Sam Houston State University wants to support undergraduate students as they compete for outstanding graduate and professional programs as well as equip them to join a globally engaged professional and creative community. In today's competitive job market, exploring opportunities to engage in research and creative activities is one of the best things that you can do to enhance your resume while in school. Engaging in Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities can allow you to:

• Develop a one-on-one mentoring relationship with a faculty mentor
• Help clarify your academic and career interests and goals
• Acquire knowledge in your academic field that transcends classroom study
• Enhance your critical skills in communication, independent thinking, creativity and problem solving
• Encourage you to think creatively
• Enhance your professional and academic credentials to support applications for scholarships, awards, employment, and entry into graduate and professional schools
• Highlight your hard work and dedication
• Cultivate your leadership and teamwork skills
• Engage in the creation of new knowledge on the cutting edge of an academic discipline and apply that knowledge to real world problems

Getting started in undergraduate research may seem intimidating at first, but here are ways you can get started

1. Start by talking with faculty you know. Talk to current and past professors from courses you have done well in and have enjoyed. Even if the professor is not currently seeking an undergraduate researcher, he or she may know of colleagues that are seeking assistants within your discipline.
2. Consult the Office of Undergraduate Research to inquire about faculty members currently conducting research or creative activities in your discipline.
3. Read the faculty profiles from your home department. This is perhaps the best way to learn more about what types of research, scholarship, or creative activities are typical in your field, and it will assist you in determining what type of scholarly activities interest you. For those interested in traditional research, many faculty web pages list some of their scholarly publications. It is a good idea to read some of these if possible.
4. Talk to other undergraduates in your major who are currently engaged in research or creative activities. They can let you know how they got their foot in the door.

• Office of Research and Sponsored Programs – Internal Grant Programs Student Travel Awards for Professional Presentation
• ABSTRACT The purpose of the STAPP Awards Program is to help defray the costs of any SHSU undergraduate student for travel to conferences, meetings, exhibits, or performances where the results of their faculty-mentored research, scholarship, or creative activity will be presented. Students must be enrolled at SHSU at the time of travel.
• Funding: Each student will receive $400 for regional/state travel and $800 for national/international travel
• Award Submission Deadline- Rolling
• Selection: Applications will be evaluated, prioritized, and selected based on current funds available in the program. If your application is selected for funding, per SHSU policy, all travel will be reimbursed upon completion of the appropriate travel forms and submission of receipts. It is your responsibility to work with your faculty mentor and/or departmental administrative assistant to complete all appropriate forms prior to travel and to submit receipts for allowable expenses upon your return.
• Recipient Expectations: Students who receive a STAPP award are required to submit one of the following after completing their travel to ugresearch@shsu.edu:
  • One or more photos and a short summary of their experience to be posted on the Office of Undergraduate Research’s social media accounts
  • A two-page, double spaced reflective report detailing their experience and what they gained from presenting their research or creative activity
• For questions related to the STAPP Awards Program, please contact Seth McAdow at stm001@shsu.edu.
• APPLICATION