Undergraduate Research Mini Grants for Students

The Riccio College of Engineering is pleased to announce the pilot Riccio UG Research Mini-Grant program. The purpose of the mini grants is to provide a small amount of funding to first time undergraduate researchers facing financial barriers which make access to research opportunities challenging. Up to ten mini grants will be awarded through this pilot program.

Awards will be made directly to students to support 100 hours of research work which will be administered as an hourly UG work appointment. Students do not need to have already identified a research project/advisor to apply for funding. To be eligible, students should NOT have previously had the opportunity to be involved in research.

Students awarded funding will receive help to identify a research mentor and project. While preference will be for projects within the college, students may identify research mentors outside of the college but within UMass. A research plan signed by both the student and proposed research mentor will need to be submitted and approved by the college for the release of funds. Funds should be utilized the spring 2026 semester unless the college approves an extension. Students that find they have a propensity for research will ideally be able to continue through other funding or independent study credit options.

Questions may be directed to Associate Dean for DEI Dr. Paula Rees, rees [at] umass [dot] edu.

Eligibility:

  • Registered UG student within the Riccio College of Engineering for Spring 2026.
  • Preference is for sophomores and juniors.
  • Have not previously been involved with research as an undergraduate student.
  • Demonstrated high- and/or un-met need, preferably with unused work study hours that can be leveraged. The college will check financial need status through Financial Aid.
  • Demonstrated commitment to academic success and background necessary to contribute in a meaningful way. A minimum GPA threshold of 3.0 is a guideline, but this is not a hard requirement.
  • Demonstrated maturity and professionalism necessary for contributing in a meaningful way to a research project.

In-Eligible Use of Funds:

These are not appropriate to support:

  • Work on an honors thesis. However, students that are planning to complete an honors thesis MAY apply to help them narrow in on their area of future research.
  • Work that a student is receiving credit for or using for another credential.
  • Supervised by an off-campus research mentor.

Application: 

Interested students should apply by February 6th, 2026. 

The following elements will be requested in the application:

  • Basic demographic data (name, major, year, spire ID)
  • Unofficial transcript
  • Resume – be sure to highlight the technical skills you have acquired through your coursework.
  • Statement of impact (300-word limit). How does the opportunity to participate in research fit into your educational, professional, and technical goals?
  • Statement of research readiness (300-word limit). What does professionalism mean to you in a research environment where you are working semi-independently?
  • Area of research interest (400-word limit). Find one research paper online that is aligned with your interests and summarize it in one paragraph. You will be asked to provide a proper citation for the paper.
  • Optional supplemental statement with regards to need and work-study availability, beyond what Financial Aid will be able to provide (100-word limit).
  • Confirmation that you have NOT been involved in research.