. If you are not presenting research at the conference, we may ask you to make a short public presentation about what you learned or to write and share a reflection on the experience for the department website or other outlets. We will also identify you as a grant recipient on our website. All recipients will be asked to write a short reflection on their research and conference experience as a condition of funding.
What if I'm part of a group whose work is being presented, although I'm not the one presenting?
- Go ahead and apply, and explain that in your application. We'll let you know if we have questions.
What if the research was done for pay?
- This is for undergraduate academic research that you performed on your own, or as part of a group, but not as part of a job.
What is the source of the funds?
- With the leadership of Dr. Maria Tackett, Assistant Professor of the Practice of Statistical Science, the department has won Duke Trinity College grants for enhancing undergraduate research every year since 2021-2021. The grants have helped strengthen undergraduate research opportunities in the department, particularly for students writing honors theses. We have also offered an Introduction to Undergraduate Research in Statistical Science workshop in 2021,2023, and 2024 and will hold it again in 2025.
But what about.....?
- Send an email with your questions and we'll answer them or set up a meeting to talk with you.
Funding through the Duke Undergraduate Research Support Office
The Duke Undergraduate Research Support Office provides funding for research, conferences, and independent study projects, as well as information about other opportunities on and off campus. Read about it here.
NC ASA Student Travel Awards
The NC Chapter of the ASA is generously funding student awards to attend conferences; presentation is not required. Deadlines are four times a year. Find details here.