Program and Award Information for Students
For Fall 2026 and Spring 2027, EXPLORE students will be assigned to one of the three program levels described below. Program levels are determined by student research plans submitted at the beginning of each semester and in consultation with the faculty advisor as needed.
Program Level Descriptions and Incentives
Exploring: Engage in exploratory activities such as attending research group meetings, building knowledge in a field of interest, learning research methods, and/or shadowing other researchers. At this program level, students are eligible to earn research credits (EEPS 481). The EXPLORE committee will consider requests for nominal research expenses may be considered upon request.
Expanding: Conduct data collection or analysis in support of ongoing research, or begin a guided independent research project. At this program level, students are eligible for awards up to $375 per semester (prorated for shorter terms of commitment). Awards are granted either upon achieving a research milestone (submitting a professional conference abstract, presenting at a university event, completing some other similar research product) or at the end of the term upon receipt of a research summary and brief letter of support from the faculty advisor.
Experienced: Deeply engaged in guided independent research, typically working toward substantial research products such as a Senior Honors Thesis, peer-reviewed publication, or professional conference presentation. At this program level, students are eligible for awards up to $750 per semester or $1500 per academic year (equivalent to ~3.5 hours of work per week at $15/hour). A brief letter of support from the research advisor confirming the research plan at the Experienced level is required.
Additional Program Incentives
Travel awards: All levels of EXPLORE are eligible for up to $500 per year for travel to a conference at which the student will present. To qualify, students must apply for other travel funding (see OURI Mini-Grants below), and submit proof of application along with proof of presentation acceptance. For additional information about awards contact Tim Diedesch (tdiedesch@rice.edu)
Research funds: Nominal funds are available through EXPLORE to cover project materials, usage fees, and other essential research expenses. Requests should be submitted with an itemized budget and justification, along with a brief letter of support from the faculty advisor.
Supplementing EXPLORE Awards
Both travel and research funding may be supplemented by funding through the Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry (https://ouri.rice.edu/minigrants). Note that applying for an OURI Mini-Grant is required for EXPLORE travel funding. OURI Mini-Grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed on the last Thursday of every month.
