Energy Boost Undergraduate Scholars

Main Content

Introduction

The purpose of Energy Boost Undergraduate Scholars program is to engage SIU undergraduate students in faculty-mentored, hands-on research activities. Students explore their intended majors or areas of interest, develop relationships with faculty in their field, and gain valuable research and critical thinking skills. Contact energy@siu.edu or 618/536-5521 with questions. Students can submit applications as individuals or as a representative of an RSO.

This program is funded by AEI's Energy Boost Research Grant.

Use your imagination!

The award committee is looking for creative proposals that look to answer open questions or solve problems related to clean energy systems. Proposals can explore a specific scientific question, work towards an invention, or a local or global energy issue. Use this opportunity to showcase your creativity to your future employers or educators.

Important Details 

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
Winners Announced: January
Project Period: Spring Semester
Award: $500 upon completion and exposure of your work to a professional audience
Overview: This Program supports original student energy-related research and innovation and serves to engage SIU students in faculty-mentored, hands-on research and innovation activities. 
 Requirements: Projects selected are carried out during the spring semester. Students should work with a faculty mentor. Deliverables include a poster (or other appropriate presentation e.g. PowerPoint), and the results of the project in the form of a research paper, prototype, etc. 
Questions? Call 618/536-5521 or email energy@siu.edu.

Eligibility

  • Must be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student (minimum 12 credit hours) of SIU Carbondale during project activities in the current academic year Spring semester. Students can submit as an individual or on behalf of an RSO, fraternity, sorority, etc., that they represent in the case of a team effort. The named applicant will be responsible for all project deliverables, and can be supported by team members at presentation time.
  • Have an interest in energy research and/or innovation inquiry. Examples include renewable energy, smart grid, climate and energy.
  • Be committed to participate in project activities.

Student Benefits

  • Students can dig deeper into their passions and questions regarding energy research and innovation.
  • Increased awareness of academic opportunities available at SIU Carbondale.
  • Mentoring relationships with faculty, staff, and students.
  • Informal social and academic support.
  • Professional and Academic enrichment activities.
  • Opportunity for $500 stipend at the end of spring semester after completing all Energy Boost Undergraduate Scholar requirements.
  • An opportunity to publish and present your results.

Application Procedure

  1. Please contact AEI to confirm the availability of the Program.  Please fill out the Online Registration Form. You will be contacted by AEI upon receipt of your Registration.
  2. Complete your application by emailing the following information in document format to energy@siu.edu on or before the application deadline (or as adjusted with AEI ):
    • Project proposal written by the applicant. Include the following:
      • A statement briefly describing the advanced coal and energy research, education or innovation activity, project or idea;
      • A description of the deliverable to be produced from the project in addition to the poster presentation, i.e. research paper, prototype, etc.
      • the applicant's academic background and work/extracurricular activities supporting the student is prepared to carry out this project;
      • the applicant's planned course of study at SIUC;
      • the names and departments of the faculty members the student has communicated with to discuss the faculty being the student's mentor for the project. 
      • (Microsoft Word document, 500 word limit, single spaced, 1" margins, 12 pt Times New Roman font. Applicant's first and last names and email address are to be in the top right corner of each page.)
    • Letter of recommendation from someone familiar with your academic success and potential, e.g., current faculty member, high school teacher, guidance counselor, pastor, etc.
    • Copy of most recent high school transcript or college transcript (unofficial transcripts acceptable).
    • Successful applicants will be required to provide AEI with evidence of satisfactory completion of the project.