Science for Life |

Eligibility


I'm an international student. Can I still participate?

Yes, international students are eligible to participate in Science for Life. However, because we pay the student through a scholarship disbursement, often additional paperwork must be filled out to meet all legal requirements.


I receive need-based financial aid. Does USP impact financial aid?

Yes. Because Science for Life gives its stipends to students through the scholarship disbursement system, it impacts the student's financial need. All questions about the implications to financial aid should be asked of Student Financial Affairs.


I qualify for need-based aid. What can I do to maximize my financial aid when receiving the University Scholars stipend?

There is flexibility to adjust a student's cost of attendance for legitimate additional educational expenses which were not originally included in the cost of attendance as projected. A student who incurs research-related educational expenses which were not originally included in costs would be legitimate components eligible for a budget increase. These expenses would need to be documented individually by the student through a budget adjustment petition through Student Financial Aid. Documentation of expenses such as receipts for copying/printing, cost of research materials/equipment, travel receipts related to US, etc.


Can I accept money from other UF research programs like University Scholars if I am also receiving money from the Science for Life Program?
 
Generally, not at the same time - we do encourage you to compete for this award later though. For more information, visit our page about the differences between various undergraduate research programs at UF.


How do I find a project and/or mentor?

See the mentor list devoted at the home page of Science for Life.  Attend the IDH 3931 lectures


Should I take classes in Summer?

You must take at least one credit in Summer and Fall to get the funds disbursed, but beyond this coursework is discouraged in the summer. Science for Life awardees should sign up for independent research in the summer term; they should check with their mentor's department for the appropriate course number (e.g., 4905, or use the IDH number). Specific requirements for the particular college are available on the college web sites. We assume that your research project will be a full time or more endeavor over the summer.  With your faculty mentor's approval, the program will allow you to sign up for a total of one course during the entire summer (not one in summer A and one in summer B)


Differences between various undergraduate research programs at UF


What's the difference between the various undergraduate research programs--Science for Life, Beckman Scholars, GATOR, and University Scholars Program?

All the programs provide students with undergraduate research experience with a faculty mentor, but some are specifically designed for early participation in college (e.g., Science for Life, Beckman). Students may apply to more than one of the programs at the same time, but can only participate in one of the programs at one time and accept funds from only one program at a time. It is possible to participate in the different programs in subsequent years.
   * University Scholars funds all disciplines across campus (humanities, social sciences, and sciences), and students can work with any faculty member at UF who wishes to participate.
   * Science for Life provides an award for projects which are in the life sciences, broadly interpreted, and typically would not include humanities or social sciences.
   * Beckman Scholars are funded to work with a selected set of UF faculty mentors.
   * GATOR funds projects in a selected set of research groups.


When should I participate in these programs?

   * Science for Life and Beckman Scholars awards are mainly made to freshmen/rising sophomores.
   * The GATOR program will fund approximately 20 undergraduates (rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors).
   * In 2007 the Science for Life program may award a small number of rising juniors, and an even smaller number of rising seniors nominated for the program by the OASIS office.
   * Science for Life also has a smaller extramural (off campus) program mostly for rising seniors with research experience
   * University Scholars typically awards rising seniors and a smaller number of rising juniors with some research experience, but the program is not limited to any particular year of the undergraduate career.


How many research program awards are there?

   * University Scholars Program:  205 funded by provost; extras possibly funded by college
   * Science For Life:  at least 70 students
   * GATORS:  20 students
   * Beckman Scholars:  10 (1-3 each year)


Can you apply for more than one program?

Yes, you can apply for more than one of the programs, but you can only participate in one at a time and accept funds from only one program at a time. It is possible to participate in the different programs in subsequent years. Generally speaking, you should match your research experience and interests with the specific program's goals.


What are the deadlines?

The University Scholars Program and the Science for Life Program both have a deadline of March 1, 2007. The GATOR deadline is March 15, 2007. Be sure to check the other programs for deadlines as they are set.